Why is the rock legend, rock god, who is Robert Plant playing small venues such as Middlesbrough Town Hall and not singing many Led Zeppelin songs? After all he could reform Led Zeppelin, as many promoters and ex-bandmate Jimmy Page would apparently like him to do and earn megabucks. Yet he chooses not to. And why do so many people turn out to see Robert Plant sing with a relatively unknown female vocalist, Suzi Dian (who has an exquisite voice by the way), and perform a set of mostly obscure songs which the majority of the audience would not be familiar with? Yet why did I come away from the concert feeling so fulfilled, elated, and exhilarated?
I have seen Saving Grace twice before. Looking back may help me answer the questions above. Some of my recollections of those two concerts are below: Robert Plant and Saving Grace Middlesbrough Town Hall 25 April 2022. Saving Grace is very much a band. Of course people had turned out to see the main man, Robert Plant. But Robert is simply a singer in the band along with Suzi. The rest of Saving Grace comprises two guitarists and a percussionist: all excellent musicians in their own right and also providing some backing vocals. The set comprised songs which Robert, unashamedly, has chosen because they have influenced him and touched him over the years.
So there were the traditional such as “The Cuckoo” and “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down”, old blues songs and classic progressive/psychedelic tracks including “It’s a Beautiful Day Today” by Moby Grape and (one of my all-time favourite songs) “Season of the Witch” by Robert’s old friend Donovan. The stage setup was quite basic with a simple curtain backdrop naming the band and unobtrusive lighting. But the music was exquisite, challenging, soulful and beautiful. Robert shared the vocals with Suzi and, in many cases, took us through the story of the song and what it meant to him. “Season of the Witch “, led by Suzi, transformed into “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield at one point, another reference point to Robert’s roots. The final song was an old Richard and Linda Thompson track, again taking us back to the late 60s/early 70s.
Robert Plant and Saving Grace The Glasshouse Gateshead 20 November 2023. The rock legend, rock god, who is Robert Plant continues to follow his muse and play intimate venues such as The Glasshouse when he could be filling arenas or stadiums if he were to sing more Led Zeppelin songs. He has now established himself as part of the band Saving Grace and retains a strong faithful fan base. His fans continue to go to see Robert Plant sing with a relatively unknown female vocalist, Suzi Dian (who has an exquisite voice), and perform a set of quite obscure folk/world/country songs which the majority are not familiar with. I am glad that he does so.
The set comprised songs which Robert, unashamedly, has chosen because they have influenced him and touched him over the years. The set has changed since I last saw this band. There were several more unfamiliar songs, but some have been retained from last time I witnessed them in concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall including the traditional ballad “The Cuckoo” and classic progressive/psychedelic tracks which have influenced Robert including “It’s a Beautiful Day Today” by Moby Grape. This time some Led Zeppelin classics have crept back into the set including “Friends” and “The Rain Song”. And wonderful renditions they were. Lovely. For the encore we were treated to the Richard Thompson song “House of Cards”, a return to Led Zeppelin and a wonderful rendition of “Gallows Pole”. The final song was performed a cappella with the band all coming together at the front, arms entwined, singing the beautiful “And We Bid You Good Night”.
Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant & Suzi Dian Stockton Globe 6 November 2024
This year the tour was announced: “Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, the co-operative featuring Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone, acoustic guitar), and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic, baritone guitars, cuatro) have announced a full UK tour in November 2023, touring some of the UK’s most striking theatres.”
“Since forming in 2019, Saving Grace have received numerous acclaims for their live shows with Bob Harris describing it as ‘One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years’ and Toni Woodward, Americana UK providing a perfect summary: “…These five musicians have produced a supreme ninety minutes of music with considered interpretations of others’ compositions, ensuring they present an innovative exploration of the songs whilst maintaining their true essence. Furthermore, this odyssey has been undertaken in the spirit of appreciation, musicianship, and exultation: they truly are a band of joy!””
