"Tribute Bands Into The Limelight Is Unlikely To Fade."
Screened: Saturday 6th October 2007 on BBC2
Saturday night you were either out watching your favourite tribute and recording this show for viewing later or you were at a loose end and watched it anyway because there was nothing else on TV! But the show's title, "Into The Limelight - Tribute Bands" was pretty much self explanatory.
The Limelight Club is based in Crewe and it's the place where many tribute bands and artists play. In fact you could call it a bit of a pilgrimage for music no longer performed by the original artists on stage because the Limelight Club is actually a converted church!
It's obviously a big success as "Arena" decided to dedicate a full hour to what it has achieved over the years amongst the many changes and backdrop of the city. The club itself is very well supported by the locals with tribute nights packed out. There is also great camaraderie with some of the local tribute bands in the area as well, lending out stage equipment, depping for band members when needed and so on. Just goes to show that people can work together even if in a 'rival' band.
Throughout the show it is interspersed with live performances from "Are You Experienced?" - A Jimi Hendrix tribute where 'Jimi' himself sets fire to his guitar and later a tribute band fan buys it for £70 as a memento of the gig because he wasn't born the first time around! "The Jamm" - I assume it's them because they didn't get a named mention - where the members are asked if they had seen "The Jam" live. One of them says that he saw them at Newcastle City Hall 1982-ish only because he got the wrong night and originally went along to see "The Police" in concert. Ooops!. "Free At Last" make an appearance along with "Stairway To Zeppelin", "AB/CD", "Pink Fraud", "Purple Snake", "T-Rextasy" and "Limehouse Lizzy" which a number of people have said I have got to see.
For some of the show it's like being taken back to a time when "Spinal Tap" was splashed across our screens and other times you are left wondering if tribute acts do have a sell by date and members should be made to move on to make way for younger blood and looks. I don't mean this disrespectively. It's not an age thing more the way you look the part and carry yourself. It's just that some bands and artists are in a time warp, an era never to be repeated where people never age. Many of these artists are unlikely to perform again in their current generation, unless you happen to be Cliff Richard, The Police (reunion I know), Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, U2, Status Quo, Elton John or Tina Turner for example who continue to perform on TV or on the live circuit.
With bands such as "AB/CD" and "Stairway To Zeppelin" for example should one or two of the musicians hand over to the younger looking guy and become a mentor to ensure that the craft is passed on responsibly? There are some bands members who no longer look the part because they look older than the genre they are representing. For example you could be fifty but look thirty-five and still carry the part off well and yet another person could be and look fifty and just not fit the part they playing any longer. Or they are not as fit as they could be and let the beer bellies get the better of them! Are they really still able to convince the audience that they are the closest you will ever see to the real thing? In some cases no. But that is no reason to put these people on the scrap heap. They would still have a role to play because they were there when it happened, they have the experience of story telling and the memories, they lived it and therefore would have a guidance/mentor/management role with the tribute band they were in.
The other thing that came across was that with a number of bands featured, some members were also holding down a full time job, although their number one chosen career was to be a musician but not necessarily in a tribute band. Which raises the question: Are they really playing tribute to their favourite band and doing it in the best way possible or is it just a hobby/interest that distracts them from their everyday lives?
Of course there are others that were featured and being in a tribute band was their livelihood and nothing else interfered with that. The plan being: To be the best tribute to the band or artist they were portraying. Some were fans first time round, studied everything down to a T and in the case of "T-Rextasy" original Marc Bolan clothing, guitars and other trinkets are used to get as close to the real thing as possible. That is dedication for you. However hard work, study and research of a band or artist is just as important along with getting it right and adding a piece of yourself to the equation. Not everyone is lucky enough to use and own original stage props but you can copy them for authentication. It is that leap of faith and giving up the day job that helps towards you achieving your goal to be the best possible tribute.
The TV show kept to the heavy end of the music business and cult status bands which I don't think gives a fair assessment of tributes overall. It seemed a bit dark and sorrowful in parts against the backdrop of Crewe and it certainly didn't make things look easy. One person claims 'you can smell the tribute bands' as the camera shot follows someone through the corridor with stage equipment. 'It's a brilliant place for tribute band, a sanctuary'. Another talks about the anonimity a tribute band can give you because after a show you take off the costumes and wigs and then just mingle with the crowd and no-one knows who you are, whilst another says that fans want to 'talk to Dave Gilmour'.
The Limelight Club boasts a membership of over ten thousand people and that is quite something for a club and even the owner admits "it's like turning back the clock twenty years" with the venue atmosphere being "perfect". And there is a great summing up of what tribute bands mean to an uncredited band member (this is continually done throughout the show which I find annoying). "In my fake parallel Universe of tribute bands anyone that call's themselves a tribute band and thinks that it begins and ends just learning songs and doing them on stage, for me they are miles off the mark. It's not a case of donning outfits and learning notes. To me there is something more tangible than that". And whoever this guy was I totally agree. It is so much more.
The lead singer with "Limehouse Lizzy" and he didn't get a name check either came out with some great quotes about being in a tribute band and what he really wanted to do. He has been a fan of 'Thin Lizzy' since he was fourteen years old and being in a tribute to them he said "You have to use your intelligence about it. It needs to be subliminal. Think what they would do and what you do naturally without parodying it".
And how he see's himself now, because tributes were seen as a fad, it would fade away and die but it hasn't: "I want to be a true artist, a bass player, but now I am an entertainer. I wanted to be something bigger than that" and I think that is what many want. To be a successful musician and artist in their own right. However some find it through being other people and it is not always the conclusion they wanted.
