name a band that ****** you off because they got soft.

Really old stuff ...

Queen: Some say Jazz was the moment, others The Game, but by Hot Space, it was all over... except it wasn't quite, of course. But none of the aforementioned can hold a candle to any of the first six albums. Brian May was for years reduced to maybe one rock track an album, and side projects like Star Fleet (with Eddie Van Halen), or the little known "I go Crazy" which never even made it to an album, but ended up as a single B-side. Hot Space was so bad I turned down tickets to see them at Elland Road, Leeds where, if any further evidence was necessary, the support acts included The Teardrop Explodes. Good decision - I took a rather nice young lady out for a meal instead, and 29 1/2 years later we're still together.

Marillion: Misplaced Childhood. I don't think any further explanation is necessary, but if you insist, compare the live version of 'Market Square Heroes' from 'Real to Reel' with say, 'Lavender' or 'Kayleigh'. Have a bucket handy. Did they really open for Rush?

Status Quo (I know, nobody reading this will have clue one unless they happened to watch the start of the UK leg of Live Aid, and even then it will be a mystery): 1+9+8+2 is the death knell, following the excellent Just Supposin' and rather good "Never Too Late". This album was enough for drummer John Coghlan to quit during recording, followed a year later by bassist Alan Lancaster. you know you've gone soft when *that* happens. To really appreciate the difference, try some of the live staples from that time, like Caroline, Rain, or the magnificent Mystery Song. Then listen to Dear John. Goodbye indeed.

Turn it up:
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