By REBECCA DIXON

Published at 09:38, Friday, 11 June 2010

BLACK Rose bill themselves as a “dedication” to Thin Lizzy and given the care and effort that goes into recreating such an iconic sound it’s a very fitting description.

Recently persuaded to come out of retirement to satisfy public demand, they have a reputation for amazing performances and this one, at the Queen's Hall, Hexham, was no exception.

Opening double Jail Break and Cold Sweat got them into their stride, with many of the classics fans have come to know and love following.

Highlights included a rocking Cowboy Song, Ben Young’s beautifully atmospheric solo and the audience participation during Still in love with you, and the duelling twin guitars during the synonymous Black Rose.

Held in the highest regard among fans, Maiden England toured with original vocalist Paul Dianno in 2005.

Opening with The Wicker Man usually has crowds going mad, but strangely the audience mostly kept to their seats – perhaps the theatre-going public of Hexham are a little more reserved.

One thing that wasn't reserved, however, was the applause.

Vocalist Paul Hewitson is an amazing front man, as impressive as Bruce Dickinson and with a voice to match. If he had been doing this when Dickinson left Maiden to pursue a solo career Blaze Bailey wouldn’t have stood a chance of getting that gig.

His band mates aren’t exactly shy either, Number of the Beast unleashing an onslaught of the highest quality.

It’s 10 years since Maiden England first hit the road and some former members were present, though original guitarist Billy Charlton was hilariously absent at the bar, resulting in total silence and then laughter when name checked.

A superb gig was brought to an end with popular hit Run to the hills resulting in massive applause from an audience that had obviously enjoyed every minute, even if it did thin out a bit towards the end, doubtless due to the constraints of public transport.

Thanks must go to the staff at the Queen's Hall for their hospitality. With both bands on great form, this was an excellent night of quality music in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

Paul Sinclair

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk