25 Nov

Tom Robinson The Fire Station Sunderland 6 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Rob Green, Tom Robinson. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Tom Robinson and I go back a long way. The Tom Robinson Band are often overlooked when the history of punk and new wave is written. That’s a shame, because they were one of the best live acts of the period, and their songs contained all of the necessary political messages of the time. I first saw them live in the early days, probably 1977, at Middlesbrough Rock Garden. It was probably only about half full, and the punks and skinheads were very unsure as to how to take an openly gay singer but managed some quite nervous singing along to “Glad to be Gay”.

Tom Robinson must have had some nerve, it was quite a brave thing to do, to go out and sing that anthem in clubs packed with punk and skins, many of whom had strong right-wing views. I was impressed by TRB that night, although it was the first time that I was seeing the band, and I hadn’t heard any of the songs before, it was obvious that they were strong pop songs, with political messages and great hooks.

The first, and classic, line-up of the band was Tom Robinson (vocals, bass), Danny Kustow (guitar), Mark Ambler (keyboards) and Dolphin Taylor (drums). The other band members were all an important part of the mix, particularly Danny Kustow; his guitar playing was excellent and his passion, energy, and presence matched Tom’s. And they had a clutch of great tunes, many of which ended up on the first Tom Robinson album, which is one of the strongest debuts of the time.

Most people remember the big hit single “2-4-6-8 Motorway”, but there were better tracks on the album including the call to arms: “Up Against the Wall” and “The Winter of ’79”, the simply excellent catchy “Long Hot Summer” and title track “Power in the Darkness”. The big live favourites were the sing-along chirpy ode to a big brother “Martin” (just listened to it on YouTube and it sounds as good as it ever did) and “Glad to be Gay” which seemed to be playing everywhere I went in 1977 and 1978.

I saw the Tom Robinson band at a triumphant concert at Newcastle City Hall on 27th September 1978 and also at Reading festival 1978 and at Sunderland Mayfair on 28th March 1979. By the time of the Sunderland gig both Ambler and Dolphin had left the band, and things were never going to be the same. The Tom Robinson band split in 1979, shortly after the 1979 tour and the release of their second, and much less successful, album. Support at the City Hall gig was the excellent Stiff Little Fingers. In those days I would always watch support acts as they often went on to greater things.

The Fire Station website stated: “A tour of songs from the albums POWER IN THE DARKNESS and TRB TWO. The first Tom Robinson Band emerged amid the turmoil of late 70s Britain – in a time of punk rock, political unrest, and economic gloom. TRB became known for the hit single 2-4-6-8 Motorway, their vocal support of Rock Against Racism and for the anthem Sing If You’re Glad To Be Gay, which made the Top Twenty despite a ban by BBC Radio 1.”

“The original TRB consisted of Robinson on bass and vocals, drummer Dolphin Taylor, keyboardist Mark Ambler and their incendiary guitarist Danny Kustow – who died early in 2019 at the age of 63. They made just two albums – Power In The Darkness and TRB TWO and ended – like the Seventies – just as Margaret Thatcher swept to power. The current Tom Robinson Band will play a 23-date tour in October/November 2024 showcasing those first two albums, in tribute to the original band members. The setlist has been chosen by fans via an online poll [I was not aware of this!] and will include some album tracks from the era that have never previously been performed live.”

“Alongside Robinson on lead vocals and bass, the band features Faithless drummer Andy Treacey, guitarist Adam Phillips from the Richard Ashcroft Band, keyboard virtuoso Jim Simmons and Northern soul singer Lee Forsyth Griffiths on acoustic guitar. “45 years on,” says Tom “some of the original TRB lyrics – about division, injustice and uncertainty – still feel depressingly relevant in a world of Trump, Farage & Suella Braverman. I also owe a huge amount to the musicianship of Mark, Dolphin, and Danny back in the day. We’re hoping to do that early band – and the songs – full justice this Autumn.”

Support came from Rob Green who delivered a rousing performance which warmed the crowd up for the main act. But everyone was waiting for one thing. To see their hero from all those years ago. Would he be as strong and outspoken as ever? What would Tom Robinson 2024 be like? We were soon to find out. And we were pleasantly surprised. He looked and sounded great.

Roll-on almost 50 years since I first saw Tom Robinson and he sounds as passionate and uncompromising as ever. He spits out the vocals with as much rage as he did in 1978. He starts with (as you would expect) “2 – 4 – 6 – 8 Motorway”, followed swiftly by the anthem “Glad to be Gay” with everyone singing along just as was “back in the day”. The crowd knew all the songs.

And so those classic songs continued. Many told the story of Tom’s young life: “Grey Cortina” was about his car and the fun he had in it, “Martin” was about his brother. Everyone sang “Martin” back to him. They had obviously seen this guy before in the late 70s. I often wondered if the story of Martin was really true. “Long Hot Summer” is a classic pop song.

To summarise the guy recreated the music and the songs just as they were all those years ago. The crowd knew them all and sang them well. He seems as uncompromising and angry as he ever was. It is great that some things never change. And thus so it should be. Another great performer returns to this great hometown venue and puts on a magnificent performance.

