LIVE REVIEW: COUNTRY ON THE COMMON - MAIN STAGE - ALYSSA BONAGURA

Stepping up and helping to fill the void caused by a non showing headliner was Alyssa Bonagura with a full band including finance and West End actor Steve Shirley on guitar. It would be a show that would air a potential new rocky direction for Alyssa, some old favourites and a guaranteed banger of a cover.

Taking to the stage in a hat and large pair of sunglasses, it was refreshing to see Alyssa with her full band truly realising the songs as they were meant to be rather than hearing a stripped down version, lovely as that is. They would start in style with "No Stopping This Train". Alyssa would immediately ingratiate herself with the crowd by revealing she was a local girl having only had to travel from Balham. she revealed this to a thumping back beat and then heavy guitar riff which would lead us into "Love Wins" - which would witness Alyssa and Steve face off while playing their respective guitars. From there it was straight into the uptempo,upbeat pop of "Wings" with it's irresistible riff that runs through it. It's one of a number of songs in Alyssa's repertoire that can win over a neutral crowd in seconds and so it would prove.

Another of Alyssa's bankers "Other Side Of The World", with the band on backing vocals, really came to life and included an introduction detailing how Alyssa and Steve came to meet.

Alyssa would then don her blue electric guitar for a glimpse into what her future sound might be. Her riff heavy excellent new single "Feel's So Good" went down a storm and soon had the crowd singing

along as if it was one of their all time favourites!

Another new song was equally impressive and at the heavier end of the spectrum, though we didn't catch the title, it seemed almost anthemic on first listen.

Alyssa could do no wrong and splitting the crowd in two so they could join in on "9 to 5" only endeared her more. it got the crowd all standing as well as singing to such a degree even the sound man felt compelled to video the crowd such was the reaction.

Keeping the vibe going, Alyssa proved true to her word and was seemingly able to "Make Her Own Sunshine", with the band and the crowd as backing vocalists. She also revealed the story of how Steven Tyler came to cover it. She would conduct the crowd as they sang along and looked to be truly loving every second

Another new song "Love Is A Road", would close things out. It started with an acoustic intro before moving into an Eagles like electric guitar sound. The lyrics were fast paced and seemingly conversational. It all bodes well for whatever future release Alyssa has planned.

Alyssa Bonagura may have been a last minute substitute however there is no substitute for talent and she delivered a set the won over the faithful and the neutrals in equal numbers.