There was no better band than Graham Parker and the Rumour in the late 70s. They exploded out of pub rock and were part of the scene, and sound, which influenced punk and new wave. Graham Parker was the coolest guy on the planet and rocked and sang white soul and R&B like no-one else (OK maybe that’s a little unfair on Van Morrisson who was clearly a strong influence on Graham). The Rumour came with all the right pub-rock credentials featuring the legendary Brinsley Schwarz (lead guitar) and Bob Andrews (keyboards) (both ex Brinsley Schwarz), Martin Belmont (rhythm guitar, ex-Ducks Deluxe) and Andrew Bodnar (bass) and Steve Goulding (drums).
And great songs: “Fool’s Gold”, “White Honey”, and the show-stopping reggae-tinged “(Hey Lord) Don’t Ask Me Questions”; it still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about being at a gig with the entire audience singing along “Hey Lord; Don’t Ask Me Questions”. There was just no-one to touch them on a good night; power, passion, rhythms, rock, dancing, and Graham Parker on fire in terms of his singing and his overall performance. See my programme from the distant past.
Graham Parker and the Rumour gigged relentlessly from 1976 on, and I saw them lots of times. My old ticket stubs tell me I was at gigs at Newcastle City Hall on 23rd March 1977 with Southside Johnny as support, 17th November 1977 (my late wife Marie’s birthday, she agreed to come along although she wasn’t a fan, and a drunken guy behind us spilled a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale all over her head, I was never forgiven for that night), 5th March 1979 and 5th April 1982 (by that point the Rumour had departed and the concert was Parker solo). I also remember a great gig at Newcastle Poly and seeing Parker as part of the supporting bill for Bob Dylan at his massive Blackbushe concert. There were probably others which escape my fading memory.
So, it is time to see Graham Parker again. This time at my local venue, The Fire Station, which is hosting many excellent performers. The Fire Station website announced the concert thus: “Graham Parker returns to the UK for 6 exclusive dates with backing band The Goldtops, expect a night of classic Parker songs alongside some newer material. Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters to emerge from England’s pub rock scene in the early ’70s. Drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm, and bristling anger.
At the outset of his career, his albums crackled with pub rock energy, snide witticisms, and perceptive insights, earning him a devoted following of fans and critics, who lavished praise on his debut, 1976’s Howlin’ Wind, recorded with the Rumour, his backing band of pub rock all-stars. After delivering Squeezing Out Sparks in 1979, which was a smash with critics and won him a larger audience in the United States, Parker courted a crossover career with solo projects such as 1982’s Another Grey Area and 1985’s Steady Nerves before settling into a cult following in the late ’80s and continuing to garner critical acclaim as his music mellowed but his lyrical perspective stayed sharp.”
Today Graham is once again surrounded by excellent musicians including old friend and legendary guitarist Martin Belmont, who I first saw in Ducks Deluxe in the Marquee club, London in 1974. He then became, of course, a member of the Rumour. Graham is no longer the angry young man but he is still a very soulful singer and yes, he still reminds me of Van Morrison. The set comprises songs new and old, many drawn from Parker’s latest album. But we also get treated to “Hey Lord, Don’t Ask Me Questions” and everyone sings along. As part of the lengthy encore Graham performs an exceptional version of Sinatra’s “That’s Life”. He really has mellowed in his later years. Finally, we are back to old favourites “Boogie Shoes” and “Soul Shoes”. Sadly, although someone in the crowd shouts for it, no “Fool’s Gold”. I can’t have everything. Still excellent after all these years.
Setlist: Ancient Past; Nothin’s Gonna Pull Us Apart; Under the Mask of Happiness; Last Stretch of the Road; Music of the Devil; It Mattered To Me; If it Ever Stops Raining; Hotel Chambermaid; Black Lincoln Continental; Get Started. Start a Fire; Lost Track of Time; Sun Valley; Back to Schooldays; (Hey Lord) Don’t Ask Me Questions; Since You Left Me Baby.
Encore: We Did Nothing; You Can’t Be Too Strong; Them Bugs; That’s Life; Boogie Shoes; Soul Shoes.
It was 1966. I was 9 years old and my parents took me to London for a week, to “see the sights”. It was so exciting to visit the capital as a youngster. We had a full, packed agenda of activities that my dad planned for us. Madame Tussauds, The Planetarium, London Zoo, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Ken Dodd and the Diddymen at the Palladium and a visit to the trendy, fab, gear (using the terminology of the time) clothes shops of Carnaby Street.