He then adds about the artists that are portrayed: "You remember them at their best, you never see them growing old disgracefully" and he's right unless you happen to be "The Rolling Stones" and in that case there is a great quote form a tribute band member called Hughie who wants to be "A fully fledged rock dinosaur and proud of it!". Keeping rolling on "Rolling Stones"!
The Limelight Club is certainly a pilgrimage and long may it reign. As for tribute bands,. well they are here to stay because there will always be a demand for a certain era, genre or band and artist. People will always want to relive their youth and the next generation want to be part of that too. It's human nature. However once you look too old for the part of a tribute member you should step down gracefully and pass on your wisdom, knowledge and craft to the next person to step into your tribute shoes. After all you still have a role to play even if it's not out on that stage, in the bright lights and facing the adoring audience.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, 2 November 2007
Rebel Truce Review. - Guildhall, Glos. 5th Oct 2007
Rebel Truce rock the Guildhall!
Guildhall, Gloucester. - Friday 5th October 2007
Tonight I was meant to be reviewing two bands at The Guildhall, "Rebel Truce" and "The Sex Pistols Experience". What I didn't count on was my sister can't read route map instructions and that quite a bit of the city centre is pedestrianised or one way systems and I left Bristol in plenty of time! So apologies to "Rebel Truce" I did miss the first couple of songs from your set but that doesn't deter what I saw that night.
"Rebel Truce" formed in 1997 and their aim is to recreate the experience of The Clash live on stage. Sadly I don't have photographic proof of this because the Guildhall floor absorbs music vibration and bounces right through you. Photos I did take came out blurry, so I abandoned the idea of any pictures. The ones you see with this review are kindly supplied by Jerry and Rebel Truce.
From the floor you have a great view of the band. Jerry as Joe Strummer, Lee in the trilby hat as Mick Jones, Wayne as Paul Siminon and Rick as drummer Topper Headon. The light show that accompanies the band only enhances the performance further. The show is fast and furious and as for the music, you feel that through the vibration of the floor as well as hearing it. The audience are absorbing every single minute and "Rebel Truce" have them eating out of their hand. They interact with the audience with great ease and the crowd are very responsive with what they like and want to hear.
From when I arrive "Janie Jones" is being performed, followed by "What's My Name" and "Bored With The USA". This band really is a tribute to "The Clash". The sound is crisp and clear. They have the look - although not look-a-likes - and sound close to the original. My sister Jo was very surprised saying "he really sounds like Joe Strummer, close your eyes and listen". There is also a certain swagger in movement and great energy coming from the stage mixed with the sounds of rock 'n' roll, reggae, soul, punk, along with political and real life statements in the songs of an angry and rebellious era that still hangs around in a different disguise.
"Rebel Truce" get an extra point for performing "Rock The Casbah" a real foot stomper but they didn't play "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" much to Jo's disappointment. It lost out on the audience vote to the song "Somebody Got Murdered". They also did a superb performance of "Tommy Gun" with the drummer emulating the sound of a Tommy gun with the drums.
Other songs such as "I Fought The Law", "English Civil War" and "White Riot" were performed with great gusto and the crowd had no intention of letting "Rebel Truce" leave the stage that easily. They did an encore of "Complete Control" and "White City Rockers" before vacating the stage to make way for "The Sex Pistols Experience". This double bill certainly gives value for money for a great night out.
As for "Rebel Truce", what can I say. Putting the tribute band bit aside without all the Clash stuff, as a band on it's own they are great musicians. They made it all their own as if it was their own material they were performing and for a tribute to do that it is difficult. Everybody in that band belongs and anyone can see why "Rebel Truce" are true quality because they have recreated 'The Clash' experience live on stage and if you don't believe me then check them out for yourselves.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
Guildhall, Gloucester. - Friday 5th October 2007
Tonight I was meant to be reviewing two bands at The Guildhall, "Rebel Truce" and "The Sex Pistols Experience". What I didn't count on was my sister can't read route map instructions and that quite a bit of the city centre is pedestrianised or one way systems and I left Bristol in plenty of time! So apologies to "Rebel Truce" I did miss the first couple of songs from your set but that doesn't deter what I saw that night.
"Rebel Truce" formed in 1997 and their aim is to recreate the experience of The Clash live on stage. Sadly I don't have photographic proof of this because the Guildhall floor absorbs music vibration and bounces right through you. Photos I did take came out blurry, so I abandoned the idea of any pictures. The ones you see with this review are kindly supplied by Jerry and Rebel Truce.
From the floor you have a great view of the band. Jerry as Joe Strummer, Lee in the trilby hat as Mick Jones, Wayne as Paul Siminon and Rick as drummer Topper Headon. The light show that accompanies the band only enhances the performance further. The show is fast and furious and as for the music, you feel that through the vibration of the floor as well as hearing it. The audience are absorbing every single minute and "Rebel Truce" have them eating out of their hand. They interact with the audience with great ease and the crowd are very responsive with what they like and want to hear.
From when I arrive "Janie Jones" is being performed, followed by "What's My Name" and "Bored With The USA". This band really is a tribute to "The Clash". The sound is crisp and clear. They have the look - although not look-a-likes - and sound close to the original. My sister Jo was very surprised saying "he really sounds like Joe Strummer, close your eyes and listen". There is also a certain swagger in movement and great energy coming from the stage mixed with the sounds of rock 'n' roll, reggae, soul, punk, along with political and real life statements in the songs of an angry and rebellious era that still hangs around in a different disguise.