Many thanks to Elaine for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site. Some of the pictures come from Wikimedia Commons and my old programme and LP.

Setlist included: 2-4-6-8 Motorway; Glad to Be Gay; Up Against the Wall; Grey Cortina; Ain’t Gonna Take It; The Winter of ’79; Martin; Power in the Darkness; Bully for You; Long Hot Summer; Blue Murder; Days of Rage.

“The British Police are the best in the world
I don’t believe one of these stories I’ve heard
‘Bout them raiding our pubs for no reason at all
Lining the customers up by the wall
Picking out people and knocking them down
Resisting arrest as they’re kicked on the ground
Searching their houses and calling them queer
I don’t believe that sort of thing happens here
Sing if you’re glad to be gay
Sing if you’re happy that way”
(Tom Robinson, 1976)

25 Nov

The South Stockton Arc 5 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in The South. Tagged: , , , .

So, when the Beautiful South split up that was not the end for some of the band. In fact, the rest of the band continued, recreating all of those beautiful hit songs. And thus I was enticed down to Stockton Arc to see how well the south would check out. Carer Jan and I made the trip down to Stockton on a Saturday night to see The South.

The Arc website proclaimed the show thus: “The South are an impressive 9-piece band that features former members of The Beautiful South, including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. They play the songs made famous by The Beautiful South and bring back the full flavour and arrangements with this exciting live band.”

“The South are keeping alive all those timeless songs such as A Little Time, Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Old Red Eyes is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her, plus many more singles and album track; these songs span an impressive 20-year career starting way back in 1989!
Come on! Let’s Carry On… Regardless!”

And from the South website which explains the evolution even better: “When great British pop institution, The Beautiful South split in 2007, some members of the band didn’t feel ready to hang up their microphones or instruments just yet… Two years later, singers Dave Hemingway and Alison Wheeler, alongside lifelong members Damon Butcher (keys), Gaz Birtles (sax) and Tony Robinson (trumpet), came out of retirement and formed the 9-piece band, The South. And so The South embarked on their journey. Celebrating the Beautiful South legacy and great songs of their own, the band continues performing the classic songs.”

“Fast forward to 2017 and it’s all change. Dave Hemingway has announced his retirement from the live music scene, Damon Butcher now resides in Ireland thereby leaving the band and Tony Robinson has moved on to pastures new. It was time for The South to regroup and have a rethink. With the support from their amazing fans, they were encouraged to strive onwards. Right under their nose was an obvious choice. Up stepped long time sax player Gaz Birtles to take centre stage and take over the male vocal duties.”

Quite complicated. To summarise the female vocals are now taken up by former backing vocalist Alison Wheeler while the male vocals are taken on by saxophone player Gaz Birtles. And they do a pretty good job of it to. And so we get all of the classic chart singles: “A Little Time”, “Rotterdam”, “Don’t Marry Her”, “Perfect 10” and “You Keep It All In”. Of course it isn’t the same but hey it is a pretty damn good show which we both really enjoyed. Great to hear all those hits again.

Onward to see Paul Heaton at Newcastle Arena in the New Year. Thanks to Jan for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site as usual.

Setlist: From Under the Covers; One Last Love Song; A Little Time; Dumb; My Book; Blackbird on the Wire; The Lure of the Sea; The Table; Prettiest Eyes; Baby Please Go; Song for Whoever; Pretenders to the Throne; Old Red Eyes Is Back; Livin’ Thing; Rotterdam; Woman in the Wall; How Long’s a Tear Take to Dry; We Are Each Other; Don’t Marry Her; Perfect 10; You Keep It All In.

Encore: I’ll Sail This Ship Alone; Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud).

24 Nov

Nik Kershaw: The 1984 Tour The Fire Station Sunderland 4 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Nik Kershaw. Tagged: , , , , .

The Fire Station website announced this show: ”Step back in time to 1984 as Nik and the band hit the road celebrating 40 years since the release of Human Racing and The Riddle with both epic albums being played in their entirety! Nik Kershaw exploded onto the UK pop scene in 1984 as a solo artist. A string of global hit singles – including ‘Wouldn’t it Be Good’, ‘The Riddle’ and his biggest hit, ‘I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ – helped to propel him to 62 weeks on the UK Singles Chart through 1984 and 1985 – beating every other solo artist, together with performing at Live Aid.”

“After stepping out of the limelight to concentrate on writing and producing, Nik wrote Chesney Hawkes’s ‘The One And Only’ and has collaborated with Elton John (including writing and producing one of the songs on the Duets album), Sia, Gary Barlow and Bonnie Tyler , whilst continuing to release his own well-reviewed studio albums, featuring his distinctive voice and highly personal lyrics.”

Now it was actually in 1984 that I last saw Nik Kershaw at Newcastle City Hall. Nik was very busy during that year. I saw him at a massive Elton John concert at Wembley Stadium that summer, and on his winter tour, when he called at Newcastle City Hall. His backing band (who even had their own billing on the ticket!) were known as The Krew, and consisted of local Sunderland lad, and old friend, Keith Airey on guitar, along with Tim Moore, Mark Price, and Dennis Smith.

The 1984 tour was to promote the album The Riddle. The song “The Riddle” is quite a strangely structured, but also very catchy song, a great favourite of mine at the time, and remains so to this day. I remember the City Hall concert being packed and big singalongs. I also saw him, for the last time until recently at the massive Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985. Happy memories.

And so to the present day and The Fire Station concert. Nik Kershaw looked very smart and very much the same as I remember him, perhaps the hair is a little greyer, but the guy is still full of energy and delivered a magnificent performance which was in two parts. The first set focused on the album The Riddle. The second set focused on the album Human Racing.

Although many of the songs were lost in the depths of my memories somewhere, several were familiar with me. My favourite “The Riddle” still has its lovely melody complete with fascinating twists and turns. “Wouldn’t it Be Good” was well as good (pun intended) as ever, as was “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. The guy still sounds great, and his backing band was excellent.

The encore finished with “The One and Only” which I had forgotten that Nik had written for Chesney Hawkes (I always thought that it was written by his father Chip Hawkes of the Tremelos). A great end to an impressive performance. The memories rolled back 40 years. Nostalgia is a wonderful thing, particularly at my age.

Many thanks to Jackie for taking the photographs, to The Fire Station for another excellent night out and to Joanne for manipulating the site.

Setlist:
The Riddle Set: Roses; Know How; Wide Boy; City of Angels; Easy; Don Quixote; Wild Horses; You Might; Save the Whale; The Riddle.
Human Racing Set: Cloak and Dagger; Human Racing; Bogart; Dancing Girls; Shame on You; Gone to Pieces; Wouldn’t It Be Good; Faces; Drum Talk; I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Encore: When a Heart Beats; The Sky’s the Limit; The One and Only.

“Near a tree by a river, There’s a hole in the ground, Where an old man of Aran, Goes around and around, And his mind is a beacon, In the veil of the night, For a strange kind of fashion, There’s a wrong and a right, But he’ll never, never fight over you” (The Riddle, Nik Kershaw, 1984).

20 Nov

Fairground Attraction The Glasshouse Gateshead 3 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Fairground Attraction. Tagged: , , , , .

Another band I never got to see in back in the day. However Fairground Attraction reformed for one tour, so I figured it was time to put matters right and go to see the band. After all their smash hit “Perfect” is pretty great.

The Glasshouse website advertised the event thus: “Authentic. Enchanting. Captivating melodies and a timeless charm. Experience the long-awaited reunion of Fairground Attraction on their 14-date UK tour. After 35 years, all four original members unite to captivate audiences with their timeless hits.”

“There is no other band like Fairground Attraction – their use of the guitarrón (a large, Mexican acoustic bass), played by Simon Edwards, gives the bottom end of their records a warmth and character that combines with drummer Roy Dodds, Mark Nevin and Eddi Reader to create a charming acoustic antidote to all that is modern and digital.”

“I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be back together, making music again. I think we had all given up hope that it would ever happen a long time ago. It is almost spooky, as though we are ghosts, who have come back to life, but something happens between us when we play together; time evaporates, and it could all have been yesterday.” Mark Nevin

Well, I greatly enjoyed the event. The Glasshouse was quite full and the music excellent. Although I only knew one song, that is of course, “Perfect” it was a really good evening of entertainment. I have tickets to see Eddi Reader in the New Year at Sunderland Fire Station and look forward to that. Should be good.

Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Jan for manipulating the site. Apologies for the brevity of the review and those that follow but I really do need to work hard to catch up.

Setlist: (something like) A Hundred Years of Heartache; A Smile in a Whisper; Miracles; Hey Little Brother; The Simple Truth / The Wind Knows My Name; The Moon Is Mine; Sing Anyway; Comedy Waltz; Gatecrashing Heaven; Find My Love; Last Night (Was A Sweet One); Learning to Swim; Whispers; Sun And Moon; What’s Wrong With the World; Moon on the Rain; Clare; Fairground Attraction; Perfect; Beautiful Happening.
Encore: Allelujah; Walking After Midnight; Fear Is the Enemy of Love.

10 Nov

Dee C Lee Wylam Brewery 2 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in D C Lee. Tagged: , , , , , , .

From memory, the last time I saw Dee C Lee was on the Red Wedge tour, when she was part of the Style Council. She also sang her own hit single “See the Day” which was a big favourite of mine. At the time she was the partner of Paul Weiler, who she went on to marry. They parted some time afterwards.
So I could not resist going to see her again at the lovely Wylam Brewery.

The Brewery announced the show: “Dee C Lee brings the Just Something tour to Wylam Brewery this October. Performing her first new record since 1998, this tour will feature a 9-piece live band – promising a captivating performance and unforgettable evening.” The concert featured the following artists: Dee C. Lee, Steve White, and Steve Edwards (the latter two singers were members of Lee’s band and also performed their own set).

This lady comes with some pedigree. She was born Diane Catherine in 1961. She was a backing singer for Wham!, then released her first solo single, “Selina Wow Wow”, in 1984. She started working with the Style Council, while continuing as a solo artist. So, I must have seen her with Wham! who I saw at Newcastle City Hall, Whitley Bay Ice Rink, and their final concert, entitled The Final, at Wembley Stadium. Happy days.