There were probably others I have forgotten. Running through my head were songs of the time: “She Loves You” by the Beatles, “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” by the Kinks and “Bus Stop” by 
I have been lucky enough to see The Hollies many times over the years from the Alan Clarke days, through his replacement the Move’s the late Carl Wayne incarnation of the band and for the last 20 years “new boy” Peter Howarth as front man. They remain great to this day. The only original members remaining are drummer Bobby Elliott and guitarist Tony Hicks (a very underrated guitarist in my view). Bobby sits at the back providing the foundation for the music and Tony plays impeccable electric guitar, banjo (particularly on “Stop, Stop, Stop”) and electric sitar.
And yes he still looks as young as ever. The rest of the musicians include Ray Styles on bass, formerly of Mud, providing excellent accompaniment to the vocals, led by Peter Howarth who now has gelled to become an integral part of the band. With the Hollies it was always about the harmonies, great songs, and great vocals. And that still remains the case today.
So, another encounter with an old favourite who, as expected, delivered an evening of great hits. I knew every song and so many memories, including that visit to London, ran through my head. This group was the soundtrack of my youth and into the early 1970s.
Time for a quick Jack Daniels and back to our seats at the rear of the hall for the second part of the concert. The opener was a lesser-known song, but another favourite of mine “The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee” followed by more classics “Yes I Will” and here it comes….the one and only “Bus Stop”. My evening was complete already. But the hits kept coming: “I’m Alive” (their only number 1 single), “The Baby” which was recorded during a period when Alan Clarke left the band for a short hiatus and was replaced by singer Mikael Rickfors, the Bruce Springsteen song “Sandy”, the tale about a belly dancer in a nightclub and a drunken evening which precedes “Stop, Stop, Stop” and then onwards to the closing songs “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”, “The Air That I Breathe” and the closest The Hollies ever got to rock ‘n’ roll “Long Cool Woman in A Black Dress”. Another wonderful evening spent in the majestic 
Setlist: Set A: King Midas in Reverse / I Can’t Let Go; Jennifer Eccles; Sorry Suzanne; On a Carousel; Gasoline Alley Bred; Magic Woman Touch; Weakness; Here I Go Again; I Can’t Tell the Bottom From the Top; We’re Through; Just One Look; Stay; Look Through Any Window.
Another exciting concert at the local venue, 
In this special performance, modern-day icons 
Drawing from a songbook full of classics like ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ and ‘Crazy’, you’ll hear the crème de la crème of country pop from some of the finest performers around. With songs spanning romance, heartbreak and drama – with a good dollop of joy – this is set to be a real sonic and visual feast. Cowboy boots optional.” (Drat I forgot to wear my cowboy boots: and I have a pair in the cupboard!)
This was an eclectic mix of artists and music. I am a big fan of Richard Hawley having seen him perform at the same venue a few months ago. I have heard of John Grant but I can’t claim to know much about the man or his music. And of course, I am very aware of the legacy of the legendary Patsy Cline and her country songs, many of which are tinged with sadness.
The venue was full as is often the case these days, and John Grant took centre stage with Richard Hawley and his band providing the music. Richard played some tremendous twangy, rock ‘n’ roll guitar; reminding me a little of Dick Dale and his surf guitar.
John Grant is a truly entertaining front man and did justice to Patsy Cline’s wonderful repertoire. I recognised many of the songs including the well-known “Crazy” which John reminded us was written by Willie Nelson. I had somehow forgotten that fact, but it jogged my memory of witnessing the great Willie perform the song. He also did a heartrending version of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart”. I also recognised quite a few of the songs, in particular “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “I Fall to Pieces”. Richard was very much the consummate side kick, effortlessly providing superb guitar accompaniment to the songs. A lovely evening with two true artists in a venue which is rapidly becoming extremely popular.
Setlist: (something like this): These Crazy Arms; Never No More; Walking After Midnight; There He Goes; Just Out Of Reach; Loose Talk; I Fall to Pieces; Yes, I Understand; Heartaches; Strange; Sweet Dreams (Of You); You’re Stronger Than Me; So Wrong; Your Cheatin’ Heart; Leavin’ On Your Mind; Crazy; Seven Lonely Days; Blue Moon Of Kentucky.