"Rebel Truce" get an extra point for performing "Rock The Casbah" a real foot stomper but they didn't play "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" much to Jo's disappointment. It lost out on the audience vote to the song "Somebody Got Murdered". They also did a superb performance of "Tommy Gun" with the drummer emulating the sound of a Tommy gun with the drums.
Other songs such as "I Fought The Law", "English Civil War" and "White Riot" were performed with great gusto and the crowd had no intention of letting "Rebel Truce" leave the stage that easily. They did an encore of "Complete Control" and "White City Rockers" before vacating the stage to make way for "The Sex Pistols Experience". This double bill certainly gives value for money for a great night out.
As for "Rebel Truce", what can I say. Putting the tribute band bit aside without all the Clash stuff, as a band on it's own they are great musicians. They made it all their own as if it was their own material they were performing and for a tribute to do that it is difficult. Everybody in that band belongs and anyone can see why "Rebel Truce" are true quality because they have recreated 'The Clash' experience live on stage and if you don't believe me then check them out for yourselves.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
Sex Pistols Experience Review
Sex Pistols Experience - Live, Loud and Superb!
(The Guildhall, Gloucester. - Friday 5th October 2007)
(The Guildhall, Gloucester. - Friday 5th October 2007)
What do I remember about the "Sex Pistols"? They were definitely over the top, out to shock and anarchists. They are also the band I associated the most with being leaders of Punk Rock. They certainly shocked my Gran and I do remember my friend Steve telling me a story that he was singing "Friggin' In The Riggin' " on the top of his voice outside the School classroom waiting for lessons to start and that promptly landed him in detention! Obviously not the teacher's taste in music.
And here I am tonight, about to watch a tribute band called "The Sex Pistols Experience" and wondering if they would live up to the originals on stage and convince the audience that they are almost the real thing? Would Kid Vicious be playing guitar or would he leave it unplugged? After all that is what Sid Vicious did in the early days didn't he?
"Land Of Hope Is Glory" is the opening to an empty stage and then the band members walk on one by one looking mean, moody and rebellious. Kid Vicious shouts at the audience "Right you faggots!" and gives that Sid Vicious trademark snarl and Johnny Rotter is not far behind giving that mad stare into the audience. So we are off to a great start as my sister's jaw drops wide open. They start with "Holidays In The Sun" and Kid really is playing the guitar and looking the part whilst Johnny is prowling around the stage doing all the movements. Fabulous drumming and guitar and the lighting for the show is creative and blending with the sound. This is such a good opening for the show.
Then you get the Johnny stance looking into the audience and being modest is not a strong point but arrogance is. "17" also known to some as "Lazy Sod" is the next song and Johnny throws a strop during this only to shout out at the audience "We're f******* good aren't we?!" and the audience start shouting back at him. Talk about audience participation!
By the time they launch into "Dolls (New York)" Johnny is wiping his nose on his shirt sleeve - which he does several times during the show - and Kid Vicious is really getting into it whilst the drummer Paul Crook - who reminded of Kiefer Sutherland in the film 'The Lost Boys' - is going mad with his drum kit and Steve Bones is really rocking with his guitar.
We then get abuse from Kid "What the f***'s up with this lot? Is this a mannequin convention?" he shouts and it gets reaction from the crowd as they start the song "No Feelings" and the way Johnny is treating the mic stand something is bound to happen and it does. He broke it! Yep. He couldn't use it for the rest of the show much to the hilarity of the rest of the band "That'll teach you for buying a new f****** microphone stand" says Kid to Johnny!
This show certainly has lots of energy, almost explosive in some parts and the camaraderie from the band is electric along with their patriotism with Union Jack visible on stage. They emulate the 'Sex Pistols singing' to perfection but boy can they play those guitars and drums. Every song you can feel through the floor and the audience love it all. There's a big group of fans moshing in the centre of the hall and one punk who did have a high mohican, by the end of the gig it was almost flat. The age range was vast. Students who tried to emulate the era to the original fans who were there first time around, some still showing the same fashion sense of the time and how everything was done, well apart from the spitting. In fact I didn't see any spitting.
Johnny's preening his hair and Kid removes his jacket and T-shirt much to the delight of the women in the audience as he continues the show bare chested. Johnny clocks some of the audience and shouts "Is it getting old in here? Did you get your f****** pensioner discounts?" And during one song one fan throws a pound coin on stage only for it to be thrown back into the audience.
At one point Kid's rebellious facade slips with a laugh and smile because of some minor slip up on stage but that doesn't matter and he then starts throwing abuse at the audience to wind them up even more and he gets it back ten fold. And then Johnny shouts "Do you want to hear a Cliff Richard song? Well who likes us and who doesn't? There's the exit now f*** off!"
Songs such as "Pretty Vacant", "Liar!", "E.M.I", "Submission" and a cover of The Who song "Substitute" continue to feed the audience hunger with some fantastic guitar sounds. Apart from the drummer there is a lot of movement and interaction on stage too and Johnny asks advice "Does my hair look alright? I'm a f****** sex god" he shouts and they launch into "Problems" where Steve decides to play guitar behind his head and Kid starts spitting on stage. "Anarchy In The U.K" is the last song Johnny 'sings' dressed in black trousers, white shirt and great waistcoat. He's happy to get the lights on the crowd and hear them 'sing' for a change as they go crazy and he sits or rather crouches on stage to do a spot of 'audience/people watching'. After that he's gone and the opening chords of "Something Else" is met with great cheers. What a performance by Kid. "I'm a better singer than that *******" and "I'm a ******* superstar" after his rendition of "C'mon Everybody".