Soon, she worked with the Style Council and appeared on their debut album. Lee then released another solo single; the self-penned ballad “See the Day”. The single became a hit and peaked at No. 2 in the UK chart in December 1985, selling a quarter of a million copies in the UK alone, and earning Lee a silver disc.
And so, Jan and I went along to the lovely Wylam Brewery in Newcastle Exhibition Park. The venue actually is a brewery, and you can drink the ale straight from the barrel.

This included, as I recall, Guinness which tasted great, nice, and cold. We managed to get situated right in front of the stage and were treated to an excellent set of jazz, blues and soul delivered by none other than D C Lee herself, accompanied by an excellent band. Halfway through, the aforementioned singers Steve White and Steve Edwards took centre stage for their own short set.

The lady finished with (of course) “See the Day” which was an excellent finish to a great evening with a very underrated singer. Many thanks to Jan for the photographs and Margy for manipulating the site. I treated myself to a signed LP record (see picture).

Setlist: (something like) Anything; Back In Time; The Paris Match; How To Love; Walk Away
Encore: See the Day; No Time To Play.

4 Nov

Wishbone Ash Whitley Bay Playhouse 1 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Wishbone Ash. Tagged: , , , , .

Andy Powell continues to fly the Wishbone Ash flag high and proudly. I go back a long way with Andy and this band. This time I decided to start my blog entry, well at the start when I first got into Wishbone Ash. I was, for some reason, slow in getting into Wishbone Ash, and missed some of the early chances I had to see them. The first real memory I have is of a group of friends coming into school one Monday morning, raving about this new up and coming band that they had been to see at Newcastle Mayfair the previous Friday night. It was late 1971, and that band was Wishbone Ash.

We were all aspiring guitarists, so guitar bands were “our thing”, and they were telling me how Wishbone Ash had twin guitarists, who played carefully worked out guitar parts which complemented each other. I was so jealous, and from then on, I made it my business to listen to their music, and committed to see them the next chance I got. That chance came in early 1972 when Wishbone Ash next played Newcastle City Hall.Roll on to 12th February 1972, and I was at the City Hall to see Wishbone Ash.

The venue was probably around 75% full, and support came from the excellent Glencoe who featured Norman Watt Roy on bass and John Turnbull (from Newcastle) on guitar. I’d see John before in Bell and Arc, and he and Norman went on to be members the Blockheads, with Ian Dury. Tickets were 50p. Wishbone Ash had just finished recording their third, classic, album Argus, which was released in April 1972, and their set featured new songs which were to feature on that lp.

Seeing Wishbone Ash around this time was watching a band at the peak of their creativity, and with a set of classic rock songs which no-one could match. They would start with “Time Was” which was the perfect opener, starting quiet and melodically and slowly building into a rockier song, Martin Turner centre-stage, Gibson Thunderbird bass hung low, singing the lead vocal, and the others adding those gentle harmonies. They would, of course, always play “Blowin’ Free” with its intricate (and tricky to play, at least for me ) twin guitar opening riff and its catchy singalong, almost pop, chorus.

The first time I heard “Jailbait” I thought its thumping beat and screaming guitar riffs sounded so fresh and so different; in concert it was a great rocker, often reserved for later in the set. New tracks “The King Will Come”, “Warrior” and “Throw Down the Sword” usually featured and remain prog-rock classics. “The King Will Come” is classic Wishbone Ash from that period. And then they might play the “The Pilgrim” with its duelling guitars, and the epic “Phoenix” building to a crescendo as the mythical bird is reborn, rising from the ashes and the flames. At first, I found “Phoenix” too long, with too many twists, but over time it too has become a favourite.

There were also straight rockers like “Lady Whiskey” and “Where Were You Tomorrow”. My favourite at the time was the jazzy “Blind Eye” from their debut eponymous album. Andy Powell would have his signature Gibson Flying V and stand stage left, while the longer haired, quiet Ted Turner would be stage right with his Fender Strat. They were excellent, and musical perfection.

The next time I saw Wishbone Ash was on 27th May 1972. I was standing on a rainy Saturday afternoon, in a windswept field at the Lincoln Festival, watching them battle against poor sound, and an audience who were cold, wet, and tired. The Sounds poster of Andy Powell which I have on my wall, and which is pictured here, was photographed at Lincoln.

I saw the band once more in 1972, when they called at Sunderland Locarno on 16th September. By now everyone had heard and bought Argus, and the place was packed. Everyone I knew went, and Wishbone Ash were excellent. Well, that’s enough reminiscing for now. Roll on 52 years (is it really that long ago?) and only Andy remains from that band, but he continues to play songs from a golden age of rock.

The Whitley Bay Playhouse website proclaims: “Following the outstanding response to their recent Live Dates Live tour – in which the band celebrated 50 years of their seminal multi-million selling live album – Wishbone Ash return with a show featuring songs from its follow-up… Live Dates 2. Experience the legendary band – whose iconic twin-guitar sound inspired the likes of Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest & Iron Maiden – performing a stellar set that also includes much-loved classics from a remarkable back catalogue spanning an astonishing 55 years! Definitely one not to be missed!” By now I have seen the band at least 20+ times maybe more and I still return to see them each year. I have blogged elsewhere about the two incarnations of the band; one led by Martin Turner and the other by Andy Powell. Suffice it to say, I will continue to see both versions of the band whenever I can.