The set was similar to those which I have witnessed previously. They started with the beautiful “The Cuckoo “. There were many songs I did not recognise. One song in particular stuck in my mind: “She Cried”, originally by Jay and the Americans. Listen to the original if you can; it is absolutely beautiful and tearjerking. As for Led Zeppelin songs we were treated to lovely renditions of “Friends” and the closing song “Gallows Pole”.
Returning to my questions which I can now sort of answer. Why is Robert playing intimate venues with a set of semi-obscure songs? The answer lies in the man that is Robert Plant. He sings because he wants to, and he has to; singing lies deep within his soul. And he chooses to share with us some of the songs which are important to him, hoping in doing so that we will enjoy the concert experience and learn a little more about the man and his music. And why do we all turn out to see Robert Plant? Because somewhere over the years his music has touched each and every one of us in a different place, and a different time. For me it lies in important memories of seeing Led Zeppelin in 1971 at Newcastle City Hall and Sunderland Locarno; in Earls Court in 1975; Knebworth in 1979; more recently at the O2 Arena in 2007 and solo many other times. There is a magical quality about Robert Plant. Long may he invite us to share evenings of his songs and memories.
Led Zeppelin are about to release a movie Becoming Led Zeppelin, a film of some very early performances. I am waiting for the movie to come to the north-east. In the meantime I treated myself to a poster advertising the movie. (See image). I don’t know where I will put all of the posters I am buying. I just can’t resist. Thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site.
Setlist: The Cuckoo; Four Sticks; Higher Rock; The May Queen; Move Along Train; Orphan Girl; She Cried; Two Coats; Everybody’s Song; As I Roved Out; For the Turnstiles; Friends.
Encore: I Never Will Marry; Gallows Pole
“Clapton is God” was an oft quoted saying in the 1970s. Painted on doors across London and around the country, it proclaimed 
I went down on the train to London by myself, a fresh 16 year old who was desperate to see this guitar hero who had only recently returned to the stage earlier in the 1970s, following a terrible bout of addiction. I bought a ticket at Hammersmith Odeon, paying a tout £10 for a £1 ticket outside the venue. I was seated halfway back in the stalls waiting for my hero to take the stage and knock me out with his guitar prowess.
Surprise number one. A guy wandered out up front and said “Well here it is, the last night of the world tour; will you please welcome onto the stage Mr Eric Clapton and his band”. Eric sauntered on to the stage complete with band and current singer (and, I believe, girlfriend of the time) Yvonne Elliman. He walked up to the mike, acoustic guitar in hand, and started to strum a song quietly. He opened “Smile, though your heart is aching, smile, even though it’s breaking, when there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by” (Charlie Chaplin). It was soothing, melodic, haunting and not what I was expecting. The night continued with classic Clapton including “Layla”, “Sunshine of Your Love” and many other great tunes that rattled round my head. I ran up to Hammersmith Tube station to get across to King’s Cross and catch the last train home which I believe was, in those days, 12:10 a.m. The show was fantastic and those songs continued to rattle around my head all night on the train back home.
I have seen Clapton many times over the years witnessing often fantastic sets of blistering classics and sometimes more surprises. Always a world-class performance. At Newcastle City Hall many times. London Crystal Palace Bowl. The Cream reunion concert at the Albert Hall. Manchester Arena, Newcastle Arena and Sheffield Arena. The Royal Albert Hall 70th birthday concert and the Jeff Beck Tribute concert at the same venue. Other highlights included him playing alongside Bob Dylan at Blackbushe Aerodrome, with The Who, Bob Dylan and others in Hyde Park, with Steve Winwood in Wembley Arena and with Jeff Beck at the O2 London. Another couple of surprises at that concert: “Moon River” with Beck delivering his usual fantastic, unique guitar sounds and Clapton singing the lyrics followed by the only time I saw Jeff Beck play “Hi Ho Silver Lining” (“Eric made me play it” Jeff told us all). I sang my heart out that night along with a packed O2 Arena, tears running down my face. Others I may well have forgotten. Yes, Eric has given me so many great memories over the years. To me he remains “God”. Yes, in these later years he has become quieter – more blues, less rock, more acoustic – yet still he commands any stage in the world.
