Sometimes you witness an act appearing in a pub who are just head and shoulders above other performers and Phil Murray's Diamond Dogz are just the kind of act I'm talking about. By no stretch of the imagination are they 'just a pub band', but rather the kind of act rock fans will happily travel miles to see in a concert hall. This rock trio simply ooze class and professionalism from the outset.
The two guitarists, Phil on lead, and Ilbert Stubbs, on bass, stand with their backs to the audience as Beethoven's music from the film "A Clockwork Orange" blasts out, turning in perfect timing for the opening number "Five Years" (the first of many David Bowie numbers during the evening) in which frontman Phil delivers the lyrics in truly effective Bowie-esque style, exuding all the necessary stage presence commanded by Bowie himself, together with the added benefit of excellent diction.
Although they are often billed as a Bowie tribute act, these guys are not afraid to tackle other Glam Rock hits from the sensational seventies and, for the second number, they launch into the Sweet's pounding "Fox On The Run", before returning to Bowie for two of the Thin White Duke's most memorable rockers "Rebel Rebel" and "The Jean Genie".
The Old Bell audience, including a birthday party, now realise what a treat they have on their hands as Phil, ace bass man Ilbert and thundering drummer Chris Peters deliver outstanding interpretations of T. Rex's "Hot Love" and Roxy Music's "Love Is The Drug". At this, the man next to me tuts, remarking: "They are making a big mistake attempting Roxy Music!" The end of the song, however, sees him clapping enthusiastically, his mind totally changed: that's how good Phil Murray's Diamond Dogz are!
The trio's interpretation of Bowie's "All The Young Dudes" was one of the highlights of the night, beautifully performed by these dynamic Dogz.
Side two started dramatically with a power-packed version of Slade's "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", which had the Old Bell dancers out in force, but the the glammed-up Dogz were soon back to the Bowie material with "Cracked Actor", "Diamond Dogs" (appropriately enough) and the rocker "John, I'm Only Dancing", which morphed into Mud's energetic "Tiger Feet" half way through.
Phil has been in the music business for 40 years. He's worked with two of Mr Bowie's star-studded "Spiders From Mars", and he knows his David Bowie inside out. It was a joy to watch this great performer not just singing the lyrics and playing lead guitar but actually acting his way through Bowie's memorable material, particularly on numbers like "Rock 'n Roll Suicide" and the incredibly infectious "Moonage Daydream".
Phil Murray's Diamond Dogz are one of the best Glam Rock/and Bowie tribute acts in the world. I urge you to search out on Lemonrock one of their many gigs in the UK. You will not be disappointed!

Colin Fenn, DJ, journalist, Thu 5th Mar 2015