There is no support this evening and no interval. Andy and his band play a set comprising a mixture of songs from Live Dates and Live Dates 2. Highlights include the majestic “The King Will Come”, followed by (as it often is) “Warrior” and “Throw Down the Sword”. For a few moments I am 15 again with my long hair blowing free (the pun is fully intended) in the wind at the Lincoln Festival back in 1972.

“Jailbait” rocks as hard as it ever did, followed by the classic “Blowin’ Free”, the epic “Phoenix” which I now have grown to love, and the encore is the rocky “Living Proof” with its very catchy chorus. Andy, you continue to keep the music and legend of Wishbone Ash fully alive. Magical. Happy days. Thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site.

Setlist: Real Guitars Have Wings; We Stand as One; The King Will Come; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Deep Blues; Runaway; F.U.B.B.; Standing in the Rain; Jailbait; Blowin’ Free; Phoenix.
Encore: Living Proof; Peace

3 Nov

Blackmore’s Blood The Fire Station Sunderland 28 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Blackmore’s Blood, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore. Tagged: , , , , .

I don’t normally go to see tribute bands, but this one seemed to promise something special and a direct linkage to Ritchie Blackmore. Deep purple, and Ritchie Blackmore in particular, were heroes of mine, and both of them still are, in their current Incarnations.

There was, and still is, no one quite like Ritchie Blackmore: his guitar playing and style, his man in black outfits with his spooky hat and the way in which he blended classical with folk (ish) rock music in a way no one else did nor has done so since.

The Fire Station website tempted me: “Blackmore’s Blood’s reputation for presenting the authentic tribute to the genius, flamboyance and flair of Ritchie Blackmore’s music from Deep Purple and Rainbow, incorporating his true sound and showmanship, has brought critical acclaim and a demand for more shows nationwide.”

“Formed in the Northeast of England [I was not aware of the link to the north-east ] but with members from across the UK, they share an unequalled determination, commitment and passion to reproduce the look and sound that fans of these two great bands want to see and hear.”

“Guitarist Mal is a true blood-relative of Ritchie Blackmore. He has his look and an unrivalled ability to play and sound like him too. With support and acknowledgement from personnel who have worked with Ritchie, it is clear why this is the closest and the finest tribute to Ritchie Blackmore anyone is likely to see.”

It was great to meet up with old friends in the bar, one of whom brought me up to speed on this band. She told me how the guitarist Mal also fronts a rock band which plays in pubs and clubs around the north-east. She has seen him on a number of occasions, and he told her that he has checked out his genealogy and he is definitely linked to Ritchie Blackmore through previous generations. Interesting and intriguing. My friends assured me that I was in for a treat.

And it surely was a treat. The guy in question, Mal, does have a resemblance to Ritchie and he certainly dresses the part. His guitar playing is a fitting tribute to Blackmore and the choice of repertoire is impeccable. Perhaps a little too much Rainbow and a little more Deep Purple would have made the show even more enjoyable for me, but hey this was a pretty great concert. The rest of the band are all excellent musicians, and the singer has very powerful voice which does justice to the epic songs.

The show opens with the Rainbow classic “over the Rainbow” and then we are taken back to 1974 and memories of Newcastle Odeon when I and my mates (one of whom was present at the Fire Station show) went to see the new Deep Purple line up featuring the great vocals of David Coverdale and with Blackmore’s singer to be, Ronnie James Dio in the support band Elf. Yes, the second song was “Burn”. Fantastic. Mal (Ritchie) was on fire (no pun intended) already. Soon another later chart hit for Blackmore “I Surrender”. Once again, an excellent choice and an excellent rendition of a fantastic song. Soon, returning to Burn and “Mistreated”. Yet another classic delivered well.

After a short interval, time for drink with friends and back to our seats for more classic rock. Two songs in and current deep purple opening song “Highway Star”, taking me back to Newcastle City Hall and Deep Purple in concert with Nazareth supporting them, when I first heard that song. This was soon followed by ”Stargazer”, another Rainbow favourite song of mine, perhaps my second favourite song by Rainbow after “Man on the Silver Mountain” which they performed as part of the first set.

Then the moving ballad “When a Blind Man Cries”, quickly onwards with what has almost become the Deep Purple signature tune “Smoke on The Water” and my favourite “Black Night”. At this point Mal is going crazy holding his Stratocaster high up in the air and then scraping it backwards and forwards along the edge of the stage. The sort of guitar histrionics which Blackmore would demonstrate in the 1970s. I recall him climbing up the guitar stacks, up onto the balcony of Newcastle City Hall and then banging a hole into the side of the front balcony. The hole was left there for many years as a memento of the occasion. Magic.

And that word “magic” just about sums up the show. Mal may or may not be a true blood relation of Ritchie Blackmore, but he certainly brings his legacy back to life. Blackmore’s Blood are as close to the real thing that we can get to at the moment. They close with “Since You Been Gone” another magical rock power ballad. Great fun.