Eric is now 79 years old. Yet he still looks and sounds great. And no one can play a bluesy guitar like him. He is surrounded by his usual excellent band including Doyle Bramhall II, who plays absolutely perfect second lead guitar, Chris Stainton on keyboards (who famously was a member of Joe Cocker’s Grease Band and played on “With a Little Help From My Friends”; I first saw Chris with Joe Cocker in 1972 headlining the Lincoln pop festival) and female singers including Katie Kissoon (of Mac and Katie Kissoon and “Sugar Candy Kisses” fame).
The support act was 
I was 12 then, a young mod and my heroes were Barry Ryan, Steve Marriott and Steve Ellis. But that is a reminiscence I have written about many times before. Anyway we did catch Andy playing “Wide-Eyed and Legless”. Magic.
Then after a short break Clapton appeared. The set is in the usual format. A clutch of songs with full band and Clapton on electric guitar. A shorter acoustic set with Clapton and one or two other fellow musicians, and then back to full band and electric guitar to close the proceedings. The choice of songs was a somewhat eclectic mix. Some were rather unexpected: Cream’s “White Room” which was pure nostalgic magic and delivered well; and “Presence of the Lord” the Blind Faith classic which I last saw Clapton perform with Steve Winwood at Wembley Arena. Some were expected classics: “Crossroads” which is always a welcome addition to any Clapton concert and the closer “Cocaine”. The remainder was a mix of blues standards and other lesser-known tunes.
Standout was the touching “Tears in Heaven” which closed the acoustic set. Some obvious songs were strangely missing; no “Layla” or “Wonderful Tonight”. Some members of the audience were clearly disappointed judging by comments I heard whilst coming out of the venue. For me, I will take what I can get. Eric Clapton, not very far away from me, in a local venue, playing great blues guitar. The closer was “Sunshine of Your Love”. It doesn’t get much better.
Setlist: Electric set: Blue Dust; Key to the Highway; I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man; Presence of the Lord; White Room; Prayer of a Child.
A lovely evening spent in a great venue in my home town. I have passed on many chances to see 
For some reason, I have had Rory Gallagher in my mind lately. I was and remain, a big fan of Rory. I first saw him in 1970 when he was playing with his first band Taste. I remember Rory performing classic songs such as “Blister on the Moon” and “Catfish” complete with his battered Fender Stratocaster and a Vox AC30 amplifier. Out of pure madness I recently bought myself a Stratocaster and a Vox AC30 purely to use as ornaments with no chance of me ever being able to play them. Still, they remind me of Rory and many other great bands and guitarists. In those days the performer could fill the hall with the sound of that small amplifier; no big Marshall stacks then!
So, apologies for digressing. Why do I return to Rory? I saw glimpses of Rory in Joanne Shaw Taylor’s performance the other night in The Fire Station. Why do I need to compare people I see with my past heroes? Not sure, and it is probably an unfair thing to do. Joanne Shaw Taylor has her own, very powerful, unique repertoire to draw upon. Comparisons are unnecessary. She is a very soulful, bluesy singer who plays extraordinary electric blues guitar. How could I have missed opportunities to see this lady so many times before. Foolishness; pure foolishness, that’s all.
The Fire Station announced the gig: “Join Joanne Shaw Taylor and her stellar band performing songs from her critically acclaimed studio album, Nobody’s Fool, as well as songs from the upcoming new album. Her guitar prowess, vocal abilities, and songwriting talents reach new heights as she presents a bold slate of material at the peak of her career. Joanne will also dig deep into her rich back catalogue where she will hand-pick songs from her previous recordings along with classic blues songs.”
