On 18th October, the Glasshouse in Gateshead was the place to be for blues enthusiasts, as the legendary Walter Trout took the stage, with support from Laura Evans. The evening was a masterclass in blues guitar and soulful vocals, with both artists delivering performances that resonated deeply with the audience.
The Glasshouse website announced the concert: “Hardy. Hearty. Healing blues music. Resilient blues-rock phenomenon Walter Trout rides a creatively formidable wave. He heads into 2024 with Broken an album that’s raucous, wild and poignant. It features appearances from powerhouse singer Beth Hart, Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider and Harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde. It comes out on March 1 via Provogue / Mascot Label Group.”
“All of us are broken. But no one’s beyond repair- a philosophy that Walter Trout’s lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America’s blues-rock scene. Even now, with the world more fractured than ever – by politics, economics and social media – the fabled US bluesman’s latest album, chronicles the bitter schisms of modern life but refuses to succumb to them. In Broken some of Trout’s most raw and bruised songs of his career lie. Still, hope leads the way with the notion that music can help us overcome brokenness – one note at a time.”
This was my first encounter with blues man Walter Trout, although I had been meaning to see him for some time. My friend John encouraged me to go along and see the guy. John is a big fan and has seen him several times in the States. And I was glad that I finally took the plunge and went to see Walter Trout perform.
Laura Evans opened the event with an impressive set that showcased her powerful voice and emotive songwriting. Her ability to blend contemporary themes with a classic blues sound set the tone for what was to come. Then came Walter Trout, whose decades long career has cemented him as a true icon of the blues. From his first notes of his opening track, “I Can Tell”, it was clear that Trout was here to deliver nothing less than an authentic blues performance. His signature guitar and roaring, heartfelt vocals energised the crowd, many of whom were up on their feet from the start.
Trout’s set was a journey through his classic back catalogue of blues standards and newer material. It displayed his incredible skill as a guitarist and his deep connection to the blues. Highlights included the fiery “Wanna Dance” and the emotional “Say Goodbye To The Blues”. The crowd erupted during “All In This Together” a song that speaks to the resilience and unity of the human spirit.
Trout told lots of tales about his life, which has been pretty tragic, partly as a result of his alcohol and substance addictions. The guy really opened up his soul to us. And the audience were entertained throughout. At the end of the performance Trout explained he had just seen Rory Gallagher’s famous Stratocaster sold for thousands (or was it millions?) in an auction.
From the Rory Gallagher website: “Brilliant news, Rory’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster has been bought for approximately €1,069,000 and the purchaser, MCD and Live Nation, is donating the guitar to the National Museum of Ireland as confirmed by Catherine Martin the Minister for Tourism, Culture & Arts.” So the guitar was going home to Ireland, just back where it started with Rory in the 1960s. I first saw Rory in his band Taste at Sunderland Empire in 1969 or 1970. He Stratocaster was battered then! I sat, 13-year-old and enthralled by his guitar prowess. Happy days. Happy memories. RIP Rory.
I had bid in the same auction for one of Rory’s foot pedals and dropped out at £1000. I wish I had kept bidding. I recently treated myself to a programme from a Taste tour from the same era on eBay (see image). All of this story led to Walter performing Rory Gallagher’s “Bullfrog Blues”, although he confessed to not understanding the meaning of the lyrics. He asked us all if we’d ever woken up with a bullfrog on our mind! Some people, jokingly, put up their hands. “What the hell does it mean?” continued Trout “Waking up with a bullfrog on your mind! Crazy, man”
The evening concluded with an explosive encore of “Going Down”, a blues rock anthem that left the audience on their feet, cheering for more. It was the perfect end to a night that celebrated the enduring power of the blues.
Thanks to Jackie for the photos and Laura and Chris for helping with the blog entry.
Setlist: I Can Tell; Courage in the Dark; Wanna Dance; Say Goodbye to the Blues; Say Goodbye to the Blues; Ride; Follow You Back Home; We’re All in This Together; Bleed; Red Sun.
Encore: Going Down
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by TerriersFan on December 15, 2024 at 8:20 pm
Thanks for yet another interesting review, Peter.
Looks like you’re still way behind with your write-ups! 😂
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on December 16, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Tell me about it Roger. I am massively behind with my blog entries. Looks like I will have to catch up over Christmas and New Year 🙂 Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on January 6, 2025 at 12:32 pm
I don’t know Walter Trout’s or Laura Evan’s music, but after this review I’ll definitely check them out.
Nice memories of Rory Gallagher and Taste too. It’s nice that his Strat will be kept in Ireland but I hope someone gets to play it sometime too. This is a video of Johnny Marr playing it from a good few years ago: Johnny Marr Playing Rory Gallagher’s Strat!
There’s also a new statue of Rory in Belfast: Rory statue unveiled in Belfast – The Official Site of Rory Gallagher significant because Rory always played in Belfast even at the height of the Troubles.
Posted by vintagerock on January 6, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Hi Ciaran yes I am a massive Rory fan. The guy was authentic and tremendous. I have seen a picture of the statue in Belfast. It looks great and reminds me of the statue of Phil Lynott in Dublin. I had a lovely photograph of myself next to that statue but sadly cannot find it. Rory’s memory lives on 🙂 Peter