John Mayall and Chicken Shack Gateshead Sage 2006
The last time I saw John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers was at the Sage Gateshead in 2006. This was another superb double bill, showcasing John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers alongside Stan Webb and Chicken Shack. I’ve already written about Stan the Man Webb and his fine guitar prowess, and will unashamedly use my entry today as a further excuse to do so. Stan is one of the best blues rock guitarists around, but in my view he rarely gets the credit he deserves. He mixes excellent technique with a real blues feel, and understands how to use tone and sound dynamics to great effect. My favourite Chicken Shack songs are the rock numbers from his early 70s albums, such as Poor Boy, and Daughter of the Hillside. 
If you get the chance listen to the track Poor Boy, and you’ll see what I mean about the use of dynamics. The song starts very quietly, but Stan and the rest of his band soon come thundering in with a great riff and drums, usually deafeningly loud. Stan’s not a bad blues singer either. This concert saw Chicken Shacl opening for the legend that is John Mayall, and his Bluesbreakers, who again featured Buddy Whittington on guitar. A great pairing and a great gig. The line up for the Bluesbreakers was Mayall, Whittington, Joe Yuele, and Hank Van Sickle. Chicke Shack featured Webb, Jum Rudge, Gary Davis and Mick Jones. From the programme: “Good Evening and Welcome. British Blues Legends John Mayall and Stan Webb join forces on a musical bill that promises blues at its very finest – it just doesn’t come better than this!”
I recently bought a live DVD of Stan and Chicken Shack. The tracklisting gives an idea of a typical set (although Poor Boy is sadly missing): So Tell Me; The Thrill Has Gone; Reconsider Baby; I Know You Know Me; You Are The Sweetest Little Thing/Hurt; Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack Opera; Spoonful; Doctor Brown 10. I’d Rather Go Blind; The Daughter Of The Hillside; Stan’s Blues.
Its been a few years since I’ve seen Stan Webb or John Mayall in concert; something I intend to put right when I get the chance. Mayall is promising to tour the UK for his 80th birthday in October 2014, which is a tour to look forward to.
22 Oct
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by dawn on November 16, 2013 at 1:55 pm
How did i miss this gig – on my doorstep!
Posted by Anna on June 27, 2020 at 12:13 pm
My late husband were at this gig and when he went to the bar during the break to get us a drink, he had quite a chat with John Mayall and got me his autograph, which I still have. I have seen John Mayall three times. First time was October 1969 at the City Hall and then again at the Arena when he was appearing with BB King. Never to be forgotten.
Posted by vintagerock on June 27, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Sorry to hear about your husband Anna
I too once met John Mayall in the City Hall when he was signing CDs. He signed my CD and we had quite a chat. He seemed the perfect gentleman. A great musician Best wishes Peter