A mix of country, soul and blues. She even played a song from the 1960s which was very different to how I remembered it. So different that by the time I got home I had forgotten what the song was. I searched on the Internet and discovered that it was “If You Gotta Make A Fool of Somebody” which was, of course, a hit for Freddie and the Dreamers in the UK. Joanne’s version was very different; soulful and bluesy with exquisite electric guitar by Joanne herself and also her guitarist. Perhaps Joanne’s version is closer to the original song which I must look up.
Joanne is supported by a band of excellent musicians but is very much a charismatic band leader. Her performance was amazing, much better than I expected and she surely must progress to greater things. Joe Bonamassa comes to mind. Another comparison; apologies Joanne. Joe played blues clubs and small venues and gradually built up a following to the extent he now fills arenas around the world. It was a privilege to catch this great blues singer and guitarist in a small venue. Fantastic. Someone I must definitely see again.
This was a great local event, hosted by 
Friday night was wonderful and eventful in many ways. My carer Jackie and I arrived late afternoon in order to catch Eric Bell, who was playing two sets: one in the early afternoon and one later in the day. We decided to go along for the later set hoping to catch him play some old Thin Lizzy favourites. As we arrived we were welcomed by the guys on the door who pointed us towards the VIP lounge where we were introduced to the man himself, Eric Bell!
We had a pleasant chat with this legend, during which I reminded Eric about meeting him with Phil Lynott in the bar of Sunderland Locarno around 1971 or 1972. Eric asked me if liked old Thin Lizzy, which of course I replied I did, and I also said I liked the later Thin Lizzy which he agreed with. “Do you like the Beatles? And Jimi Hendrix?” Asked Eric. “Yes of course” I replied. “I also love the Rolling Stones” I added. Eric nodded his head. Do you like “Whiskey in the Jar” and “The Rocker” he asked. “Of course,” I replied.
We then entered the main stage room which was situated upstairs. Downstairs there were two further stages: an acoustic stage and a blues stage. This really was a fantastic, well-coordinated event. The organisers had kept a table for us at the back of the room where Jackie and I had a great view of the proceedings. They then very kindly, as a result of our early bird VIP tickets, presented us with a plate of pizza, and another containing garlic bread and nibbles. Lovely. This really was a great event in every way.
After a short while, the Eric Bell Trio took to the stage. The first part of their short set was a series of excellent renditions of traditional blues classics. I was beginning to think that maybe Eric now focuses on the blues and might not play thin Lizzy songs. But then the opening bars to “Whiskey in the Jar” rang around the room and we were off back into many happy memories of the early Lizzy that I saw several times in the first part of the 1970s. After a great rendition of “Whiskey in the Jar”, Eric finished the set with the aforementioned “The Rocker”. Pure magic from a gent and a legend.
After another short break, the 
We all left the club in quite an orderly fashion, Jackie and I taking the lift downwards and out onto the cold windy seaside street in Cullercoats. Everyone was waiting outside to be re-admitted to the venue. My friendly taxi driver was waiting around the corner so Jackie and I decided to take a ride home that evening. A very eventful and enjoyable evening at the 
Roll-on to Sunday night and we had a shorter but also eventful visit back to the Cullercoats Crescent Club. The programme told us that Martin Turner was playing two sets: one in the afternoon and one quite early in the evening. Once again, I was really interested in seeing Martin as the headline act so Elaine my carer for the evening and I turned up just in time to see him play. On arrival we were told “Martin Turner has already been on. Because of the weather he decided to play a longer set in the afternoon”.