As we are entering the final songs of the show Paul, their drummer takes the lead vocal of "Oh You Pretty Thing" and performs it with great energy and more enthusiasm follows with Kid jumping up and down singing "My Way" with stomping guitar sounds. He then leaves the stage with the rest of the band giving a one finger gesture and that snarl but the audience don't let the 'Sex pistols Experience' get away that easily and the drummer is back on stage for a drum solo. One by one they return and Johnny saunters back on stage looking bad tempered and in 'Rotten mode' "We'll do one number only as this is no fun, here we go" and Kid is giving hand signals to the audience winding them up further and closing the show with the song "No Fun".
In a ninety minute or so set they performed twenty-one songs and they were absolutely brilliant! Live, loud and superb! This has to be the ultimate 'Sex Pistols' tribute and the best in the punk genre. Mannerisms, abuse, clothing, performance on stage - although Kid really does play the guitar - must have meant hours of studying. They don't take themselves seriously but really play out the character roles so much so next stop "Sex Pistols - The Musical!" and these are the guys to do it! What a show! What a night! This is one performance I will certainly remember for a long time. It was fun, it was entertaining and we loved it! If there is tribute band I recommend you must see then it is "The Sex Pistols Experience" and I've been an ABBA fan for most of my life! This punk band has left such a lasting impression that I will see them again and again without hesitation.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
And here I am tonight, about to watch a tribute band called "The Sex Pistols Experience" and wondering if they would live up to the originals on stage and convince the audience that they are almost the real thing? Would Kid Vicious be playing guitar or would he leave it unplugged? After all that is what Sid Vicious did in the early days didn't he?
"Land Of Hope Is Glory" is the opening to an empty stage and then the band members walk on one by one looking mean, moody and rebellious. Kid Vicious shouts at the audience "Right you faggots!" and gives that Sid Vicious trademark snarl and Johnny Rotter is not far behind giving that mad stare into the audience. So we are off to a great start as my sister's jaw drops wide open. They start with "Holidays In The Sun" and Kid really is playing the guitar and looking the part whilst Johnny is prowling around the stage doing all the movements. Fabulous drumming and guitar and the lighting for the show is creative and blending with the sound. This is such a good opening for the show.
Then you get the Johnny stance looking into the audience and being modest is not a strong point but arrogance is. "17" also known to some as "Lazy Sod" is the next song and Johnny throws a strop during this only to shout out at the audience "We're f******* good aren't we?!" and the audience start shouting back at him. Talk about audience participation!
By the time they launch into "Dolls (New York)" Johnny is wiping his nose on his shirt sleeve - which he does several times during the show - and Kid Vicious is really getting into it whilst the drummer Paul Crook - who reminded of Kiefer Sutherland in the film 'The Lost Boys' - is going mad with his drum kit and Steve Bones is really rocking with his guitar.
We then get abuse from Kid "What the f***'s up with this lot? Is this a mannequin convention?" he shouts and it gets reaction from the crowd as they start the song "No Feelings" and the way Johnny is treating the mic stand something is bound to happen and it does. He broke it! Yep. He couldn't use it for the rest of the show much to the hilarity of the rest of the band "That'll teach you for buying a new f****** microphone stand" says Kid to Johnny!
This show certainly has lots of energy, almost explosive in some parts and the camaraderie from the band is electric along with their patriotism with Union Jack visible on stage. They emulate the 'Sex Pistols singing' to perfection but boy can they play those guitars and drums. Every song you can feel through the floor and the audience love it all. There's a big group of fans moshing in the centre of the hall and one punk who did have a high mohican, by the end of the gig it was almost flat. The age range was vast. Students who tried to emulate the era to the original fans who were there first time around, some still showing the same fashion sense of the time and how everything was done, well apart from the spitting. In fact I didn't see any spitting.
Johnny's preening his hair and Kid removes his jacket and T-shirt much to the delight of the women in the audience as he continues the show bare chested. Johnny clocks some of the audience and shouts "Is it getting old in here? Did you get your f****** pensioner discounts?" And during one song one fan throws a pound coin on stage only for it to be thrown back into the audience.
At one point Kid's rebellious facade slips with a laugh and smile because of some minor slip up on stage but that doesn't matter and he then starts throwing abuse at the audience to wind them up even more and he gets it back ten fold. And then Johnny shouts "Do you want to hear a Cliff Richard song? Well who likes us and who doesn't? There's the exit now f*** off!"
Songs such as "Pretty Vacant", "Liar!", "E.M.I", "Submission" and a cover of The Who song "Substitute" continue to feed the audience hunger with some fantastic guitar sounds. Apart from the drummer there is a lot of movement and interaction on stage too and Johnny asks advice "Does my hair look alright? I'm a f****** sex god" he shouts and they launch into "Problems" where Steve decides to play guitar behind his head and Kid starts spitting on stage. "Anarchy In The U.K" is the last song Johnny 'sings' dressed in black trousers, white shirt and great waistcoat. He's happy to get the lights on the crowd and hear them 'sing' for a change as they go crazy and he sits or rather crouches on stage to do a spot of 'audience/people watching'. After that he's gone and the opening chords of "Something Else" is met with great cheers. What a performance by Kid. "I'm a better singer than that *******" and "I'm a ******* superstar" after his rendition of "C'mon Everybody".
As we are entering the final songs of the show Paul, their drummer takes the lead vocal of "Oh You Pretty Thing" and performs it with great energy and more enthusiasm follows with Kid jumping up and down singing "My Way" with stomping guitar sounds. He then leaves the stage with the rest of the band giving a one finger gesture and that snarl but the audience don't let the 'Sex pistols Experience' get away that easily and the drummer is back on stage for a drum solo. One by one they return and Johnny saunters back on stage looking bad tempered and in 'Rotten mode' "We'll do one number only as this is no fun, here we go" and Kid is giving hand signals to the audience winding them up further and closing the show with the song "No Fun".
