Posts Tagged ‘concert’

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.

20 Oct

David Essex Newcastle City Hall 19 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in David Essex. Tagged: , , , , , .

“Hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll?

Rock on

Ooh, my soul

Hey, did you boogie too, did ya?

Hey, shout, summertime blues

Jump up (up, down) and down in my blue suede shoes

Hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll?

Rock on” (David Essex, 1973)

I guess it’s not cool to admit a liking for David Essex on a blog named vintagerock, so this should probably rate as a guilty pleasure. For me, my journey with David Essex started in 1973 when I first heard “Rock On”. There was something strange, intriguing about the song which drew me in. It was moody, quirky and I was a fan from then.

I first went to see David Essex at Newcastle City Hall in 1976 along with one of my mates. I recall us feeling a bit awkward at the gig, as the place was packed with screaming girls, and we were definitely in the minority. We went to the early 6pm show and had seats up in the balcony. David had hit the charts several times by this time, including two number ones: “Hold Me Close”, and “I’m Going to Make You a Star”. I had also seen him in the movies That’ll Be The Day and Stardust, in which he gave two great performances. The concert was a fun experience, with lots of hits, a great atmosphere, and some great pop songs.

The following year David toured again and called at Sunderland Empire. This time I went along to the concert by myself, largely to see the support act the Alessi Brothers (or simply “Alessi”), a duo of American identical twins, who had a UK hit at the time with the single “Oh Lori”, and with which I was quite taken. I bought a cheap seat up in the gallery, at the top of the theatre, and made sure that I got in early to see Alessi. And pretty good they were too. David Essex was once again fun and ran through all his hits.

“Essex made his first record, titled “And the Tears Came Tumbling Down”, for the Fontana label in 1965. He then toured with a band called ‘David Essex and the Mood Indigo’ for two years and released a further seven singles in the 1960s.” (From Wikipedia). I recall how he talked about playing the nightclubs in Sunderland in the 1960s. Now that would have been something to see. The guy is a legend.

It was 28 years until I saw David Essex in concert again, on a Once in a Lifetime bill with the late, great David Cassidy at Newcastle Arena in 2005. I must admit, it was the presence of David Cassidy that drew Marie and I along to this gig. We’d both enjoyed seeing him at the City Hall a few years earlier, and quite fancied seeing him again. I bought tickets as soon as they went on sale, and we ended up with front row seats in the first block.

The rest of the bill was The Osmonds (minus Donnie and Marie) and Les McKeown fronting his version of the Bay City Rollers. The gig was good fun, with the two Davids putting on the best show in my view and getting the best crowd reactions. Roll on 19 years, I am back to where I started in 1976 at Newcastle City Hall seeing David Essex again, 48 years since I first saw him in concert at the same venue. Magical. Lots of memories come flooding back.

From David’s website: “Internationally renowned singer, composer and actor DAVID ESSEX OBE has today announced a massive 20 date UK tour for August and September 2024 culminating at the London Palladium.  This tour, his first since 2022, will see him perform much loved hits spanning over his entire repertoire.

David first shot to fame when he went to an audition for the London production of the musical Godspell and was chosen by enthusiastic US producers for the role of Jesus. He received major awards and some ecstatic reviews which saw him lead a cast at the Roundhouse and then at the West End for two years.” Just treated myself to an original programme from the West End run of the show featuring David Essex, Jeremy Irons, and others (see image).

“He has written, recorded, and produced albums that have sold millions of copies worldwide. He’s also had twenty-three Top 30 singles in Britain alone. These include the Grammy© nominated Rock On which not only topped the charts in Britain and the USA but sold over one million copies. Subsequent singles followed such as Lamplight, Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star which made David a household name.”

I had forgotten just great a singer-songwriter he was and how many hits he had over the years. The performance was, as it always has been, impeccable with hit after hit. Each one bringing back so many memories. The guy is now 77 and still looks and sounds great. Particular favourites were “Lamplight”, “Oh What a Circus”, “A Winter’s Tale”, and, of course, where it all started “Rock On” which still is as strange, mystical, and moody as ever. David recalled how he wrote the song during the filming of That’ll Be the Day and had a wish to include it in the film. This didn’t happen, so he released the song as a single. The rest is history.

