The Cluny is a lovely little pub venue situated in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle upon Tyne. It often gets great bands on. Over the years I have seen many of my favourite acts perform there including The Groundhogs featuring the sadly recently passed Tony McPhee, Stray, the New York Dolls, Chicken Shack featuring the great Stan Webb, the Pink Fairies, Wishbone Ash and many others.
Last Wednesday they hosted the latest incarnation of the legendary American psychedelic pioneers Love. Lead singer and main songwriter from the band, Arthur Lee, is sadly no longer with us. This version of Love features original guitarist Johnny Echols, backed up by Baby Lemonade who were the backing band for Arthur Lee and Love for many years. So there is a line of authenticity taking us back to the original band. And that is good enough for me. It is the closest I am going to get to the real thing.
So Jan and I arrive early enough to catch the support act, Scott Hepple and the Sun Band who for some reason remind me of early Status Quo circa 1971/1972. Quite loud and pretty good as well. Clearly a group of young people worth watching out for. After a short while during which I partake in a double Jack Daniels and purchase a Love and a Cluny T-shirt, the main band take to the stage.
Now Forever Changes is an absolute classic, often rated as one of the best albums of all time. And I can’t disagree. Neither would the crowd in the Cluny. The place was absolutely packed and almost everyone sang along to every song. To my shame I can’t claim to know every song by Love but many sounded familiar.
Original guitarist Johnny Echols looks so cool, quite the part for an original psychedelic electric guitar hero complete with bandanna, straight out of the late 1960s. He co-founded the band with Arthur Lee back in 1965. Respect.
Burt Bacharach’s “Little Red Book” sounded as fresh as ever and “Alone Again or” is undoubtedly one of the best songs of all time.
A great show by the latest version of a classic band. It doesn’t get much better.
It was wonderful to say hello to a guy who introduced himself to me as a regular reader of my blog. Thank you so much for your support, my friend.
Thanks to Jan for the photos.
Setlist: A house is not a motel; Your mind and we belong together; My little red book; Softly to me; Can’t explain; Live and let live; The red telephone; Andmoreagain; Orange skies; Stephanie who knows; Signed DC; Alone again or; Maybe the people would be the times or between Clark and Hilldale; You set the scene; August; Your friend and mine ; Always see your face; Singing cowboy; 7 and 7 is
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Posted by Prof_Alistair on July 10, 2023 at 10:38 pm
Was fortunate enough to see Love (Arthur Lee and Baby Lemonade) in 2002 (Johnny wasn’t with them on that tour due to visa issues) and they were magnificent. One of the musical highlights of my life. Very similar set list (a bit longer) but they’re superb. I’ve tried to see the Johnny Echols-led band a couple of times but just missed (trips into the country didn’t quite match up twice – despite having tickets! – and once I’d just arrived from Australia and got the day of the concert wrong – arrived Saturday, concert was on Sunday and I was all prepared to go on the Monday!
For the uninitiated, Love was the house band at the LA Whisky-A-Go-Go and when they moved on The Doors took over. When The Doors sing ‘take me along to the next whiskey bar’, it was a song they wrote before they got the Whiskey gig and at a point where they wanted the gig Love had got. There’s also a strong claim that Johnny and Love popularised “Hey Joe” and that others, including Jimi Hendrix, picked up on it after hearing their version.
Love’s first three albums are absolutely essential listening. I’m jealous you got to see them when, again, I won’t be able to, but so glad you did. Cheer and keep on gigging!
Posted by vintagerock on July 11, 2023 at 9:31 am
Hi Alistair thanks for sharing and sorry you didn’t manage to see this version of the band. I also saw Arthur Lee in 2002 and he was incredible. As you say a classic band with some absolutely classic albums. Happy days Peter
Posted by treetopflier2009 on July 11, 2023 at 9:27 pm
Jeez Peter, do ever stay in?? Ya always oot! (Ho Ho) I love the Cluney, seen some great bands there over the years. Jason & The Scorchers, Drive By Truckers to name a couple. I saw The Quireboys and Ian Moss (Cold Chisel) just last month. Always good live music at The Cluney. I’m always amazed at some of the acts they put on! Keep ahold mate.
Posted by vintagerock on July 12, 2023 at 11:33 am
Yes the Cluny is a fantastic venue
Thanks for sharing Peter
Posted by Prof_Alistair on July 12, 2023 at 11:39 am
Both you and Peter may know Neil Hunter, a good friend from back in the day when he led the Steel Mill Blues Band. Excellent! More recently singer for the Smoking Spitfires. A very good bloke.
Posted by vintagerock on July 12, 2023 at 11:44 am
Hi Alistair sorry but I’m afraid I don’t know this guy
Best wishes Peter
Posted by Prof_Alistair on July 12, 2023 at 12:28 pm
No worries. Just wondered as the Spitfires have a regular monthly Sunday gig at The Cluny. His previous band was the Eastside Torpedoes. Cheers, Alistair
Posted by vintagerock on July 12, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Sounds like I need to go and see them one day! Best wishes Peter
Posted by Ian Barrett on July 16, 2023 at 4:43 pm
Thanks for the mention stumbled on your site a few years ago when searching for Rory Gallagher in NAewcastle and have been hooked ever since.Always thought I would bump into you one day and you lived up to all my expectations.Another brilliant night amazing how you dont miss the strings and brass.Hope to bump into you again Take care
Posted by vintagerock on July 16, 2023 at 4:52 pm
Hi Ian. Good man! It was great to meet and chat with a fellow Rory fan! Keep on rocking and thank you for following my blog. Hope to see you at a concert again soon. Best wishes Peter