Many thanks to Jan for the photos and Chris for manipulating the site.
Setlist: Set One: Over The Rainbow; Burn; Stormbringer; Man On The Silver Mountain; Catch The Rainbow; I Surrender; Temple of the King; Mistreated; Perfect Strangers; Knocking at Your Back Door
Set Two: Gates Of Babylon; Highway Star; Spotlight Kid; Stargazer; A Light In The Black; Soldier Of Fortune; When a Blind Man Cries; Smoke On The Water; Black Night; All Night Long, Since You been Gone
Encore: Long Live Rock n Roll

1 Nov

Elkie Brooks The Long Farewell Tour Whitley Bay Playhouse 27 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Elkie Brooks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

A night of memories and reminiscences once again. This time I am in Whitley Bay Playhouse for another evening of music with none other than Elkie Brooks. As usual, I am going along to renew my acquaintance with a great performer who I last saw two years ago in Sunderland fire station. I have seen Elkie Brooks many times over the years. I first saw her when she was a member of the jazz/rock/blues fusion band Dada at Newcastle City Hall in 1971.

Dada were first on the bill below Yes and headliners Iron Butterfly. They were a large band (I think around 10 piece) with a brass section and Elkie singing as front person, alongside ultracool soul man Robert Palmer. I remember being very impressed by the overall power of the band and, in particular, by Elkie’s raucous blues/jazz vocals.

 

The next time I ran into Elkie was in the band Vinegar Joe. She had become the wild, gypsy front person, again alongside Robert Palmer on vocals. I was lucky enough to see Vinegar Joe several times during the early 70s at the Lincoln Festival, the Reading Festival, and local venues including (I think) Sunderland Locarno, Newcastle Mayfair and most notably supporting the legendary Free at Sunderland Top Rank. Vinegar Joe were quite a while raucous rock/blues band, and we all sat in awe of the force of nature that was Elkie. “They were an electrifying live act and quickly became a staple of the UK’s then-thriving university circuit.” (Louder than sound).

The next time I saw Elkie was headlining as a solo artist at Sunderland Empire Theatre. This was in the late 70s, and Elkie had become more of a middle of the road (and very successful) rhythm and blues singer hitting the charts with “Pearl’s a Singer”, “Sunshine after the Rain” and many other successful singles.
I didn’t see her for many years until a couple of years ago at Sunderland Fire Station. Similarly to that performance there is no support act, Elkie chooses to perform the entire show herself with a short interval separating two sets which blend her chart hits with jazz and blues classics.

The Playhouse advertised the concert thus: Having started her career in music in 1960, a remarkable 64 years of performing live, Elkie Brooks will embark upon her ‘Long Farewell Tour’.” So, is this really the end of Elkie Brooks performing on stage? The lady is 79 years old, after all, and I’m sure she has earned her retirement.

The night promises to be “A celebration of Elkie’s illustrious award-winning career in music performing some of her biggest hits including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You think It’s Over) Don’t Cry Out Loud, Blues, Rock, Jazz & material from her eagerly anticipated new album. Joined of course by her incredible band. An exceptional performer with an unmistakable voice which has earned her the title of ‘British Queen Of Blues’. Elkie never fails to captivate her audience.” And we are reminded “Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see a truly remarkable artiste on her ‘Long Farewell Tour’.” And after all she is ‘STILL ONE OF THE GREAT, BRITISH VOICES’ The Guardian.

Her voice has not lost any power, and the lady once again demonstrates how she is one of the UK’s greatest singers. She opens the show with a wonderful cover of Rod Stewart’s “Gasoline Alley”, and we are soon into the hits with “Fool (If You Think It’s over)”, “The Sunshine After the Rain”, “Lilac Wine” and “Pearl’s a Singer”. In between these classics, Elkie also belts out some tremendous covers including Screaming Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” (magical), the Moody Blues’ lovely “Nights in White Satin”, “I’m Tore Down”, the great blues/rock classic covered by many including Eric Clapton, and Hendrix’s “Redhouse”.

The encore features a fantastic cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain”. By the end everyone is up on their feet, lots of dancing, and a standing ovation for Elkie, which is well deserved. A great night full of many memories. Happy days. Will this really be the end of touring for Elkie? It is, after all, billed as “the Long Farewell” so maybe there will be another chance for me to see her again. I hope so.
Thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Atalanta for manipulating the site. I treated myself to a signed programme from a past tour (see below).

Setlist: (something like) Gasoline Alley; Do Right Woman, Do Right Man; Warm and Tender Love; Fool (If You Think It’s Over); The Sunshine After the Rain; Don’t Cry Out Loud; Make You Feel My Love; I Put a Spell on You; Nights in White Satin; Lilac Wine; Red House; Pearl’s a Singer; I’m Tore Down; You Got Me Where You Want Me. Down
Encore: Long John Blues; Purple Rain; We’ve Got Tonight.

29 Oct

Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets The Fire Station Sunderland 26 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Los Straitjackets, Nick Lowe, Oliver Darling, Rockpile. Tagged: , , , , , , .

I have seen Nick Lowe many times over the years starting back in 1974. For three Saturdays in Summer 1974 a stage appeared in Sunderland’s Backhouse Park and a series of concerts were held. The park was filled with music from a host of local bands and headliners Jack the Lad, Brinsley Schwarz & Chilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers. Local heroes Saltgrass played at each event and a grand time was had by all.