I just checked my blog entries and it tells me that I have seen 
This tour is entitled the Live Dates tour, commemorating 50 years of their live albums of the same name. I run into an old friend and fellow blogger Peter. Lovely to meet you Peter. We chat and realise that we were both at the same concert in 1973 at Newcastle City Hall when the Live Dates album was first recorded. I could not resist going back and reproducing my memories of 50 years ago. See below.
Wishbone Ash were back touring the UK in June 1973, and recorded a double live album at concerts in Croydon Fairfield Halls, Reading University, Portsmouth Guildhall and Newcastle City Hall, using The Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio. I attended the Newcastle gig, during which three tracks: “Warrior”, “Blowing Free” and “Throw Down the Sword” were recorded for the album. We didn’t know about the recording until we got into the City Hall. We could see a couple of mikes hanging from the ceiling (aah, such was the technology in those days). Then it was announced over the PA, to a big crowd cheer, that they were going to be recording the show for a future live album. The place was packed and the capacity crowd gave Wishbone Ash a tremendous reception, cheering before and after each song, all of us hoping that our voices might be heard on the lp.
So, roll on 50 years and I am treated to a set which is very similar to that of the momentous 1973 Newcastle City Hall concert. Wishbone Ash start with “Real Guitars Have Wings” before moving swiftly back in time to the Argus album and a particular favourite of mine “The King Will Come”. The rest of the first set is very similar to the original, and even includes the old blues standard, originally by Jimmy Reed, “Baby What You Want Me to Do”.
The second set comprises further classics including another particular favourite “Jail Bait”. They close with the epic “Phoenix” a track which I used to think was too long, but I have grown to love over the years. The encore moves us forward a few years to another favourite of mine “Living Proof”. A great selection of songs.
As often is the case, there are some omissions from the original 1973 set which would have added to the delight of the evening: “No Easy Road” and a track that is rarely featured in their live shows “Where Were You Tomorrow”. You can’t have everything. Hopefully it won’t be long until they return to the north-east. Happy days and 6 nights of concerts in a row. A night of rest before I start again!
Setlist: Set One: Real Guitars Have Wings; The King Will Come; Warrior; Throw Down the Sword; Rock ‘n Roll Widow; Ballad of the Beacon; Baby What You Want Me to Do.
Evening 5 out of a crazy run of 6 concerts in 6 nights. I haven’t done this since before my accident and it is a marathon and a test of stamina for me and my carers! The final evening is Wishbone Ash and I will report on that very soon 🙂
I go back a long way with John, to the days when he was Johnny Rotten and I first saw Sex Pistols in a pub in Whitby in 1976. He was exciting, outspoken, challenging and exhilarating then and he remains so today. That evening in Whitby, and the following year in Scarborough Penthouse club, opened up my eyes to an alternative view of music.
Then a few years later I travelled to Manchester Belle Vue to see an early performance of his new band 
The set comprises many familiar and favourite songs: “Albatross”, “Poptones” from the first album; the singles “This Is Not a Love Song” and “Death Disco “, and “Flowers of Romance”. The sound comes across in waves as John and his band weave a strange aural cacophony which reverberates around the hall. For the encore we are treated to the first single “Public Image” and closer “Rise”, to which we all sing along; everyone is dancing in front of me. A great night spent with a familiar face and voice in a lovely new Sunderland venue. One more night to go! Thanks to Chris for the photographs.
Setlist: Penge; Albatross; Being Stupid Again; Poptones; This Is Not a Love Song; Death Disco; The Room I Am In; Flowers of Romance; Memories; Car Chase; The Body; Warrior; Shoom.
Vocalist and songwriter Ricky Ross is raring to go on this celebration of Deaon Blue’s brilliant and loyal fans, roaring the Caledonian gospel from the South Coast to the Uplands. He said: “We’ve decided to play a Greatest Hits show with a difference,” he says. “Yes, we intend to play all (or nearly all) the old 45s, but we also want the first half of the evening to be an intimate acoustic performance, the band gathered round the piano with acoustic guitars and whatever Dougie decides to hit. We’ll play some album tracks and reinterpret a few favourites from the back catalogue. We’ll take a short break then come back and make a lot of noise. We hope you can be part of that noise.
