Apparently there are 2 different bands called Mike Stone. Tonight’s version is based in Germany and that’s about all you really need to know about this outfit since their performance was nothing but soporific. It had in fact the same effect as back in 2004 when they also supported JSS. The only thing they are suited for is playing background music in some bar or café. This here gig at Biebob’s on the other hand is best quickly forgotten.

Fortunately their was some genuine good stuff to look forward to in the shape of master vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. Mister Soto has quite an impressive track record and after a short period in the ranks of Journey, he can now once again concentrate on his solo project. The first result of that was recently presented in the shape of a new album called “Beautiful Mess” which was given a lukewarm reception by the man’s fan base.
The best way to promote a new release is by going out on tour and that’s exactly what Jeff did. Belgium was not overlooked when it came to putting together the tour itinerary so the Biebob was once again the place to be on this beautiful Sunday. The turnout was rather poor but that didn’t spoil the fun in any way.
Jeff and his new pack of hungry young wolves kicked things off in a big way with “21st Century”, one of the new platter’s prime cuts. During the course of the evening more new tunes were aired including “Hey”, “Gin & Tonic Sky”, “Mountain” and “Testify” and I must say they all sounded a lot better in a live situation than on record.
But good songs weren’t the only weapons of Jeff, the man’s inexhaustible energy and his typical stage presence turn each performance into something special.
Treating the crowd to a medley of different tracks as well as throwing in a couple of cover songs (like Madonna’s “Frozen”) are other typical ingredients of a JSS show and he always delivers the goods. Of course he didn’t forget to include classics such as “Eyes Of Love”, “Holding On”, “If This Is The End”, “Believe In Me” or the Talisman chestnut “Just Between Us” either.
The musicians, 2 guys from Spain and 2 from Brazil, backing up mister Soto all knew their way around their respective instrument and the rhythm guitarist/ ivory tickler even had a fine set of tonsils which he demonstrated on the Journey cover “Faithfully” and the main set’s final cut, Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love A Bad Name”.
As encores the guys dished out “Stand Up And Shout” from the “Rockstar” motion picture sound track and a steaming disco medley.
Let me once again end by saying that those who weren’t there missed out on 90 minutes of melodic rock spectacle.