Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Double Show at Jazz Café London - 26 Nov 2006

Jazz Café London 26 Nov 2006

Afternoon show:
Bob Geldof, Suzanne Wyman, Jerry Hall and other celebrities were among the audience. We spotted also Geraint Watkins' family in the crowd. The club was packed but we managed to stand 2nd row which was ok, as the stage was very small and the amps rather close. I felt like a sardine (and so did the band because of the very small stage, but they enjoyed themselves and had a lot of fun). Wrong shoes which were killing us, we took them off from time to time. When the RKs started at cyberspeed, the people who sat at tables on the upper floor jumped to their feet and suddenly the whole place was rocking. Luckily cameras were allowed and I saw Bob Geldof taking pictures from the gallery. Despite our poor feet we were dancing away and had a great time. Met 2 ladies from the UK (basically Stones fans but enjoyed the Rhythm Kings as well) who started chatting and asking us questions. They were obviously amused that we enjoyed ourselves to the limit. When the afternoon show was over, the place was cleared and we had to leave and queue again for the 2nd show. Treated us with some hot coffee and waited for the doors to open again.

Evening show:
We hurried up and got VERY VERY front row! One guy was already there whom we had met at the RK's Royal Albert Hall Gig in April this year: He's a big Andy fan and told us he had seen Andy in his solo show a few days ago. When RKs came up, Bill noticed us and said "good evening girls" and then they started playing at full speed again. Play list was almost identical to that one in the afternoon. As I had Frank and Nick right in front of me, I thought well, I'll be certainly deaf after the gig but who cares. We were happy to have a wonderful view at Graham behind his drums as everybody was so close. The playlist for the evening show was almost identical, just "TILL I GAIN CONTROL" was added to the set. Great show, lovely guys. People liked the Everly song excellently performed by Bev & Albert. The slow songs were good to take our shoes off for a while allowing our poor feet a rest! "Tear it up" was a neckbreaking and all of us were covered with confetti!

Later we said bye-bye to Bill, Tony, Albert and also to Peter Baron who was at the show - and had another special drink before we jumped on the last tube to Euston. Wow - what a great night out!

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Picturedrome Holmfirth - 25 Nov 2006

Line-up:
Nick Payn, Frank Mead, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor, Geraint Watkins, Andy Fairweather Low, Bill himself of course, and special guest Eddie Floyd

For more photos, click on the picture to the left.

Review from: Gudrun, originally sent: 28/11/2006 19:31

Long way to Holmfirth in the North, lovely landscape but no time to stop and take some photos as we arrived rather late and had to get ready for the gig. Our hotel was in Huddersfield and the venue was difficult to find in rain and wind, but eventually we made it. The venue turned out to be an old cinema, partly seated. The support was John Acoustic Smith and would be with the RKs on other gigs, so we might see him again next weekend in Salisbury and Preston. When the main act came up we sneaked to the front row and were happy to stand right in the centre with excellent view. Bill came and introduced the band members. Spotting us, he waved and said "hi" as did Terry, Bev, Albert and some of the others which was really kind. Beverley wore her lovely nightblue dress which looked great. The 'flu was completely gone and they all were in best shape. The audience was in good spirits as well and sang a belated "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU" for Bill who celebrated his birthday on 24th October, we don't want to mention the year ;-) . 

Needless to say that the gig was fantastic although the set list was a tad shorter than usual. The horn section was outstanding, and 'Flatfoot Sam' was received with great enthusiasm, partly thanks to Frank's duckwalk and his terrific sax playing. Georgie Fame wasn't with them but Andy Fairweather Low was, which meant a slight change in the playlist. "I shall not be moved" was on, which I dig, especially the instrumental part in the middle when he and Albert played their guitars in a very special way. Bev and Andy's Haarlem Shuffle was another favourite of mine. Later, after a brief chat with the band members, we had a huge drink at the bar which set us up for the long way back through wind and rain - not to mention our aching feet.

Bill had a special job to do in the afternoon.