Ricky Ross, co-vocalist Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond (drums), Jim Prime (keyboards), Gregor Philp (guitar) and Lewis Gordon (bass) will breathe new life into well-loved songs.”
Time for a quick whiskey before the second half. The second half was a massive singalong for the crowd with everyone joining in with all the songs, many of which I recognised. I had not realised how many hits this band has had. Of course, even I recognised and sang along to “Real Gone Kid” and, during the encore “Dignity”. I really enjoyed the concert.
Setlist: Set 1: Acoustic: Queen of the New Year; S.H.A.R.O.N.; Chocolate Girl; I Will and I Won’t; Cover From the Sky; A New House; I’ll Never Fall in Love Again; All Over the World.
Encore: Peace Will Come; Dignity; Fergus Sings the Blues; Keep Me in Your Heart
Another night spent with another great band. Tonight it is local heroes 
And apologies for any repetition from a previous blog entry about Lindisfarne. My only excuse is that I have a run of concerts and many blog entries to write this week! “Their first hit, the Clements-penned “Meet Me on the Corner”, paved the way for their classic Fog on the Tyne to become the UK’s top-selling album of 1972. Lindisfarne’s unforgettable songs, powerful live performances and unpretentious style led to worldwide success and an enviable reputation as festival favourites, and the annual Christmas concerts they presented in their native Newcastle became the stuff of legend.
The original band finally called it a day in 2003, but now Lindisfarne are back with a classic five-piece line up of long-time members fronted by original founder-member Rod Clements (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, slide guitar) and Alan Hull’s son-in-law Dave Hull-Denholm (vocals, guitars). “ Other members are: Steve Daggett (vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar and harmonica) who has been in the band since 1986; Ian Thomson (electric and double bass) a member since 1995 and Paul Smith (drums) who joined more recently in 2021.”
The concert was in two sets with a short interval between them. Lindisfarne play all the old favourites and do them 100% justice. Rod Clements is a quiet yet charismatic front man who introduces many of the songs. Dave Hull-Denholm performs his father-in-law’s songs with the reverence they deserve and his vocals sound very much like Alan Hull. Steve Daggett sings quite a few of the songs and again does justice to the Lindisfarne repertoire. So in the first set we get great tunes such as the enigmatic, melodic early classic “Lady Eleanor”. Other favourites are “Road to Kingdom Come” and “January Song”.
This year’s tour focuses on the album Magic in the Air. This is a live album (see image of my copy) which contains all of the band’s well known songs. So the second set contains many more tunes that I recognise including a wonderful, atmospheric performance of the much underrated “Dingley Dell”. This brings back lovely memories of seeing Lindisfarne at Newcastle City Hall on the Dingley Dell tour. I went both nights as there were different supports each night and I was a fan of each band: Stackridge and Genesis! Happy days.
Then, my particular favourite which still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck: Dave performing “Winter Song”. Soon we are into the hits: “We can Swing Together”, “Fog on the Tyne” and “Meet me on the Corner”, followed by the massive hit Lindisfarne reunion song “Run for Home”. And the closer, yes it had to be “Clear White Light”. I am transported back to the first time I saw Lindisfarne in the City Hall sandwiched between headliner Van der Graaf Generator and new up-and-coming band Genesis. All for 25p as I recall! Happy days
I remember seeing 
Something I wasn’t aware of, and that Jackie discovered while researching her background, was that she first came over to the UK as one of Ike and Tina Turner’s Ikettes, on a package tour supporting the Rolling Stones. This lady has a long career and is to be much respected.
PP started her set with a song dedicated to her mentor Tina Turner: “River Deep, Mountain High” and so we were off to a great start of another great concert. She has just released a new album, so her set consisted of old favourites, collaborations and tracks from her latest record. I recognised a number of the songs, but many were unfamiliar to me. PP was supported by a group of excellent musicians and her voice, rhythm and soul remain undiminished.
The lady is 76 years young and looks just great! She explained that she was once a backing singer for Eric Clapton in the days that he was forming Derek and the Dominoes. This led into a song that they were performing at the time: Traffics’ “Medicated Goo”. She then sang a song which she has performed with the great Steve Marriott and Small Faces in the late 60s. She made reference to rehearsing Small Faces’ “Tin Soldier” for future performances. Now that would be something to see. If you get the chance look up her performance of the song with Steve Marriott and Small Faces on YouTube. It is simply incredible.