27th July 1974 Brinsley Schwarz: Brinsley Schwarz were stalwarts of the pub rock scene. This gig came towards the end of their career, and their line-up was Brinsley Schwarz, Ian Gomm, Billy Rankin, Bob Andrews, Nick Lowe, and Carlos Luna. They had just released their sixth and final album “The New Favourites of… Brinsley Schwarz” which featured Nick Lowe’s classic “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”.

A few years or so later, and I went to see Dave Edmunds in concert, fronting his band Rockpile along with Nick Lowe on bass, Billy Bremner on guitar, and Terry Williams on drums. Dave Edmunds is often called the Welsh Wizard, and he sure is a wizard of rock ‘n roll, and Rockpile were one great rock band. They had some great songs: Here Comes the Weekend, I knew the Bride, Girls Talk, Queen of Hearts, and they all seemed so cool at the time. I recall the Redcar Coatham Bowl gig well. I went with my mate, and we were standing right at the front, a few feet away from Dave and Nick. Dave was fantastic and Nick was, well just Nick, “the Jesus of cool”.

I later saw Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe, again in Rockpile at Newcastle City Hall. I can’t remember much of this concert, but I do have a programme (see image) which shows Nick very clearly, resplendent in a yellow jumper. The next time I saw Nick was on The Stiff Tour in 1977 at Middlesbrough Town Hall and Newcastle Poly.

Now, the Stiff tours were a highlight of the late 70s rock calendar. These amazing events featured a selection of artists from Stiff records, travelling up and down the UK dropping into concert halls, university student unions and your local theatre. The first tour was known as the Live Stiffs Tour or 5 Live Stiffs and took place in late 1977. This first extravaganza boasted a stellar line-up of the new wave aristocracy with  a young Elvis Costello with his fine Attractions, Ian Dury, and the magnificent Blockheads, the crazy, wild and 100% authentic Wreckless Eric, The Jesus of Cool Nick Lowe (featuring rocker supremo Dave Edmunds) and ex-Pink Fairies, Motorhead (and great Lewis leather jacket) Larry Wallis. The tour called at Newcastle Polytechnic a couple of weeks later. I enjoyed the show so much, I went along again, this time with Marie.

Next to a very different festival/concert: “Oh God, Not Another Boring Old Knebworth,” said the posters. Line-up: The Tubes, Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, Boomtown Rats, Rockpile, Wilko Johnson’s Solid Senders. This was the second Knebworth festival to take place in 1978, following the Genesis / Jefferson Starship / Tom Petty gig earlier in the summer. I remember thinking it was a bit late in the year for an open-air gig and feared the worst from the weather, but actually it was ok on the day; quite fine.

I drove down with a group of mates. We camped and pitched our tents near a big generator (big mistake) which for some reason we didn’t really notice when we set up. However it was loudly humming all night and powering a massive floodlight which shone on our tents, so we didn’t get much sleep. The show was opened by the Boomtown Rats, Wilko Johnson who had recently left Dr Feelgood and was fronting his new band Solid Senders, and Rockpile featuring Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe. Once again, Nick played and stood quietly, cool as ever! These were class acts and a great start to the day.

The Tubes closed the festival with a massive crazy show. They were joined by Todd Rundgren for encores of “Baba O’Reilly” and “The Kids are Alright”, played in honour of Keith Moon who had died just two days before this concert. Zappa was also great, although I didn’t enjoy his performance as much as the concert I saw in Edinburgh the year before. His band had changed, and they played very few songs that I knew. Still, it was a good day with a varied, and very strong line-up, although the lack of a major league headliner resulted in a far from capacity crowd. You can just about see Nick’s name on the programme (pictured above).

So, Nick Lowe and I go back a long way. He, his songs and his base and guitar playing were the foundation for many great bands throughout the years. It is a long time since I last saw Nick in concert. Many years have passed. I didn’t really know what to expect. The Fire Station website advertised the concert thus: “In September, Nick Lowe will release ‘Indoor Safari’ – his first full-length album in eleven years. Consisting of twelve songs, including brand new originals, a couple signature deep-cut covers, and refitted versions of tracks previously released in nascent form as singles, the album represents a culmination of Lowe’s decade-long working relationship with those mysterious masked men – Los Straitjackets (Eddie Angel/guitar; Pete Curry/bass; Chris Sprague/drums; Greg Townson/guitar).” And yes, the band did wear masks and were pretty weird to be honest.

“The news comes amidst a busy summer calendar for Lowe with North American dates ranging from a run of Canadian shows with longtime compatriot Ron Sexsmith, to a top-billed appearance at Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival, a set at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY, and more surprises in store.  We’re excited to welcome Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets to Sunderland for a special visit as part of their UK tour!” Support came from Oliver Darling.

During the interval I met lots of old friends who I had not seen for some time in the bar. It was great to catch up after many years in some cases. It seemed like everyone I knew had turned out for this performance. Some of us reminisced about the concert in Backhouse Park 50 years ago! We had great seats, and I even recognised some of the songs: “Cruel To Be Kind”; “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” and the closer “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ‘n’ Roll)”. A truly class act.