In a ninety minute or so set they performed twenty-one songs and they were absolutely brilliant! Live, loud and superb! This has to be the ultimate 'Sex Pistols' tribute and the best in the punk genre. Mannerisms, abuse, clothing, performance on stage - although Kid really does play the guitar - must have meant hours of studying. They don't take themselves seriously but really play out the character roles so much so next stop "Sex Pistols - The Musical!" and these are the guys to do it! What a show! What a night! This is one performance I will certainly remember for a long time. It was fun, it was entertaining and we loved it! If there is tribute band I recommend you must see then it is "The Sex Pistols Experience" and I've been an ABBA fan for most of my life! This punk band has left such a lasting impression that I will see them again and again without hesitation.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
London Calling have come a long way as a one off tribute.
The Fleece, Bristol. - Saturday 22nd September 2007.
"London Calling" formed to do a one off gig in tribute to Joe Strummer on the first anniversary of his death. That gig took place on 12th December 2003 at The Junction in St. Pauls, Bristol where they performed twelve songs. Four years on, "London Calling" have come a long way since that night and now they are performing at The Fleece tonight in front of a dedicated crowd and some new faces to check out the show.
My knowledge of "The Clash" is what I have read about them over the years and owning some vinyl singles in my record collection, and here I am about to review one of the many tribute bands to them. Would they be able to recreate the excitement that happened when punk rock exploded onto the scene?
The back of the stage has a large graphic in black and white of a coach, people and police milling around and for some reason the Miners strike in Thatcherism Britain comes to mind. It sets the scene for rebellion and unrest in a way.
The show opens with "Complete Control", "Safe Euro Home" and "What's My Name". By the time we get to "Clampdown" the audience at the front of the stage start jumping and bounding around. After that the crowd on are the band's side including their fan base that have travelled all the way from Weston-Super-Mare. The audience is a mixture of those who remember "The Clash" first time around with some dressed the part and then the second generation who are discovering the punk era and absorbing what they can through bands such as "London Calling" and there is nothing wrong in that.
Vocally Reg Shaw in the role of Joe Strummer and Dan Heatley in the role of Mick Jones are strong but not sound-a-likes. They have their own identity and musicianship of all four is carried out with great conviction. They obviously enjoy what they do, even Mike Devine who takes the role of Paul Siminon takes one solo. Sam Evans has taken the stand in role tonight as the drummer Topper/Terry Chimes. He may be not have been born when "The Clash" began but he has spirit and if he wasn't a fan before he certainly is now!
There isn't much conversation or interaction between the band and audience but you don't get the chance to be bored as the show moves along at a fast and sometimes rebellious pace.
Songs such as "Janie Jones", "Brand New Cadillac", "Guns Of Brixton" and "White Man In Hammersmith Palais" are performed but it's "London Burning", "I Fought The Law" and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" that are highlights, capturing audience involvement and joining in with the chorus. The encore of "1977" and "White Riot" where one of their fans gets on stage to help with the vocals is a bit of a gem in itself and a fitting end to a fast paced performance.
It may be a bit rough around the edges but that's what it would have been like back in the late 70's and early 80's. "London Calling" did a performance they can be proud of but not so much of a tribute band genre. They are a band well worth checking out but they may not be everybody's cup of tea having spoken to several audience members. One or two said they remain 'Clash' fans but won't become 'London's Calling' fans whilst others remain fiercely loyal to the band they saw tonight.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
"London Calling" formed to do a one off gig in tribute to Joe Strummer on the first anniversary of his death. That gig took place on 12th December 2003 at The Junction in St. Pauls, Bristol where they performed twelve songs. Four years on, "London Calling" have come a long way since that night and now they are performing at The Fleece tonight in front of a dedicated crowd and some new faces to check out the show.
My knowledge of "The Clash" is what I have read about them over the years and owning some vinyl singles in my record collection, and here I am about to review one of the many tribute bands to them. Would they be able to recreate the excitement that happened when punk rock exploded onto the scene?
The back of the stage has a large graphic in black and white of a coach, people and police milling around and for some reason the Miners strike in Thatcherism Britain comes to mind. It sets the scene for rebellion and unrest in a way.
The show opens with "Complete Control", "Safe Euro Home" and "What's My Name". By the time we get to "Clampdown" the audience at the front of the stage start jumping and bounding around. After that the crowd on are the band's side including their fan base that have travelled all the way from Weston-Super-Mare. The audience is a mixture of those who remember "The Clash" first time around with some dressed the part and then the second generation who are discovering the punk era and absorbing what they can through bands such as "London Calling" and there is nothing wrong in that.
Vocally Reg Shaw in the role of Joe Strummer and Dan Heatley in the role of Mick Jones are strong but not sound-a-likes. They have their own identity and musicianship of all four is carried out with great conviction. They obviously enjoy what they do, even Mike Devine who takes the role of Paul Siminon takes one solo. Sam Evans has taken the stand in role tonight as the drummer Topper/Terry Chimes. He may be not have been born when "The Clash" began but he has spirit and if he wasn't a fan before he certainly is now!
There isn't much conversation or interaction between the band and audience but you don't get the chance to be bored as the show moves along at a fast and sometimes rebellious pace.