Soon she was back for an encore, closing with “The First Cut Is the Deepest”, telling us that Cat Stevens wrote the song for her personally.Many thanks to Jackie for buying me a signed book (see image) for my birthday present 🙂
A new name for a familiar venue. The Sage is now officially relaunched as 
We were welcomed to the event by the Director of the Sage/Glasshouse (I will have to get used to this new name) which was a nice touch. I met, John Lyons, a photographer who had travelled from London for the event. He took a lovely photograph of me and we promised to keep in touch. Please do have a look at John’s 
Then another classic: “Marrakesh Express”, followed shortly by one of my favourite songs, this time a Nash solo track “Military Madness”. After a few more songs, Graham closed the first set with a cover of his friend Stephen Stills’ “Love The One You’re With”. Time for a swift whiskey.
Then “Just Before I Go” a song apparently written as part of a wager, which Graham won. His friend bet that he could not write a song before he left and, of course, he did so. He finishes with “Our House” telling the story of how the song was written when he had just returned home to the house which he shared with Joni Mitchell. For the encore the three musicians perform a lovely a cappella version of Buddy Holly’s “Everyday”. The closing number is another classic “Teach Your Children”.
Bought a signed copy of the lyrics to “Teach Your Children”. Wonderful.
We go back a long way, you and I Kevin. I have seen you perform in many different incarnations over the years and you always come over as 100% authentic. Your influences were always clear: Geno Washington and the Ram Jam band, and witnessing Geno in the 60s and 70s in clubs in Birmingham. Jackie Wilson and sweet soul music straight from the heart. Chairman of the Board, their song “Give Me Just a Little More Time” and in particular their lead vocalist.
All of these came together and were the influences behind the first 
Soon after seeing you at the Mayfair I was in a marquee on Newcastle Town Moor for some sort of festival. You headlined one night and The Boomtown Rats headlined the other. I attended both nights, on my own as I recall. This was before “Come on Eileen”. I hadn’t seen you since the Mayfair and “Geno” days, so didn’t quite know what to expect. A bunch of rag–a–taggle gypsies came on stage. You were dressed in a tam hat, denim dungarees and surrounded by a band dressed similarly, including a violinist.
What had happened to Dexys Midnight Runners? They had somehow morphed into this strange new gypsy soul band. And the music was so, so very different. The Too Rye Aye album had yet to be released so I was hearing all these new tunes for the first time. You got me again Kevin. I was totally knocked out. I couldn’t wait to get back home and tell my wife and friends about this strange wonderful experience and how Dexys were back, reborn, different yet still magic and soulful. Of course “Come on Eileen” was a massive hit and you went on to further success.
You seemed to disappear from public view and I think, to my shame, I missed a tour. I picked up on you again some years ago at Whitley Bay Playhouse where you performed a whole new concept album based around the breakup between you and your girlfriend. You sang from the heart once again and I thought it was one of the best concerts I have ever witnessed. And so our journey together takes me to last night, Newcastle City Hall, getting soaking wet in the pouring rain and experiencing your new music. The band is now called simply Dexys. Your new album ,“The Feminine Divine” is based around the concept of male/female stereotypes and explores how the character you play transforms from being a stereotypical man to someone who recognises his partner is his Goddess.
He finally becomes submissive to her every whim, allowing her to take control of the relationship. You perform the entire album as the first set of the evening, a brave move which works well. The crowd have clearly come prepared. Many sing along. Everyone loves the new vision, the new Kevin and accepts the new direction. You look well dressed in red with a white sailor–like hat sitting perched on top of your head. After a short interval and a pint of Guinness you return and play a selection of songs from Too Rye Aye including many which are familiar and some less so. They include “Soon”, “Plan B”, “I’ll Show You”, “All in All”, “Until I Believe in My Soul” and of course “Come on Eileen”. Lots of dancing and singing along. Great. You did it again Kevin. For the encore we get more classics and more singalongs in the form of “Geno” and “Jackie Wilson Said”. The closing song is a traditional Irish song “Carrickfergus” which rounds off the evening very appropriately. Another tour, another side of you revealed to us very openly. Still a soul boy at heart. I look forward to the next chapter and the next part of our journey together Kevin.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 