I was a little disappointed, however the organiser was very kind and apologetic, explaining the circumstances which were, on reflection, very understandable. The weather last Sunday evening was terrible with gale force winds and we were situated right on the coast. I would imagine that Martin Turner had to travel quite a distance to home or his next gig so I can understand why he needed to leave early. Never mind I have tickets to see him perform at Newcastle Cluny later in the year. Elaine and I decided to join in with the full festival experience and after a pint of Guinness and a great set by the 
This event has been going for many years, starting off in Leeds and then moving north to satisfy the need for an annual convention for the many fans of the great band Free in the north-east. My friend John, who is a massive Free and Paul Kossoff fan has been wanting to go for many years. However, he now lives in the USA, so arranging things to attend this event has been tricky. Things changed and this year he happened to be over in the north-east at the same time as the aforementioned convention.
Demand for tickets for the convention was such that the originally scheduled Saturday night sold out quickly and a second night, on the preceding Friday, was organised. It quickly sold out also. I had got us tickets for the Saturday night and John decided he would also attend the Friday night event. John is based in North Yorkshire when he stays in the UK, but made the journey up to Cullercoats both evenings to attend this convention. True dedication. He reported back to me that it was excellent and we were both looking forward to the Saturday show.
John arrived at my house around teatime and, with my carer Jan, we quickly set off to Cullercoats both excited about the event. In the past, the convention has featured guest performances by Free drummer Simon Kirke, and the late bassist Andy Fraser. This time we were treated to three Free tribute bands, and an excellent raffle and auction event. We arrived at the venue just before the start time of 7 PM and the organiser was very helpful in finding us a vantage point close to the stage. Many thanks indeed.
First up was a band called Stealer who played a great set based around the second Free album (the “Woman” LP). Stealer are a 3-piece rock band based in Lincolnshire play classic rock and blues covers from Free and Bad Company. They have their own following and play all over the UK. A good start and warmup to the evening.
After a short changeover the next band on stage were the Heartbreaker Collective who were absolutely fantastic. They played a set of Free classics and really did justice to the music and soul of Free. All musicians were excellent and the singer looked so cool, with a really great hairdo! See the images.Apparently this band come together once a year for this event. Considering this they were simply awesome. A group of passionate young musicians! The dancefloor soon filled and many people were up and dancing, reliving their youth. A great atmosphere.
Then it was time for the raffle. Seven items were raffled including a first prize of a magnificent Free at the Isle of Wight poster and a second prize of a lovely Paul Kossoff poster. Sadly, we did not score anything in the raffle. Next up was an auction of items signed by Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke. At this point we had to leave to catch our taxi.
A great event, and it is a massive credit to the organiser who is clearly a massive and passionate Free fan. Thank you so much John for recommending we attend. I bought a Bad Company programme from a previous tour, which I do not have in my collection. A great addition.
Steve Earle
The Playhouse website describes Steve’s background much better than I am able: ” Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre.”
Steve came on stage exactly as advertised at 8:30 PM. I was told he would be finished by 10 PM. His set was a mixture of songs from throughout his career. Each song was delivered in his unique raucous blues style. At one point in the proceedings, he explained: “Townes Van Zandt once told me there are two kinds of music: the blues and Zipadee–Doo–Dah” and that was pretty much the logic behind Steve’s delivery. Each song came from deep within his heart and soul. This guy is the real thing and pulls no punches. He isn’t afraid to admit that he is a recovered/recovering heroin addict. At one point he sadly told us of the recent passing of his son as a result of drugs. Whiskey and hard drugs are part of Steve’s life; or at least they have been in the past.
His songs tell the stories of this guy’s life through his hard drinking and drug using days. He did a great rendition of “Mr Bojangles”; I had forgotten that this had been written by country star Jerry Jeff Walker, rather I associated the song with Sammy Davis Junior. Steve closed with his signature song “Copperhead Road”.
Setlist (something like): If I Should Fall From Grace With God; The Devil’s Right Hand; My Old Friend The Blues; Someday; Guitar Town; I Ain’t Ever Satisfied; Taneytown; Now She’s Gone; Goodbye; Sparkle and Shine; You’re the Best Lover That I Ever Had; South Nashville Blues; CCKMP; Transcendental Blues; Angel Is the Devil; It’s About Blood; Mr. Bojangles; Harlem River Blues; Tell Moses; Galway Girl; Copperhead Road.