Halfway through the set, the band, Los Straitjackets, who looked bizarre and almost scary in their masks played a western movie theme tune (imagine bonanza/the big country and the shadows on acid). The encore was again quite bizarre “Venus” (yes, the hit for Shocking Blue, that’s the one), followed by another (less bizarre) well-known song “When I Write the Book” by the legendary Rockpile.

Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site.

Setlist:(Something like) So It Goes; I Went to a Party; Without Love; Lately I’ve Let Things Slide; I Live on a Battlefield; Love Starvation; Tokyo Bay; Los Straitjackets Theme from The Magnificent Seven; Kawanga!; Aerostar; Driving Guitars (Ventures Twist); High Wire Act; Trombone; House for Sale; Ragin’ Eyes; Somebody Cares for Me; Blue on Blue; Cruel to Be Kind; Half a Boy and Half a Man; (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding; I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ‘n’ Roll)

Encore: Venus; When I Write the Book.

28 Oct

Martin Turner The Cluny Newcastle 21 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Martin Turner, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, Wishbone Ash. Tagged: , , , , .

The Cluny was pretty full, but not as full as last year’s sold-out performance at the same venue, for this show by Martin Turner, founding member of Wishbone Ash. I must say that I don’t particularly like to swear allegiance to either version of Wishbone Ash. I enjoy seeing Wishbone Ash with Andy Powell; a band I have seen many times over the years and Andy is to be applauded for keeping the Wishbone Ash flag flying high. Martin, on the other hand, has put together a band of excellent musicians to recreate the original sound of Wishbone Ash as close to the albums as possible.

So, I am happy for both bands to coexist and to have the opportunity of experiencing two different views of Wishbone Ash. Andy has kept the band going and transformed them into a rockier, louder format. Martin, on the other hand, attempts to recreate the original sound.

This tour is billed as selections of songs from the Live Dates 2 album (1980) along with tracks from the original Live Dates album (1973). I am pretty sure that some of the Live Dates album was recorded at Newcastle City Hall, a concert which I attended. I remember well how they announced that they were recording the concert for a future live album.

There were microphones situated around the venue to record the sound from various vantage points. At the time we will very excited that we were going to be on a live album. Of course, I bought the album and still have a copy to this day. Sadly, I sold my record collection some years ago in foolishness. I have since rebuilt it all via car boot fairs, charity shops, vintage vinyl fairs and eBay.

Jan, my carer for the evening, and I were led through a little hatch into the auditorium which holds 300 people and was pretty full. At 8 PM sharp, Martin Turner and his band took the stage. We were immediately transported back to the 1970s and the classic Argos album with “The King Will Come” (one of my favourites), followed by some later Wishbone Ash favourites as featured on the Live Dates 2 album including several I recognised immediately: “Lady Jay”; “F.U.B.B” (Fu**ed up Beyond Belief); “Persephone” and “Way Of The World”.

After a short interval Martin was back, this time focusing upon older tracks as featured on the original Live Dates album. Now we were on the home stretch with songs that were true classics and favourites of mine. These included the wonderful “Time Was”; the equally excellent Laurie Wisefield song “Goodbye Baby, Hello Friend”; the Ted Turner song “Rock ‘n Roll Widow” written about a wishbone Ash concert in the USA during which someone shot his wife’s lover!.

The perennial favourite “Blowin’ Free” follows and finally closing the show, one song that continues to grow on me, (I started off thinking it was too self-indulgent, but now I absolutely love this one), it is, of course, “Phoenix”. Magnificent. “Phoenix rise, raise your head to the sky” (Wishbone Ash, 1970). According to guitarist Ted Turner in the band’s official biography Blowin’ Free, “It was just an elongated, structured jam, but our masterpiece”.

I must mention that, once again, I was very impressed by Martin who looked well and was dressed in incredibly bright and flashy gear as always! And of course, he was playing his usual Gibson Thunderbird bass, standing stage centre, clearly leading the proceedings, flanked on either side by two excellent guitarists who reproduced the twin guitar melodies of Wishbone Ash down to a T. Some great guitar duelling throughout the evening.

The encore was another favourite song “Living Proof” followed by the final song, as it always used to be, “Jail Bait” with its twisting, twirling discordant guitar, taking me back to seeing the original band at Sunderland Locarno. An excellent close to a wonderful concert reminding me just how great Wishbone Ash were, and continue to be through Martin and his band, and Andy Powell and his version of the Ash. At one point during the concert, a guy shouted up “why don’t you reunite with Andy Powell and reform the original Wishbone Ash?” Martin soon squashed the idea. Don’t think this will ever happen.

It was great to catch up with an old friend. I also treated myself to a signed copy of Martin’s book. Thanks to Jan for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site.

Setlist:(something like this, derived from recent set lists and memory): Set 1: The King Will Come; Helpless; Lady Jay; F.U.B.B; Persephone; Lorelei; Runaway; Way Of The World (Part. I & II)

Set 2: (In All My Dreams) You Rescue Me; Time Was; Goodbye Baby, Hello Friend; Rock ‘n Roll Widow; Doctor; Blowin’ Free; Phoenix.

Encore: Living Proof; Jail Bait.

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