Songs such as "Janie Jones", "Brand New Cadillac", "Guns Of Brixton" and "White Man In Hammersmith Palais" are performed but it's "London Burning", "I Fought The Law" and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" that are highlights, capturing audience involvement and joining in with the chorus. The encore of "1977" and "White Riot" where one of their fans gets on stage to help with the vocals is a bit of a gem in itself and a fitting end to a fast paced performance.
It may be a bit rough around the edges but that's what it would have been like back in the late 70's and early 80's. "London Calling" did a performance they can be proud of but not so much of a tribute band genre. They are a band well worth checking out but they may not be everybody's cup of tea having spoken to several audience members. One or two said they remain 'Clash' fans but won't become 'London's Calling' fans whilst others remain fiercely loyal to the band they saw tonight.
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
The Wurzels Review
During the Summer I was lucky to see The Wurzels in fine fettle. Review will be posted 2nd/3rd November 2007 and taken from my catalogue of work.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Sgt. Pepper's Only Dart Board Band review. The Prom 8th Sept 2007
"Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band Make Sure We All Enjoy Their Show".
(The Prom, Bristol. Saturday 8th September 2007)
The opening song to Saturday night's show was "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the second line in the chorus is 'We hope you will enjoy the show'. With the venue packed I hoped the answer would be yes, after all if we didn't would they have a riot on their hands? And if there was would Sgt Pepper playing the keyboards that night be able to manoeuvre his troops out safely without anyone being harmed after all this was "Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band" who had been sent along to The Prom to entertain us all.
The band name alone is great tongue in cheek humour but the muscianship is highly professional, you couldn't fault it even if George Hare Singh-Song had a slight mishap with his guitar about fifteen minutes or so into the show. It turned out to be a faulty guitar lead and John Legend with his Liverpudlian accent kept the troops entertained with corny jokes and anecdotal stories whilst this minor hiccup was being sorted. It only goes to prove that these guys never panic and know how to entertain and get the audience eating out of their hands. I've seen bands fall apart with lesser incidents.
Being called 'Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band' and wearing similar costumes to the album sleeve, eight of the songs performed in the first half of the show came from "Sgt Pepper" and that was fitting tribute to a great album. We also learn that 'extra' band member Sgt Pepper is also a traffic warden in his spare time and had booked and clamped all the cars in the street that night! This led into the song "Lovely Rita". There was plenty of banter between Paul, Ringo, George and John, oh not forgetting Sgt Pepper too and dry sense of humour was the order of the evening.
There was a great performance of "Drive My Car" and "Penny Lane" was always one of my favourites. Again one of the many highlights of the night and included the Liverpudlian pronunciation by Paul McCoatoff of 'customer' in the song, that's how authentic they can be with the music and lyrics. The audience were singing along without any encouragement from the band and it all seemed rather natural and fun!
The second half of the performance opened with "I Am The Walrus" and the audience joined in with the 'Woo' parts of the song whilst Sgt Pepper played some rocking piano for "Lady Madonna".
One song threw me at the time because it was referred to as "Finale". It was only a minute or so into it I realised what they were doing. They were playing a series of songs that was sometimes referred as a medley from the "Abbey Road" album. As I attend the Beatles weekend in Liverpool on a regular basis I have only heard this played live once during the 'Album Performances' at the event a few years ago. It is a collection of album tracks loosely brought together featuring songs from "You Never Give Me Your Money" through to the track entitled "The End". "Mean Mr Mustard" has a great beat to it and "Golden Slumbers" adds a lovely touch to the whole proceedings, by the time they reached "Carry That Weight" the audience were back to full volume singing along. Many connoisseurs were obviously in the audience that night and welcomed it's addition to the set. Of course there was massive cheers and applause for Ringo Stallin's drum solo during this performance and it is well known the Beatles didn't go for these in a big way, the medley was the exception to the rule.
"Hey Jude" meant another sing along before launching into the rock 'n' roll section of the show with songs such as "Get Back", "Hard Days Night", "Back In The USSR" and "Twist And Shout". It didn't end there and the crowd wanted to continue to dance the night away so an encore of "Can't Buy Me Love" and "She Loves You" went down a storm. "If you loved us we are Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band and if you hated us we we're the Bootleg Beatles!" shouts John as they all left the stage.
Of course we all loved them. It was great fun. Alan and Lizzie whom I met the previous night at The Prom came back to see "Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band" just for the band name alone. They summed up the evening with just one word "Fantastic!" and they'll be back in December to see you guys again. Another two to add to your fan base and even more to follow I'm sure!
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
(The Prom, Bristol. Saturday 8th September 2007)
The opening song to Saturday night's show was "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the second line in the chorus is 'We hope you will enjoy the show'. With the venue packed I hoped the answer would be yes, after all if we didn't would they have a riot on their hands? And if there was would Sgt Pepper playing the keyboards that night be able to manoeuvre his troops out safely without anyone being harmed after all this was "Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band" who had been sent along to The Prom to entertain us all.
The band name alone is great tongue in cheek humour but the muscianship is highly professional, you couldn't fault it even if George Hare Singh-Song had a slight mishap with his guitar about fifteen minutes or so into the show. It turned out to be a faulty guitar lead and John Legend with his Liverpudlian accent kept the troops entertained with corny jokes and anecdotal stories whilst this minor hiccup was being sorted. It only goes to prove that these guys never panic and know how to entertain and get the audience eating out of their hands. I've seen bands fall apart with lesser incidents.