Sorry for taking so long to write this review. But it was an important evening and there was so much to write about! And I apologise in advance for any typos that have crept in to this lengthy (for me, anyway) account.
So, on the day three of us, Jackie, Jan (my carers) and I travelled down by train to London for the show at the Majestic Albert Hall. This was my first visit to the Royal Albert Hall since my accident. My last visit there was to see Clapton at his 70th birthday concert. And tonight, it was Eric Clapton and his band who opened and, to some extent, led the proceedings. The disabled access within the building is fantastic and we had seats quite high up looking directly down on the stage. Once we got ourselves and my wheelchair positioned, we had a pretty good view of the stage. People travelled from all of the world for this concert. I met a cool oldish guy in the bar who had travelled from New York. “Jeff Beck was The Man!” he proudly told me. Of course, I agreed.
The concert opened with a single spotlight on a white Fender Stratocaster standing proudly centre stage on a beautiful Indian carpet. Yes, this was one of Jeff Beck’s guitars. It was quite emotional looking down from our vantage point upstairs at the instrument. Above the guitar, a large screen showed images of Jeff Beck over the years, many displaying his beloved collection of classic cars.
Clapton opened the proceedings with his band and great performances of the Yardbirds classics “Shapes of Things” and “Heart Full of Soul”. Wonderful. Both favourite songs of mine and performed perfectly. Clapton took vocal duties on the former and his long-term collaborator and fellow guitarist Doyle Bramhall did a great job of singing the latter song.
The band was then joined by Derek Trucks on “Little Brown Bird”. Derek is an ace slide guitarist, to say the least Then Derek’s wife Susan Tedeshi did a great bluesy version of “Done Somebody Wrong” singing and playing lead guitar. I can see why my friend John is such a fan of the Tedeschi Trucks band. Susan continued to lead the band with the lovely song “The Sky Is Crying”.
Ronnie Wood then swaggered on stage; Clapton introducing him as “here comes the scallywag” which seemed quite appropriate. Ronnie was on stage for most of the evening. He proudly took the lead on bass guitar for “Beck’s Bolero” a favourite of mine from the Jeff Beck Group. Ronnie was, of course, a member of the band along with his old mate Rod Stewart, who would join in during the second half of the show. Ronnie reminded the audience that he often played bass guitar when he was in the Jeff Beck Group.
Next came a song unfamiliar to me: “Elegy For Dunkirk” with classical singer Olivia Safe on vocals and Robert Randolph on keyboards. The backing musicians changed from Clapton’s band to Jeff Beck’s band during the evening and sometimes involved a blend of both. All excellent musicians, particularly Beck’s female bass guitarist and female drummer and Chris Stainton on keyboards. Chris is a long-time member of Eric’s band. I remember seeing him for the first time back in 1972 when he performed as backing band to Joe Cocker who headlined the Lincoln Festival.
“Isolation” sees actor come rockstar Johnny Depp, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons (great hat and beard) take the stage. The next song is simply fantastic; a wonderful version of the Shangri-La’s “(Remember) Walkin’ In The Sand” led on sassy vocals by Imelda May, who looks (in a slinky red dress) fantastic and sounds tremendous. A highlight of the evening. Billy Gibbons remains on stage for the rest of the first half of the show, playing some great riffs. Johnny Depp looks so cool and is in his element playing along with his heroes. And this show must be so emotional for him, having toured with Jeff Beck only last year.
Then the mood changes substantially towards jazz and the elder statesman of the guitar, Jon McLaughlin who plays two instrumentals from the Wired period of Beck’s work. McLaughlin takes guitar playing to another level. He really is a master of his craft and looks a cool gentleman at 81 years young. Billy Gibbons continues to lead the band after McLaughlin departs, and the first half of the show concludes with a rocking version of “Train Kept A Rollin’” bringing back memories of the appearance of the Yardbirds in the 100 Club during the classic 60s film Blow Up, featuring Johnny Depp, Kirk Hammett, Ronny Wood, Billy Gibbons, Imelda May and the Jeff Beck Band. A great finish to the start of the proceedings.
During the Intermission there is a little time for some people watching and another double whiskey topped off with some lovely salted popcorn! The screen shows more video of Jeff Beck and many clips of fellow guitar heroes commenting upon his genius including fellow Yardbird Jimmy Page.
Soon we return to the music with Eric Clapton and his band. “I Put A Spell On You” features fantastic, soulful vocals by Joss Stone. ”‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” and the very cool looking Gary Clark, Jr. adds more bluesy guitar to the mix.
A song or two later Ronnie Wood’s old mate Rod Stewart takes to the stage, starting with “Infatuation” and then moving into two songs which he sang with the Jeff Beck Group: “Rock Me Baby” and “I Ain’t Superstitious ”. It’s great to see the two old mod rockers jamming together again. Brings back memories of The Faces.
The concert closes with the entire cast performing the Curtis Mayfield classic “People Get Ready”, followed by “Going Down” which ends the concert and brings back memories of the first time I saw Jeff Beck live at Grangemouth Festival in 1972; I feel sure Beck, Bogert and Appice played that song there.
It really couldn’t have been much better and was a fitting tribute to a true guitar warrior and legend. Yes, I would have liked to have heard “Morning Dew”, “Hi Ho Silver Lining” (but then Jeff never really liked the song) and it would have been great if Jimmy Page had appeared. But none of that mattered. I will remember this concert for the rest of my life.
Setlist: Blue Rainbow; Shapes Of Things; Heart Full Of Soul; Wee Wee Baby; Little Brown Bird; Done Somebody Wrong; The Sky Is Crying; Beck’s Bolero; Elegy For Dunkirk; Isolation; Walkin’ In The Sand; Goodbye Porkpie Hat; You Know You Know; Stratus; Rough Boy; Rice Pudding; Train Kept A Rollin’
Freeway Jam; I Put A Spell On You; ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers; Let Me Love You; Infatuation; Rock My Plimsoul (Rock Me Baby); I Ain’t Superstitious; People Get Ready; Going Down
It is some years since I first saw 
The obvious one is Eric Clapton. My friend, John who hails from the North-East and now lives in the USA, is a massive Joe fan and has seen him many times. He feels that Bonamassa is on par with Clapton at his best and I can’t disagree. I also see and hear music that reminds me of all of the great blues guitarists: Jimi Hendrix, Alvin Lee, Peter Green, Jeff Beck and, of course, Paul Kossoff. Joe Bonamassa is a big fan and disciple of Paul Kossoff and owns at least one of his guitars.
I love Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and T-Bone Walker and stuff like that, but I couldn’t sit down. I was always forcing myself to listen to whole records by them, where I’d rather listen to Humble Pie do “I’m Ready” than Muddy Waters, you know? I think, the English interpretation of the blues just hit me a lot better, you know?”
His songs are his own, yet firmly grounded within the tradition of the old blues man alongside the aforementioned 1960s and 1970s artists who brought the blues to a wider international audience. There are many guitar changes from Stratocaster to Les Paul to Gibson Flying V, and many long but enjoyable guitar solos. Each solo takes the audience away on a journey deep into the blues, returning to the song with Joe delivering lyrics himself, accompanied by the lady singers. He closes the set by proudly talking about the first time he played at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a UK memory of which he is clearly very proud, and rightly so. The encore is a slow soulful blues ballad entitled “Mountain Time”. I really enjoyed the concert and I intend to invest more time getting to know Joe Bonamassa’s songs before I go and see him next time round.
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