VETERAN Scottish rockers Nazareth are at their very best on stage, and this CD/DVD has them at the top of their game at a homecoming gig in Glasgow (OK –it’s not technically home as they’re originally from Dumfermline, but it’s close enough).

Recorded in 2002, a full two decades after their last official live release ‘Snaz, this gig features the band with keyboard player Ronnie Leahy, in what must have been one of his last appearances as he left later that year.

The original duo of singer Dan McCafferty and bassist Pete Agnew are also joined by newcomers, guitarist Jimmy Murrison and drummer Lee Agnew (Pete’s son), who came into the band in 1994 and 1999 respectively.

The whole of the band’s career is condensed into less than an hour and a half and there is just no let up.

Unlike many CD/DVD releases, both discs contain the whole show and it represents the cream of the group’s output, many of which are still in the set list 11 years on.

The sheer power of McCafferty’s vocals is apparent from the start and you wonder how his voice has managed to hold together after so many years.

What’s more, they are enjoying themselves, as evidenced by the permanent grin on Pete Agnews’ face.

And of course, this joy is transmitted to the audience.

You cannot question the musicianship of the band as they assail us with their greatest songs: Razamanaz, Bad Bad Boy, My White Bicycle.. the list goes on.

Hair of the Dog sees McCafferty break out the electronic voicebox, disguised as a set of bagpipes (a nice touch) and Joni Mitchell’s This Flight Tonight provides a fitting climax.

A short break and the encores are Beggar’s Day and the power-ballad that is Love Hurts.

It’s a shame that Nazareth don’t tour the UK as often as they – or us – would like, but watching this keeps the Naz-pangs at bay a little bit.

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