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The
first night of the clocks going back and the mists and darkness
started early. The
Robin 2 clad in scaffolding was a welcoming sight and the queues
to get in set the scene for an unforgettable night.
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| On
stage |
Surrey
boy Micky Kemp was support for the night, and he played a great
set to warm up the crowd. Some slow acoustic numbers, some bluesy
guitar playing and some out and out country proved a hit with the
audience.
Songs
from his CDs and future recordings are becoming crowd pleasers in
their own right, and Micky is really establishing himself as a live
performer. He has tremendous stage presence, and a very self-effacing
charm and personality which is very infectious.
Talking
about infectious, those nasty hallowe'en witches played a trick
on poor old Southside Johnny. No sooner had he taken to the stage,
a couple of songs into the set he had to make a hasty exit with
a case of the Spanish trots!
He
came back a few minutes later to let us know what was going on.
"I'm
sorry guys I can't do this, if you want your money back just ask,
I love you all but I'm not feeling well and I can't do this tonight,"
he said, along with a few graphic descriptions of his condition!
"Bobby
take over, man, it's yours. The band'll play for as long as you
want them too." With that, Johnny left the stage.
So
quite unexpectedly, Bobby Bandiera was centre stage and he wowed
the audience who didn't leave and didn't want a refund. Sure, we'd
gone to see Southside, but Bobby Bandiera and the Jukes's are a
must-see for any fans of the New Jersey shore/ Asbury Park music
scene.
Bobby's
guitar playing ranges from softness and light, to bluesy and downright
dirty. Highlights were Monkey In The Middle, Caroline, Claudine
and of course Havin' A Party.
There
was an incredible version of Bruce Springsteen's State Trooper with
the addition of the horns giving it the wow factor. A blistering
hot version of Hoochie Coochie Man was just stunning, but it's not
often I'm lost for words.
Bobby
played a version of Neil Young's Like A Hurricane that left me totally
speechless and blown away. Apart from this being one of my all time
favourite songs, Bobby played such an incendiary solo that took
the song to new heights. It was just stunning.
There
were songs to dance to, songs to sing to and it was just a fabulous
night of Jersey rock 'n' roll from one of the greatest bar bands
you're ever likely to see.
Of
course Johnny was missed, but Bobby and his guitar were just fantastic
and I'm looking forward to his next tour already. Get well soon
Johnny and catch you next time.
Written
by Gaynor Andrews
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