UFO rocked the world for half a century, delivering the thunder across many different eras and lineups. The group’s global following speaks for itself, which is why it was such an upset to hear that the band would be calling it a day. Vocalist Phil Mogg was the one constant in the group and its only member to appear on every album, but much to the delight of fans, he announced a solo album!
MOGG’S MOTEL isn’t the first non-UFO album from Phil Mogg, but given his recent health scare that more or less resulted in the premature end of UFO, it was certainly a welcomed announcement. Along for the ride is none other than fellow UFO alum Neil Carter, so it’s good to see Mr. Mogg is in good company this time around!
I’d love to see more UFO tour dates or even one last official album from the group. But I’m happy to announce that MOGG’S MOTEL isn’t just a consolation prize. The UFO frontman, well into his 70s now, still rocks hard with a solid band lineup. The album doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel or give audiences a whole lot of surprises. But it’s a solid and respectable effort from one of the hardest working men in rock and roll. He’s not done yet, and in a dozen tracks, Mr. Mogg makes one hell of a musical statement. If these are the last recordings we get from Phil, it’s a hell of a final statement. And one I’ll certainly be revisiting.
Many of the tracks on the album aren’t too far removed from the more recent UFO efforts which featured virtuoso axeman Vinnie Moore. And yet Mr. Mogg does still take a few detours and ensure that his solo release stands on its own. The contributions from his ex-bandmate Neil Carter are noticeable throughout, but the other band members are no slouches either!
MOGG’S MOTEL isn’t a masterpiece that’s going to stand on the shoulders of UFO efforts like LIGHTS OUT, OBSESSION, and the seminal live masterpiece STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT. But it’s far better than it has the right to be, with Mr. Mogg proudly proclaiming “I’m not dead yet” to the world and proving the naysayers wrong. Recommended.