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner wrote:

Ex-Stone switches on lights November 27, 2006

HOLMFIRTH had the jingle bells and the rock when it welcomed in Christmas on Saturday. Rock legend Bill Wyman turned on the town's spectacular lights. Performing the grand switch-on, the former Rolling Stone wished his captivated audience a happy Christmas. The star was in town to play a sell-out concert at the Picturedrome. An original member of the Rolling Stones, Bill played bass guitar with the band for more than 30 years. After leaving the Stones in 1993, he went on to form The Rhythm Kings, who he now tours with. Bill said he was pleased to be in Holmfirth for the very first time in his career. He said: "I've not been to Holmfirth before - I played in Huddersfield back in the days with the Stones. But it's good to be here to switch on the lights: the town looks quite pretty. "I've never switched on Christmas lights before!" Bill said he and his band were on the last week of their five week UK tour. He was looking forward to playing the Picturedrome. He said: "We've got a great following, and not just in the UK. We've done shows in America and we've got fans in Germany. It's good to play the Picturedrome. It only seats 600 people, but I like having a really close audience as it makes the performance more intimate.

I thought that would be fun. That's where I started, in venues like that. "I always look forward to performances. I love the band and the music."

More than 1,000 people braved the bitter cold to take part in the festivities on the night.

Rolling Drunks 'PUKKA BLOKES' - Review aus "Gitarre und Bass"

Danke an Georg :Grimm fürs Zuschicken

REVIEW “GITARRE & BASS” VOM 13.11.2006:

“Bodenstandiger Heavy-Rock mal anders: Die Rolling Drunks aus Karlsruhe prasentieren sich auf ihrem mittlerweile siebten Album “Pukka Blokes” ganz akustisch, und das hat eine interessante Vorgeschichte. Im Frühjahr dieses Jahres war die Band als Support-Act fur den legendaren Country-Picker Albert Lee & seine Hogan’s Heroes unterwegs. Und damit das Ganze musikalisch auch schon harmonierte, entschloss man sich, das Rolling-Drunks-Hard-&-Heavy-Programm unzupluggen, was auch nahelag, da die Musiker schon langer die Aufnahme einiger Acoustic-Versionen eigener Songs im Hinterkopf hatte.

Dass Albert Lee Gefallen an der Performance fand und spontan zusagte, bei einigen Titeln im Studio mitzuspielen, war dann naturlich der große Wurf fur die drei Hardrocker.

Herausgekommen ist eine CD, die wunderbar die intime Atmosphare einer Akustik-Session transportiert und naturlich von Master Alberts Spiel gekront wird. Echte Musik - echte Typen.”

- Lothar Trampert -

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Floral Pavilion New Brighton - 11 Nov 2006

18th International Guitar Festival, New Brighton

Featuring:
Bill Wyman - bass, vocals
Beverley Skeete - vocals, percussion
Albert Lee - guitar, keyboards, vocals
Terry Taylor - guitar, vocals
Geraint Watkins, key, accordion, vocals
Nick Payn - saxophone, flute, harmonica, backgr vocals
Frank Mead - saxophone, harmonica, clarinet, percussion
Graham Broad - drums, backgr vocals
Special guest:
Eddie Floyd, voc.


My review:
New Brighton Guitar Festival, Floral Pavilion, 11 Nov 2006.
Long way to Liverpool where we treated us with an excellent hotel. The bill almost killed us but it was all worth while. Enough time to relax, take photos and have a few drinks before heading to the gig. Rain, grey sky and strong winds in Liverpool !

The venue was far from our hotel, and we arrived late. The support act Dean Johnson had a home game being a local from the Wirral and got much applause. Good seats, stalls again, photos not allowed but people didn't care and so we thought we'd take a chance. No changes to the set list, but we were happy to have "Flatfood Sam" back on the list as this is one of our favourites. I think people next to us were amused to see us enjoy the show so much but we didn't care and had a fantastic time. Nick and Frank did some new funny movements, but the stage wasn't big enough ....

