Johnny saves the day for Heaven's Basement

Little Civic, Wolverhampton

Concert review by Ian Harvey

If ever a band summed up the phrase "never say die" it's five-piece young heavy rockers Heaven's Basement.

Familiar faces on the support circuit these past few years they've bounced back from more knockdowns than Muhammad Ali.

See our Heaven's Basement gig photo gallery below

First there was having to change their name from Hurricane Party to Roadstar after Hurricane Katrina, then they were forced to change their name again after a bitter split from their manager and chief song-writer.

But two weeks ago came a blow that would have finished most tours, never mind most bands off, when singer Richie Heavanz quit the band out of the blue with just days to go.

Determined to still hit the road they managed to persuade pal Johnny Fallen to step in at incredibly short notice to fill in temporarily and save their latest headline tour.

And he didn't disappoint, looking thoroughly comfortable at the new Little Civic as he led the band through Heaven's Basement favourites like Tear Your Heart Out, Reign on My Parade and Executioner's Day, giving them a new, sleazier edge and not fluffing a word.

A packed Little Civic welcomed Fallen like an old friend and he responded with constant trips among the sea of arms reaching out to him along the front row.

Guitarist Johnny Rocker impressed when he enjoyed a spot on lead vocals for the song Paranoia, while lead guitarist Sid Glover tore off a string of quick fire solos throughout the show.

With or without Fallen, Heaven's Basement are determined to carry on and will launch their search for a full time replacement as soon as their current touring commitments are completed.

For now, he's come to the rescue and saved the day for one of Britain's brightest rock hopes.

Earlier in the evening no fewer than three support acts brought their own special qualities to the Little Civic, from the raw energy of Envy Of The State to the melodic thrust of The Crave and the spiky arrogance of Dear Superstar.