Being called 'Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band' and wearing similar costumes to the album sleeve, eight of the songs performed in the first half of the show came from "Sgt Pepper" and that was fitting tribute to a great album. We also learn that 'extra' band member Sgt Pepper is also a traffic warden in his spare time and had booked and clamped all the cars in the street that night! This led into the song "Lovely Rita". There was plenty of banter between Paul, Ringo, George and John, oh not forgetting Sgt Pepper too and dry sense of humour was the order of the evening.
There was a great performance of "Drive My Car" and "Penny Lane" was always one of my favourites. Again one of the many highlights of the night and included the Liverpudlian pronunciation by Paul McCoatoff of 'customer' in the song, that's how authentic they can be with the music and lyrics. The audience were singing along without any encouragement from the band and it all seemed rather natural and fun!
The second half of the performance opened with "I Am The Walrus" and the audience joined in with the 'Woo' parts of the song whilst Sgt Pepper played some rocking piano for "Lady Madonna".
One song threw me at the time because it was referred to as "Finale". It was only a minute or so into it I realised what they were doing. They were playing a series of songs that was sometimes referred as a medley from the "Abbey Road" album. As I attend the Beatles weekend in Liverpool on a regular basis I have only heard this played live once during the 'Album Performances' at the event a few years ago. It is a collection of album tracks loosely brought together featuring songs from "You Never Give Me Your Money" through to the track entitled "The End". "Mean Mr Mustard" has a great beat to it and "Golden Slumbers" adds a lovely touch to the whole proceedings, by the time they reached "Carry That Weight" the audience were back to full volume singing along. Many connoisseurs were obviously in the audience that night and welcomed it's addition to the set. Of course there was massive cheers and applause for Ringo Stallin's drum solo during this performance and it is well known the Beatles didn't go for these in a big way, the medley was the exception to the rule.
"Hey Jude" meant another sing along before launching into the rock 'n' roll section of the show with songs such as "Get Back", "Hard Days Night", "Back In The USSR" and "Twist And Shout". It didn't end there and the crowd wanted to continue to dance the night away so an encore of "Can't Buy Me Love" and "She Loves You" went down a storm. "If you loved us we are Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band and if you hated us we we're the Bootleg Beatles!" shouts John as they all left the stage.
Of course we all loved them. It was great fun. Alan and Lizzie whom I met the previous night at The Prom came back to see "Sgt Pepper's Only Dart Board Band" just for the band name alone. They summed up the evening with just one word "Fantastic!" and they'll be back in December to see you guys again. Another two to add to your fan base and even more to follow I'm sure!
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
Roxy Magic review. The Prom. 7th Sept 2007
"Roxy Magic cast their spell for a perfect evening".
(The Prom, Bristol. Friday 7th September 2007)
In case you haven't guessed already "Roxy Magic" is a tribute to 'Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music'. They are also my first review for "Tribute Heaven" and ideal choice to get things underway in positive light.
Everybody expects a tribute band to perform the 'Greatest Hits' on a night like this, after all most people know the hit singles, unless you are a fan in which case you do expect to hear more. And it is here that some bands and artistes can under estimate their audience. There are only so many times they will return to your 'Greatest Hits' show before boredom sets in and you loose them forever. Which is why you should revise and refresh your performances on a regular basis and not just stick to the well known songs. Some of the best tribute performances I have been to have included lesser known songs that weren't big hits at the time and album tracks and I have to say "Roxy Magic" belong in this category.
By nine o'clock 'The Prom' was packed and I have to say the venue has a friendly atmosphere. I'd made four new friends that night who'd come along just to see what "Roxy Magic" were like. By the end of the evening they were saying what a great night they had.
"Roxy Magic" took to the stage, all smartly dressed, an image 'Roxy Music' has. Kevin Hackett who is Bryan Ferry wore trademark black leather trousers, white shirt and white dinner jacket and looking at him Kevin bears a strong resemblance to the man himself. As the show progresses you begin to realise that Kevin has worked hard on the looks, mannerisms and voice that is Bryan Ferry and has captured that whole package. He certainly gets you doing a double take and some of the pictures I took that night catch the image overall and what a voice!
The first half opened with "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", a Bryan Ferry single from 1974. Unfortunately the smoke machine during the song was a little over enthusiastic but that didn't stray away from the quality of the sound and performance. Throughout, you are treated to Roxy Music songs and Bryan Ferry songs, with his solo career just as successful as the group. Sometimes it can be confusing, mixing the two together. And there were songs I didn't recognise such as 'If There Is Something', 'Ladytron', 'Re-Make/Re-Model' which showcased some of the greatest musicianship of the evening, 'Out Of The Blue' a great second half foot stomping opener, and 'Editions Of You' all album tracks taken from Roxy Music's first three album releases. That makes a refreshing change and in my opinion a major plus point for "Roxy Magic" as they are also thinking of the fans. They are not sticking with the tried and tested formula most do and certainly know their subject well. Both sets of the show were very well balanced indeed with rock, mid tempo and ballads. I don't think anyone left disappointed.
"Roxy Magic" work closely together as a team and on stage you could see they were also enjoying the evening. The performance of "Oh Yeah (On The Radio)" was frighteningly close to the real thing, "Slave To Love" was a superb performance all round and "Dance Away" was one of my favourites of the night. "Both Ends Burning" was full of enthusiasm and had a wonderful ending instrumentally that was met with loud applause from the audience. Throughout almost two hours John on guitar gave out the rock guitarist aurora. Bob on bass was at the back of the stage but you could hear his professionalism even though he wasn't that visible. Simon showed off his drumming skills in a couple of drum solos that goes to show the drummer has one of the most important roles in the band (yes I've heard about the drummer jokes!) and Paul became the easily missed maestro who was barely visible that night due to the size of stage. However, Sean who was on sax that night was enthusiasm itself and it was some of the best sax playing I had heard in ages!