Back to the concert. Sure, his dancing may not be as hot as it was “back in the day” but the crowd loved it. Everyone was up on their feet dancing. For the encore we got “Hold Me Close”, and a version of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” (eh?). And then he was gone. Rock on David.

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

Setlist: Beautiful Day: Lamplight; If I Could; Dangerous; Me and My Girl (Night‐Clubbing); Father and Son; Oh What a Circus; A Winter’s Tale; City Lights; Stardust; Imperial Wizard; Rock On; Here We All Are Together; Gonna Make You a Star; Silver Dream Machine.

Encore: Hold Me Close; You Really Got Me; It’s Gonna Be Alright; Missing You (Magic).

“And where do we go from here?

Which is a way that’s clear?

Still looking for that blue-jean baby-queen

Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen

See her shake on the movie screen

Jimmy Dean

(James Dean)” (David Essex, 1973)

14 Oct

Marc Almond The Glasshouse Gateshead 15 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Alex Lipinski, Marc Almond. Tagged: , , , , , .

I first saw Marc as part of the duo Soft Cell at Kirklevington Country Club in 1982. Kirklevington Country Club (The Kirk) was a legendary venue in North Yorkshire which played host to Jimi Hendrix, Clapton, Joe Cocker, and many other bands in the late 60s. By the early 80s it was a very trendy night club. I went a couple of times, once to see Soft Cell and another to see Geno Washington.

The Soft Cell gig was great, coming not long after their number one hit with “Tainted Love”. The gig was sold out, but I went down with a couple of mates, and managed to blag our way in, can’t quite remember how. The place was ram packed and Soft Cell were excellent. You could sense then what a talent in the making Marc was. They had just released coach “Say Hello Wave Goodbye”. Their set was short, but spot on, wonderful atmosphere, and Marc was every bit a star. I remember manager Stevo standing in the crowd, watching his proteges from the dancefloor. A very special night. The next time I saw Marc was at Newcastle Mayfair. By now he had gone solo, was dressed heavily in leather and very much the melodramatic torch singer. Impressive stuff. That was in 1985.

It was many years before I saw Marc Almond perform again. The next occasion was a few years ago in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster at a Jethro Tull Christmas concert. Marc was a surprise special guest. He played a lovely rendition of “Bedsitter”, the aforementioned “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and, revealing that he was a long time Jethro Tull fan, duetted with Iain Anderson and the band on “The Witch’s Promise”. Magical.

courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

From the Glasshouse website, advertising his appearance: “Captivating. Emotional. A journey through musical brilliance. Whether with his rich solo catalogue or during his time with the iconic Soft Cell, Marc Almond has always possessed a gift for introducing songs – some lesser known, others a little forgotten by time – to new audiences. 2024 marks the anniversary of Marc Almond’s 45th year in music and a career of breath-taking diversity that’s taken in chart topping pop, cutting-edge electronica, torch songs, orchestral ballads, French chansons, historical song-cycles, jazz, flamenco, Russian folk and much more. In the spirit of the new album, ‘I’m Not Anyone’  (out July 2024) the concert tour will consist only of cover songs.”

So, we were going to be in for a treat. Mark has a diverse and eclectic taste in music, and I felt sure that he would deliver for us some wonderful uplifting and challenging songs to match his intriguing, sometimes dark, emotional, and soulful voice, performance, and character. And I was not wrong. His set comprised some of my favourite songs, each of which brought back their own special memories.

Support was from Alex Lipinski. We arrived just as he was closing his set. He certainly warmed up the crowd for the main act. Now over to Marc Almond and his songs.

courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

“Elusive Butterfly”, I love this song both by Val Doonican (yes honestly) and the original version by Bob Lind. “Dream Lover”, I had the Bobby Darin single when I was a kid in the 60s and played and played it. Another magical choice. “How Can I Be Sure” made famous by the late great David Cassidy, I recall seeing David at a crazy concert at Newcastle City Hall where the ladies screamed throughout the song (my wife and I screamed with them). What a surprise. Then “The London Boys” by David Bowie, can it get any better? And yet it does. “If You Go Away”, from the original French by Jacques Brel. Yet another classic. “The Days of Pearly Spencer” by  David McWilliams, who I once saw at the City Hall supporting 10 cc. Another favourite song of mine.

