In this review, we’re diving into a fascinating moment in UFO’s long and turbulent history: the reissue of The Misdemeanour Tour – Live at the Oxford Apollo 1985.
A Look Inside the Package
This new set comes via HNE Recordings and is beautifully presented. It’s a fold-out digipack featuring striking live images of the band, with Atomic Tommy M given pride of place on the cover art. Inside, behind each disc, you’ll find further live shots, credits, and a well-written booklet essay by Rich Davenport. The booklet provides background on the band’s situation at the time, photos from the concert, and context around the Misdemeanour era.
The set includes:
CD: Complete concert audio
DVD: The full show at the Oxford Apollo
Booklet: Packed with liner notes, essays, and tour memorabilia
It’s a strong package, especially for UFO fans keen to explore beyond the classic Schenker and Chapman eras.
UFO in 1985 – The Misdemeanour Lineup
By 1985, UFO were no strangers to upheaval. Michael Schenker and Paul Chapman were both in the rear-view mirror, and Phil Mogg had assembled a fresh lineup:
Phil Mogg – vocals
Atomic Tommy M (Tommy McClendon) – lead guitar
Paul Gray – bass (formerly of Eddie & The Hot Rods / The Damned)
Paul Raymond – keyboards/guitar (a long-time UFO stalwart)
Jim Simpson – drums
The band had just released Misdemeanour — an album often labelled “too American” or “overproduced” in hindsight, but one that contained a batch of strong, cinematic songs: Night Run, This Time, Meanstreets, The Chase, and more.
This lineup toured heavily, and the Oxford Apollo concert captured here shows them full of fire and intent.
The Concert and Performance
One of the most interesting aspects of this show is the setlist. Apart from two classics (Only You Can Rock Me and Doctor Doctor), the band leaned almost entirely on the new Misdemeanour material. This wasn’t a “greatest hits” tour — it was UFO saying: this is our future.
And it works. The audience, notably full of younger fans at the time, responded enthusiastically to songs that many now look back on as overlooked gems. Tracks like Heaven’s Gate, The Only One, Reckless, and Night Run come across with far more grit and power than their studio versions.
Phil Mogg’s vocals are in top form — passionate, lyrical, and full of character. He remains one of rock’s most underrated vocalists, with a depth of storytelling in his delivery that rivals the very best.
Atomic Tommy M, often remembered as a “shredder” from the Shrapnel Records era, shows here that he could also play with real feel and bluesy grit. His solos are not just flash but filled with substance, and it’s a shame this lineup didn’t get the chance to deliver a second album.
Sound & Vision
The DVD quality is better than you might expect for a 1985 concert recording. Even on a modern big screen, it’s clear, vibrant, and engaging. You can see every fret and detail of the performance. The audio has been remastered and sounds crisp, with plenty of punch.
Yes, there are a few sync quirks in the editing (likely present in the original filming), but nothing that detracts from the energy of the show.
Why This Release Matters
This period of UFO is often overlooked, overshadowed by the Schenker years and later revitalised lineups with Vinnie Moore. But The Misdemeanour Tour – Live at the Oxford Apollo captures a band in transition, still delivering a passionate performance with absolute conviction.
The fact that they believed so strongly in their new material — playing nearly an entire set from the latest album — speaks volumes about their determination. And hearing these tracks live, stripped of 1980s studio gloss, shows just how strong they really were.
For UFO fans, this is an essential piece of the puzzle. It’s not just nostalgia — it’s a reminder of how resilient and adaptable this band has always been.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a UFO fan, whether you’ve followed them since Phenomenon or discovered them later, this reissue is well worth picking up. It’s a rare snapshot of a lineup that could have been, and it captures Phil Mogg and the band at a surprisingly strong point in their journey.
For me, The Misdemeanour Tour – Live at the Oxford Apollo sits comfortably among the more essential UFO live releases. It’s gritty, powerful, and a reminder of just how much UFO gave to hard rock through every twist and turn of their story.
Music is the healer and the doctor.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