Throughout the second half of the show people were dancing. "Virginia Plain" had the crowd joining in and "Jealous Guy" had some singing along. With two songs in the encore, because the audience wouldn't let "Roxy Magic" leave that easily, I would say the final song, "Let's Stick Together" was the song of the night. Everyone joined in and new friends I met that night, Jenny and Lucy, were up on stage with the band, Kevin giving gentle encouragement to sing the song. It was get fun and met with professionalism. How many bands could do an impromptu audience participation that was unplanned? Not many. A couple more took to the stage before "Roxy Magic" brought an end to the show which was met with loud applause and cheers of appreciation. A perfect evening of entertainment with real musicians and if you closed your eyes you could be easily convinced it was the real thing.
I have to say I would love to see this band at a bigger venue because vocally and musically I feel they have a lot more power in their performance to give. The Prom gives intimacy and approachability to anyone that performs at the venue and it keeps performers in touch with their audience, but it is not always possible to give your all in smaller venues where bands have to adapt their sound levels. Which begs the question: 'Would I see them again?' The simple answer is .... yes!
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
(The Prom, Bristol. Friday 7th September 2007)
In case you haven't guessed already "Roxy Magic" is a tribute to 'Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music'. They are also my first review for "Tribute Heaven" and ideal choice to get things underway in positive light.
Everybody expects a tribute band to perform the 'Greatest Hits' on a night like this, after all most people know the hit singles, unless you are a fan in which case you do expect to hear more. And it is here that some bands and artistes can under estimate their audience. There are only so many times they will return to your 'Greatest Hits' show before boredom sets in and you loose them forever. Which is why you should revise and refresh your performances on a regular basis and not just stick to the well known songs. Some of the best tribute performances I have been to have included lesser known songs that weren't big hits at the time and album tracks and I have to say "Roxy Magic" belong in this category.
By nine o'clock 'The Prom' was packed and I have to say the venue has a friendly atmosphere. I'd made four new friends that night who'd come along just to see what "Roxy Magic" were like. By the end of the evening they were saying what a great night they had.
"Roxy Magic" took to the stage, all smartly dressed, an image 'Roxy Music' has. Kevin Hackett who is Bryan Ferry wore trademark black leather trousers, white shirt and white dinner jacket and looking at him Kevin bears a strong resemblance to the man himself. As the show progresses you begin to realise that Kevin has worked hard on the looks, mannerisms and voice that is Bryan Ferry and has captured that whole package. He certainly gets you doing a double take and some of the pictures I took that night catch the image overall and what a voice!
The first half opened with "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", a Bryan Ferry single from 1974. Unfortunately the smoke machine during the song was a little over enthusiastic but that didn't stray away from the quality of the sound and performance. Throughout, you are treated to Roxy Music songs and Bryan Ferry songs, with his solo career just as successful as the group. Sometimes it can be confusing, mixing the two together. And there were songs I didn't recognise such as 'If There Is Something', 'Ladytron', 'Re-Make/Re-Model' which showcased some of the greatest musicianship of the evening, 'Out Of The Blue' a great second half foot stomping opener, and 'Editions Of You' all album tracks taken from Roxy Music's first three album releases. That makes a refreshing change and in my opinion a major plus point for "Roxy Magic" as they are also thinking of the fans. They are not sticking with the tried and tested formula most do and certainly know their subject well. Both sets of the show were very well balanced indeed with rock, mid tempo and ballads. I don't think anyone left disappointed.
"Roxy Magic" work closely together as a team and on stage you could see they were also enjoying the evening. The performance of "Oh Yeah (On The Radio)" was frighteningly close to the real thing, "Slave To Love" was a superb performance all round and "Dance Away" was one of my favourites of the night. "Both Ends Burning" was full of enthusiasm and had a wonderful ending instrumentally that was met with loud applause from the audience. Throughout almost two hours John on guitar gave out the rock guitarist aurora. Bob on bass was at the back of the stage but you could hear his professionalism even though he wasn't that visible. Simon showed off his drumming skills in a couple of drum solos that goes to show the drummer has one of the most important roles in the band (yes I've heard about the drummer jokes!) and Paul became the easily missed maestro who was barely visible that night due to the size of stage. However, Sean who was on sax that night was enthusiasm itself and it was some of the best sax playing I had heard in ages!
Throughout the second half of the show people were dancing. "Virginia Plain" had the crowd joining in and "Jealous Guy" had some singing along. With two songs in the encore, because the audience wouldn't let "Roxy Magic" leave that easily, I would say the final song, "Let's Stick Together" was the song of the night. Everyone joined in and new friends I met that night, Jenny and Lucy, were up on stage with the band, Kevin giving gentle encouragement to sing the song. It was get fun and met with professionalism. How many bands could do an impromptu audience participation that was unplanned? Not many. A couple more took to the stage before "Roxy Magic" brought an end to the show which was met with loud applause and cheers of appreciation. A perfect evening of entertainment with real musicians and if you closed your eyes you could be easily convinced it was the real thing.
I have to say I would love to see this band at a bigger venue because vocally and musically I feel they have a lot more power in their performance to give. The Prom gives intimacy and approachability to anyone that performs at the venue and it keeps performers in touch with their audience, but it is not always possible to give your all in smaller venues where bands have to adapt their sound levels. Which begs the question: 'Would I see them again?' The simple answer is .... yes!
Kathryn Courtney-O'Neill
Copyright: Kacey-O'Neill (c) 2007. All written work and photos not to be used without my permission.
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