Standing ovations at the end.  Thanks to Bill and the band for the wining and chatting after the show and the lift back to our hotel. Next morning a huge breakfast set us up for the day, then checking out and heading back to the Channel Tunnel. Not for long though -  back soon to catch the last gigs of the year.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Royal & Derngate Northampton - 10 Nov 2006

Featuring:
Bill Wyman - bass, voc
Beverley Skeete - voc, perc
Albert Lee - guitar, key, voc
Terry Taylor - guitar, voc
Andy Fairweather Low, git, voc
Nick Payn - sax., flute, harmonica, backgr voc
Frank Mead - sax., harmonica, clarinet, perc.
Geraint Watkins - keyboards, acc.
Graham Broad - drums, backgr voc

Special guest:
Eddie Floyd, voc.

  
My review:
Late arrival on a wet day in Northampton, luckily the venue was close-by. We had bad luck with our tickets as my order was messed up. They wanted to seat  us on the circle but fortunately this could be sorted and we finally got stalls, not too close, but good sight. Photos allowed.

Fantastic atmosphere and a superb show! The playlist was pretty much the same as in Cheltenham. Beverley wore a long dark evening gown with sparkles we had seen in Holland before, stunning! Frank did "Flatfoot Sam" in a fantastic way and did his duckwalk up and down the stage but unfortunately people were glued to their seats and didn't respond as expected. The band were in good mood, having fun and picking at each other (tongue in cheek). When Bill did his "You never can tell", Ines and I got up and danced in the aisle. Performance was so good that even the security people came in watching the show and having fun. The Everly song CRYING IN THE RAIN with Albert on piano and vocals, Beverley on vocals and Terry on guitar was a killer. Standing ovations at the end. We left in heavy wind and rain.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Cheltenham Town Hall - 09 Nov 2006 / and a visit to Brian Jones's gravesite next day

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Cheltenham Town Hall - 09 Nov 2006 / and a visit to Brian Jones's gravesite next day

Featuring:
Bill Wyman - bass, vocals
Beverley Skeete - vocals, percussion
Albert Lee - guitar, keyboards, vocals
Terry Taylor - guitar, vocals
Geraint Watkins, key, accordion, vocals
Nick Payn - saxophone, flute, harmonica, backgr vocals
Frank Mead - saxophone, harmonica, clarinet, percussion
Graham Broad - drums, backgr vocals

Special guest:
Eddie Floyd, voc.

From: Gudrun, originally sent: 14/11/2006 15:50
Where to start? Thursday night heading towards Calais, the Channel Tunnel driving the night away - straight to the west, passing parts of Holland, Belgium, France - all in one go, just one break for a quick brekkie. Arrived at the tunnel approx.10 h next morning. The terminal was quite disappointing, a huge area, but a dead place, just a handful of cars apart from us and some buses and lorries. First time I used this way crossing the Channel - not the cheapest way and you don't really save much time compared to the ferry crossing. The crossing took 40 minutes to Folkstone, and I tried not to think of all the water on top of me! Then carrying on towards Cheltenham on a sunny morning, busy streets, but no jams until we reached the A40 near Oxford, the last part of the journey was the most exhausting.

Cheltenham Town Hall was fortunately in walking distance, old-fashioned but stylish. Needless to say that the band were brilliant, but the tight security didn't allow any photos. Each band member was on top form. "Muleskinner" was fantastic, with Georgie helping out on drums and Graham joining on vocals. Bev wore a nice bright dress plus red stilettos, her voice was ok again so she could do an outstanding version of her "Spell". Great applause at the end and confetti rain for Albert during "Tear it up". Later we were happy to be invited for a drink & chats. Some other guests were backstage, mostly friends of Bill's, among them Brian Jones' daughter with her little boy who looked amazingly like Brian. Albert's daughter Becky was there with her child, also a fellow fan from Frankfurt, Dieter.

I was lucky to finally get my book "Stone Alone" signed by Bill with personal dedication. Also got my Heads Hands & Feet CD "Home from home" signed by Albert. Later we helped Tony clearing the buffet and carrying some stuff to their bus. Then calling it a night and getting some sleep.