More of my favourite songs follow. “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” on which Marc duetted with Gene Pitney (who sang the original). “Tainted Love” as heart stopping as ever. The original was by Gloria Jones who became Marc Bolan’s backing singer and then partner and sadly drove the car during the accident in which he sadly died. Dusty Springfield’s “I Close My Eyes and Count to 10”. Marc, you are one of the few individuals who can do this song justice. And indeed you did.

Oh, and I forgot to mention “Sebastian” my favourite Steve Harley song, which Marc sung in memory of the recently passed Steve. I saw Steve close the show with that song so many times. So touching. So poignant. Another Jacques Brel song “Jacky” made famous by the enigmatic and velvet voice of Scott Walker. All great choices, Marc. Thank you for sharing your songbook with us. Dark, passion, emotion, touching deep down into your (and our) soul(s).

Thanks to Elaine for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site. Another entry complete. Many more to catch up on. Until tomorrow, or maybe the next day. Time will tell.

Setlist: I’m the Light; Gone With The Wind (Is My Love); Elusive Butterfly; Trouble of the World; A Woman’s Story; The Heel; The Boss Is Dead; Yesterday When I Was Young; What Makes a Man; I Have Lived; Terrapin; Dream Lover; One Night of Sin; How Can I Be Sure; The London Boys; Stardom Road; If You Go Away; Sebastian; The House Is Haunted; The Days of Pearly Spencer; Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart; Tainted Love; Jacky; I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten; I’m Not Anyone

8 Oct

Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Glasshouse Gateshead 14 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Royal Northern Symphony Orchestra. Tagged: , , .

“Sprites. Fairies. Bring some magic dust.” (From The Glasshouse website). That is exactly how I remember this play. As a child I had some strange interests. My parents gave me a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare when I was very. I soon became fascinated by the book and this particular tale of actors like Oberon, Titania and Puck. Today, some 60 years later, I remember little of their adventures, but I still retain a sense of magic about the ancient tale. So it was with some childhood memories, which I carried along with me, to this concert.

I know, this is hardly vintage rock, but it was a memorable experience and one which I felt worthy of inclusion on my blog. The Glasshouse website continued: “It wouldn’t be a season-opening concert without our very own Royal Northern Sinfonia, Chorus and Principal Conductor Dinis Sousa. They’re joined by special guest, pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout, who returns after his incredible BBC Prom with us last summer, and two superb Samling singers making their debut performances with us, Charlotte Bowden and  Jessica Cale. Be whisked away into the wondrous world of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with Mendelssohn’s very own musical version of it, plus Mozart’s serene Piano Concerto No.21.”

The cast included: Dinis Sousa conductor; Kristian Bezuidenhout piano; Charlotte Bowden and Jessica Cale soprano; Alexander Knox narrator; Tim Burke chorus director and the rest of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. I went along out of curiosity and because, as a friend of The Glasshouse I was invited to see the performance and partake in preshow drinks. How could I resist? It would be rude to decline this tempting invitation.

The website continued: “First up you’ll hear the serene sounds of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, in which the delicate fragility of the central movement (made famous by the film Elvira Madigan) contrasts with an ending that is entirely devoted to fun. Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream incorporates text from the play and transports you to the mischievous, entrancing and beguiling world of Shakespeare’s play.”

“Addicted to Mozart  Kristian Bezuidenhout confessed to falling in love with the music of Mozart after watching the 1984 film Amadeus, portraying the life and sometimes raucous times of the composer. He went on to create an album of the complete keyboard works of Mozart. You can hear him talking about his passion here.”

As I have said above, this was a new experience for me. It is very rare that I witness an orchestral performance. Having said that, the juxtaposition of Shakespeare, a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Royal Northern Symphony Orchestra intrigued me. I really enjoyed the concert and was pleased that I went along. I may well go to similar performances in the future. Many thanks to The Glasshouse for inviting me along.

