UFO
The Story Of – Too Hot To Handle DVD
Review by Greg Olma
Let me start by saying that I really like this DVD. I had this back in the day when it was available on VHS, but it is always better to have the crystal clear picture of a DVD. The reason I start off this review this way is because the title is a little deceiving. There really is not much of a “story” told here. They do give some insights to their album covers and how Michael Schenker joined the band, but this release is mostly a collection of pro-shot video from almost all eras of the band. They even go way back with a video for “The Coming of Prince Kujuku” which featured Mick Bolton on guitar. Most of the footage is culled from the Schenker period with some early video from what looks like the Force It / No Heavy Petting timeframe. If you look closely you can see Danny Peyronel on keyboards during the “This Kids” and “Let It Roll” clips. I’m glad that they also included footage from the often overlooked period when Paul Chapman took over for Schenker. After viewing “Lettin’ Go” and “Mystery Train,” it was clear that Phil Mogg and company made a great choice in replacing an “irreplaceable” guitarist. Towards the end, there are even a few live videos with Laurence Archer. It is odd that even though there was only one record (if you don’t count the live album) from this line-up, they include quite a few videos, but the creators of this DVD ignore any mention (or video) from the 1985 – 1988 version of the group.
In between the songs, there are interviews with Pete Way, Phil Mogg, and Michael Schenker. No other UFO alumni are brought in to add to the “story.” Also included are some thoughts from Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), Rick Savage (Def Leppard), Phil Collen (Def Leppard), and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) on the importance of UFO. While somewhat entertaining, their interviews really don’t add anything to the UFO saga. Either way, this is a great DVD for not only UFO fans but for hard rock fans in general. Just don’t expect a documentary of UFO.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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