Brian Jones' Gravesite, Cheltenham Cemetery - 10 Nov 2006

A quick visit to the Cemetery before leaving Cheltenham towards our next destination. There were lots of fresh flowers and notes on the site brought by fans from all over the world.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Lowry Salford - 05 Nov 2006

Rock & Soul Tour 2006
Line-up:
Nick Payn, Frank Mead, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor, Geraint Watkins, Georgie Fame,  Bill himself of course
+ special guest Eddie Floyd.


My review:
Quite a ride to Manchester, busy streets and I arrived late afternoon only. Caroline was right, it took me more than 3 hours getting there from Basingstoke, also lots of obstacles on the road, e.g. a herd of cattle blocking my way for quite some time. Luckily my hotel was at the Salford Quays (beautiful sight by the way) and in walking distance to the venue.

All band members aboard again but still not 100 % well. The set list was slightly different, Georgie started with "I got a woman" after he complained (with tongue in cheek) that they had forgotten to plug his organ on " .... you can't leave this band alone for 24 hours...." As soon as the technical problems were solved, it all went well. They were in good mood, picking on each other, obviously having much fun. Being from the Manchester area, Georgie was received with extra applause. Bill laughed during his "All night long" and mixed up the lyrics of Chuck Berry's "You never can tell". Frank was great blowing the horn. I was pleased that Georgie and Graham did "Days like this" as I like the lyrics. One of my favourites "Crying in the rain" done by Albert on piano and Bev on vocals was so good and got cheers and extra applause. Bev's "Spell" was excellent as well and of course "Tear it up" finally brought everyone to their feet.

Now taking some rest and preparing for Cheltenham on Thursday.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Anvil Basingstoke - 04 Nov 2006

Roots Rock & Soul Tour 2006 (UK)

Line-up: Nick Payn, Frank Mead, Graham Broad, Albert Lee, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor, Geraint Watkins, Bill himself of course, and special guest Eddie Floyd - Georgie Fame and Andy Fairweather Low took part only in some of the gigs.

Support:  Dean Johnson from Liverpool


My review:
Arrived in good time, nice weather in Basingstoke. My local stay was the Red Lion which was in walking distance to the venue. Later Caroline and son dropped by for a drink which was really nice. We should have taken a photo which occurred to me too late - and talked about Mike, the RKs and everything connected with our favourite topics. Shame that Caroline couldn't find a babysitter that night, so no show for her.

Seats were ok, 3rd row but on the side, so it was difficult to see those on the left side of the stage. tHE Venue was very busy, I didn't spot any free seats. Some people were dressed up nicely. Dean Johnson, from Liverpool did the support again. Then Bill came on and did his usual jokes. They had great problems 'cause almost everybody had the 'flu - Georgie Fame couldn't make it at all. The set list was a bit different, 'Maggie's farm' by Geraint - never on the list before - should become a regular song in the set. Bev wore a stunning outfit with killer shoes. She wasn't well either but gave her very best. When Albert was on piano, doing 'Till I gain control' Bill went offstage for a quick fag.

Fantastic show despite all the health probs. The horns were so good although both Nick and Frank suffered from a bad cold, bless them. Terry was completely unwell but managed to do the whole show.  Photos with flash were allowed but mine came out only low-key.

Caroline's mum April spotted me in the crowd when we were about to leave. We had a brief chat, she said that she enjoyed the show very much. Nice to see her, we first met some time back at Mike Sanchez' Xmas party in Buriton.

Very poor photos only so no album this time, just a quick shot and the setlist below.

Comment from: thisisjuanitatoo (Beryl), originally sent: 07/11/2006
That was an excellent report from someone who must be SO tired Gudrun, glad you had a great time and it was nice that you met up with Caroline & her mum. We are all really looking forward to seeing the band again, as it's ages since we had the pleasure. Will tell you how it went to-morrow. Take care and rest up for your next big adventure, which knowing you won't be far ahead. Love from Beryl and all at Guru.

Setlist: