Vega4 met in London, but the four-piece are from different countries, two are from Ireland (Johnny McDaid & Gavin Fox, formerly of Idlewild), Canada (Bryan McLellan), and New Zealand (Bruce Gainsford).
They have a huge hit single with "Life is Beautiful", and I was told are playing on all the hit radio station that would cater to such acts like Snowpatrol and similiar-sounding bands. I did notice that on their live set that "Life is Beautiful" is clearly the strong number.
Some highlights from yesterday's show at the Varsity in Minneapolis:
■ Johnny spent a few minutes wondering why his acoustic guitar was not showing up on the monitor. When Chris (sound roadie?) came on and replaced the input box, they still couldn't hear the guitar. Then after a few more minutes, Chris noticed that the guitar's volume was NOT TURNED ON. Quite embarrassing, but also very funny.*
■ They did a wonderful version of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday", in almost acoustic/slowed down version. I immediately noticed the cover as soon as the first chord and verse ("I can't believe the news today...") were sung. Does anyone have this song by Vega4? As you know I am a huge covers fan and this would go nicely with all the other Bono songs.
■ The last song, "You and Me", Johnny asked the audience, "Does anyone here want to dance?" A minute later, a woman came on stage and slow-danced with him as he sings the last verses of the song. I can hear a man behind me shouting out, "That's my WIFE!"
That was one of the more memorable shows I've attended recently.
* To be fair, out-of-country bands usually rent (or as they like to call it, "hire") their instruments instead of lugging around their equipments through customs, so often are not familiar with their rentals.
Bonus: Download "Life is Beautiful" on myspace.com/vega4
PS, Thanks to Ryan, have you all had a chance to read Music giant EMI agrees takeover (21 May 2007)?
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Links: www.vega-4.com