7 Oct

Lindisfarne The Fire Station Sunderland 12 September 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Lindisfarne. Tagged: , , , , .

Lindisfarne were back at The Fire Station again, almost one year since I last saw them at the Sunderland venue. In between I have also seen them at their iconic Christmas show (2023) at the equally iconic Newcastle City Hall, their (and formally my) musical home. Apologies for repetition in my blog entry, but I have seen this band so many times, repetition is inevitable.

The Fire Station website: “Legendary 70s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle, and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs including ‘Meet Me On The Corner’, ‘Fog On The Tyne’, ‘Lady Eleanor’ & ‘Run For Home,’ plus a second-to-none reputation for live performance, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along.”

I first saw Lindisfarne supporting Van Der Graf Generator, with Genesis lower down on the bill at Newcastle City Hall in early 1971. I then attended the Lindisfarne first Christmas concert at the City Hall. Over the last 53 years I have seen Lindisfarne countless times (reminder to myself to check exactly how many times I have seen the band). Some memorable times follow in this blog entry.

Let’s start with the Lincoln Festival, and of climbing up a lighting tower to watch the bands and dancing on the top of the makeshift tent we build out of bales of hay (I do not recall where we found the hay) with about 20 “boys” from Sunderland that we met there, some for the first time who became lifelong friends. The term “boys” is particularly significant. Boys were a group of people from the town who stuck together and formed some sort of group identity, perhaps like the boys in David Bowie’s “London Boys” and Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys are Back in Town”.

It was at the Lincoln festival that they triumphed with the whole crowd singing along to songs from Nicely Out Of Tune and the Fog On The Tyne albums. The Grangemouth festival 1972 in Scotland where they again got the crowd singing along. Seeing them at Sunderland Top Rank around 1972 and headlining the City Hall two nights in a row, one with Genesis support and the other with Stackridge support on the Dingley Dell tour (a much-underrated album). Then the split and witnessing Lindisfarne 2 and the other offshoot Jack The Lad at festivals. The reforming of the band with a magical comeback concert at the City Hall and then back at the top with “Run for Home” and attending a sold-out concert at Redcar Coatham bowl during which we all danced on the tables and the aforementioned single was high in the charts.

The Alan Hull solo concert at the City Hall. Then all the Christmas concerts which I attended during the 1980s at the Newcastle City Hall. Travelling to Carlisle Sands Centre to see their farewell concert. I even took a copy of that evening’s Newcastle evening Chronicle along with me to the Carlisle concert; they were pictured on the cover and I got them to sign the newspaper. They were surprised as they did not know that they featured in it! Attending a ceremony outside the City Hall when a blue plaque was placed there to celebrate the life of Alan Hull. Ray Jackson’s Lindisfarne played outside at the ceremony.

And then starting to see the newly reformed band a few times, firstly with Ray Jackson fronting the band and more recently with Rod Clements as front man. I don’t know how many times I must have seen Lindisfarne, but it is on many, many occasions, most recently at the City Hall and the Fire Station.

The Fire Station was packed for this concert and the set list was very similar to those I have witnessed recently. As usual, we were treated to all the classic songs: “No Time to Lose”, “We Can Swing Together” and my personal favourite “Winter Song” performed perfectly by David Hull– Denholm, Alan Hull’s son in law. Soon, we were on the home front and the closing songs were: “Fog on the Tyne”, “Meet Me on the Corner” and “Run for Home”. The closer was, as it was in 1971 and has been ever since: “Clear White Light”. Another great concert by the North-East heroes.

Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site as usual. Next stop Newcastle City Hall Lindisfarne Christmas show this December 2024! See you soon Geordie heroes.

Setlist: Set 1: Alright on the Night; Squire; Scarecrow Song; Statues & Liberties; Lady Eleanor; Can’t Do Right for Doing Wrong; All Fall Down; Anyway the Wind Blows; Road to Kingdom Come; Walk a Crooked Mile; January Song.

Set 2: No Time to Lose; Passing Ghosts; Sundown Station; Dingley Dell; When The War Is Over; Winter Song; We Can Swing Together; Fog on the Tyne; Meet Me on the Corner; Run for Home; Clear White Light, Part 2.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »