Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Botley Hill Farm - 30 Sep 2007

Botley Hill Farm near Warlingham

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc

Guest: 
Wayne Lee (for the encore)


2nd gig at Botley Hill Farm in 2007. The place was sold-out as usual, and I was given a seat at the bands table. Met Derek Watts and partner Gerry there who wrote Albert's biography. We had a lot to talk about and Derek told me that the book is almost finished and will be out in spring 2008.

Not many photos taken, but a great atmosphere and a lot of fun at Botley Hill! Wayne Lee joined for the encore and they all tore the place down.



Set List (not complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Till I gain control again
Breathless

Set 2
That's Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy
Encore:
Tear it Up

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Six More Gigs in Norway - September 2007

Couldn't make either of the gigs, but collected bits and pieces from the press/web.

Banken Kulturhus, Lillehammer, Norway - 12 Sep 2007

Gig at Banken Kulturhus, Lillehammer - 12 Sep 2007 
A gig without Albert who was on tour with Hogan's Heroes. Bill was interviewed by a Norwegian newspaper. 

Husnes Kulturhus, Norway - 18 Sep 2007

Husnes photo from newspaper "Dagbladet", there was also a review about the show, but in Norwegian only. Albert Lee was not playing this gig due to other obligations.

Braatthallen, Kristiansund - 21 Sep 2007

Advert for the gig on 21 September 2007 at Braatthallen Kristiansund, Norway

Kulturhus Oppdal, Norway - 23 Sep 2007

Great gig at Kulturhus with Albert in the line-up.
Norwegian comment: "VIRTOUST Albert Lee; gitarthelt med 47 års sceneerfaring som var konsertens mest toneangivende" - nothing to add !

Advert in Norwegian only. All I could get is that 400 people attended the Sunday gig in Oppdal and it was a complete sell-out. Albert got a special mention: "virtuoso and guitar hero Albert Lee with 47 years experience mostly set the pace during the concert".
Click on the flyer to enlarge.







Tromsoe, Rica Hall - 29 Sep 2007

Tromsoe was the northern most point of their tour. Photo by Per Kristian Olsen for NRK.no. The gig was without Albert as he was playing with Hogan's Heroes in the UK.

Right photo:
Bill was much in demand for newspapers and radio interviews. This is a photo taken from a Norwegian newspaper.
 

Finnses, Norway - 30 Sep 2007

Rhythm Kings Scandinavian Tour, gig at Finnsnes, Norway, 30 Sep 2007 (without Albert):  Newspaper  Folkbladet.no Satser stort på Wyman 
"Bare 150 entusiaster fant veien til kulturhussalen på Finnsnes for å høre og se musiker-legenden Bill Wyman søndag kveld."

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, Roxzone & The White Horse Bognor Regis - 29 Sep 2007

Roxzone & The White Horse, Bognor Regis

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes Gig at Roxzone & The White Horse in Bognor Regis and some sightseeing photos.

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc

Met up with Jilly and both of us enjoyed the show despite poor seating. The gig was arranged by Pete Feenstra. I don't remember too many details just that the last song was COUNTRY BOY and no encores were given as they were running out of time and the venue was located in a residential area.
Also, no photos due to lack of a good camera and a very dark venue.

My stay in Bognor Regis was right opposite the waterfront, and next morning I enjoyed a stroll on the Promenade before carrying on to my next destination.


Set List (not complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Till I gain control again
Breathless

Set 2
That's Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

- no encore -

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Diamond, Sutton-in-Ashfield - 28 Sep 2007

The Diamond, Sutton-in-Ashfield - 28 Sep 2007
Another gig in September and the first one for the band at this lovely venue which is a real gem. The Diamond also offers (moderate) accommodation, and the corridor walls are plastered with all kind of posters and photos from bands who played there. Most of the bands who played the Diamond in the past were cover-bands ... but here are 'the real' Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes.

Met up with Sarah from Sheffield and we had a great time after some shopping in the afternoon.  Among the audience was Geoff from The Stetson, Ravenshead. We didn't meet then but he should turn up again the following year and his visits would result in booking the band for The Stetson (Village Hall Ravenshead near Nottingham) where they should become regulars.

Band:
Albert Lee - git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc


Set List (not complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it Off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Till I gain control again
Breathless
Set 2
That is Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes,The Musician Leicester - 27 Sep 2007

The Musician, Leicester


Brief review: Met up with Sarah at The Musician Leicester. It was my 2nd visit at this venue. We managed to get close to the stage and enjoyed the show. Albert had a jet lag as he had flown in from Norway the day before where he was touring with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings. The Musician was packed as usual and the band delivered a great performance. Later I was lucky to get some photos signed I had taken earlier. Unfortunately no proper photos possible, so here are just a few.

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, accordion, voc




Set List (not complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it Off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Till I gain control again
Breathless

Set 2
That is Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

Leicester, 27 Sep 2007 (mein dritter Besuch in dieser nicht sehr ansehnlichen Stadt). Leicester hinterließ bleibende Erinnerungen, und nicht unbedingt die besten. Die Gigs waren jedoch immer Spitze, sei es bei den Rhythm Kings oder Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes. Wir sollten noch öfter herkommen  ... jedes Mal ein Abenteuer.
Foto: Blick aus dem Fenster des fürchterlichen Hotels ... noch fürchterlichere Sachen sollten allerdings beim nächsten Besuch in genau dieser Bleibe passieren.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings at Mosjøen Kulturhus, Norge - 25 and 26 Sep 2007

Norwegian fans qeueing for tickets in Mosjoen, where the next 2 RKs shows took place on 25 + 26 Sep. 200 tickets were sold in the first 30 minutes.

Mosjøen photo taken from Norwegian newspaper "Helgeland Arbeiderblad". The first gig included Albert in the line-up, the second gig next day was without him.

Lords of the St(rings) ;-) Photo and comment from Norwegian newspaper "Helgeland Arbeiderblad", in Norwegian only but what I could get is that it was a great gig, 300 people attending, 2 hours of music, full house. Bill kept mainly in the background and hardly moved a muscle, the author is pleased that this great band consisting of older musicians (!) plays such an excellent music, it's not a question of age (what we already knew), could only guess the rest, but it's all positive.

Another comment from TILBAKETRUKKET: Bill Wyman har muligens begrenset behov for oppmerksomhet. Blåserne Nick Payne (t.h.) og Frank Mead, Geraint Watkins på trekkspill og gitarist Terry Taylor sto for showet under konserten i Mosjøen kulturhus.

And about Albert: Not difficult to guess what this means - "GITARHELT: Mange hadde nok kommet for å høre Albert Lee briljere på gitar. Her framfører han kveldens siste nummer."

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Studio Hartlepool - 18 Sep 2007

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc


The Studio was a lovely old Baptist church, you could still see the coloured window panes. Met up with Sarah as well as Beryl and the Darlington gang and we all had a great time. Trying to find Alan in the crowd but unsuccessful. Unfortunately it was much too dark for proper photos so just a handful of low-key shots.


From: thisisjuanitatoo, Originally sent: 18/09/2007
That all sounds brilliant Gudrun, I'm wondering if Alan was at Hartlepool too - so Alan if you read this please put us out of our misery. Beryl.

Well, we finally met up with Alan some time later at The Lancastrian Suite Dunston, a gig set up by the lovely Jim Tait.



Set List (not quite complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it Off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Till I gain control again
Breathless


Set 2
That is Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Carnival Inn Barton-upon-Humber - 16 Sep 2007

Review from: Gudrun, Originally sent: 17/09/2007 22:26



Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

 Down from Berwick to Barton close to Hull where I had a stay at the end of the Humber Bridge which looked impressive. Strong winds also here but that didn't prevent me from walking around a bit and taking some photos. Then crossing the Bridge to Barton where the gig took place in the Carnival Inn, small venue upstairs with a small stage, but lovely people. We stood hours for our drinks as the barman was by himself and obviously couldn't handle the many beer orders... Sarah rolled up her sleeves and helped out at the bar which caused Peter a laugh ! But she did a good job. Could catch a free chair in the 2nd row where I had a fantastic view at the stage. From the beginning, thundering applauses for the band. Everyone liked them and were very responding. The boys enjoyed playing, which everybody could see, Elio hammered on the piano as if there's no tomorrow. First time he played there, but he was received with great applause. There was a little change in the set, and instead of the Beach Boys song they did "Till I gain control again" with Albert on keys and Elio on accordion which was so beautiful and different from the way they did it earlier.

The gig was absolutely fantastic and the boys had to sign a lot of stuff already during the break as well as after the show. Later - after midnight - it was sound engineer Adam's 25th (!) birthday and Sue and the band threw him a little party, where we all sang him HAPPY BIRTHDAY with Elio playing the accordion. A lot of fun and good laughs for all! I was a little bit sad as it was my last gig for a while, but had such a good time. Thank you so much guys and see you again soon - not many gigs left for this year, though.


Set List (not complete and not always in the right order)
Road Runner
Rock Around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it Off 
Fool's Gold
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag 
Only with you  Till I gain control again
Breathless
Set 2
That is Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Hound Dog
Tear it up

______________________________


I found a late review on the gig in Barton-upon-Humber, The Carnival Inn, written by a blogger for the Daily Telegraph. Elio got a special mention there and the author shot even a photo. I noticed from the angle that he sat on the right side of my row, while I was sitting to the left:

Just because you can: support live music! 
Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes cuttin' it at Barton.
'Just because my hair is pearly,
Just because my teeth are curly... ' Or something like that. 
We should all get out and support live music - at least now and again!
Went out with friends last night to see the peerless guitarist/ singer Albert Lee with his band Hogan's Heroes. And a great show it was, too. Albert, who's worked with The Crickets, Everlys, Emmylou and Clapton, to name just a few, was on top form, as always, as were the others. But a special mention for Elio Pace, who's taken over from Pete Wingfield on piano. Absolutely brilliant. Even matched Albert for virtuosity on a blistering version of 'Country Boy'. If good-time rock 'n' roll, with a bit of rhythm 'n' blues and country does it for you, then these are the boys. And they're probably appearing not far from you soon.
Posted by ifitsoundscountry at 12:53 on 17 Sep 2007

Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes, The Maltings Berwick-upon-Tweed - 15 Sep 2007

The Maltings Berwick-upon-Tweed

Band:
Albert Lee, git, voc, key
Gerry Hogan, steel guitar, git
Peter Baron, drums, voc
Brian Hodgson, bass, backgr voc
Elio Pace, key, acc, voc

My review:
From Hartlepool further up to the North towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. This band leads me to so many interesting places! Wish the weather was better as there were strong winds. Berwick is a picturesque old town with walls around it, my stay was close to the venue which came in handy. I took a stroll in the afternoon and then got ready for the gig. It was a sit-down gig and the theatre looked posh but very nice. My seat was 3rd row which was actually the front row as the first 2 rows were not sold due to the high stage. Almost a sell-out. I had an excellent view, and the sound was good, I remember that Gerry played an incredible steel on "One Way Rider". Lots of applause after each solo by the audience who were very responsive. When it was time for the encore, and the Elvis songs came on, Albert introduced someone in the audience, who turned out to be the legendary Jerry Scheff, bass player of Elvis Presley. Albert said he had toured with him in Texas some time back, and everyone gave Jerry a nice hand. I met him later in the foyer and he was kind enough to give me an autograph, even asked for my name and was very friendly. Said he was there with his children who took all his money off him ;-))
Lots of photos were taken, I didn't have the courage to ask Jerry for one but I took one of Sarah and him, luckily I didn't spoil it.

Living in Berwick, Sue was on her home turf and she was given a lovely bouquet of roses. Sue's son Robin & wife were there, whom I had met in Edinburgh at earlier gigs..

Before I left next morning, I did some sightseeing, walking on the dyke close to the Elizabethian walls, found an old church and another weathered cemetary with incredibly old and washed-out grave stones. Also went to the seaside where the cross winds almost blew me away. I took some photos and enjoyed the morning before setting off to my next destination.


Set List (incomplete and not always in the right order):

Road Runner
Rock around with Ollie Vee
Pulling it Off
Fool's Gold 
Brandnew heartache
Tiger Rag
Crying in the rain
Breathless
Set 2
That is Rock'n Roll
Hanging on
A Man of constant sorrow
Wake up screaming
One way rider
Dimming of the day
Country Boy

Encore:
Don't
Hound Dog
Tear it up



About Jerry Scheff:
Jerry Obern Scheff is an American bassist, perhaps best known for his work with Elvis Presley in the early 1970s as a member of his TCB Band and his work on The Doors final recordings.
Scheff grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. After serving in the U.S. Navy he returned to California, ending up in Los Angeles as a session musician. His first big break was The Association's "Along Comes Mary" (1966), and that success led to numerous other record appearances: Bobby Sherman, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Rivers, Neil Diamond, Nancy Sinatra, Pat Boone, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Vinton, The Everly Brothers, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In 1971 he appeared on L.A. Woman, the final album recorded by The Doors with Jim Morrison.
In the early 1970s Scheff became a member of Elvis Presley's touring TCB Band. He appeared in Aloha from Hawaii (Elvis' 1973 live television concert) and continued working with Presley until his death.
In later years Scheff worked with Willy DeVille, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Elvis Costello, Sam Phillips, Richard Thompson, and many other artists. Scheff also was a bassist for Southern Pacific from 1983 to 1986. He also participated in the 1987 cable television concert Roy Orbison and Friends, A Black and White Night. Scheff is still touring, often with former members of Elvis' TCB band. In June 2009 he gave a sold out performance in Breda, Netherlands with the remaining TCB band members.
Jerry Scheff has two sons: Jason and Darin Scheff. Jason Scheff has been the bassist for the band Chicago since 1985; he co-wrote the song "Bigger Than Elvis" as a tribute to his father.
from: wikipedia1


About Jerry Scheff (German):
Jerry Scheff ist ein US-amerikanischer Musiker. Er ist vornehmlich als Bassgitarrist bekannt. Scheff wuchs in der San Francisco Bay auf. Nach seiner Militaerzeit bei der US Navy ging er ans San Diego State College, wobei er seinen Unterhalt als Musiker in Hotelbands verdiente. Als bei einer Tour in Palm Springs das Hotel abbrannte und dabei die gesamten Instrumente zerstoert wurden, beschloss er nach Los Angeles zu ziehen. Dort arbeitete er als Studiomusiker.
1966 nahm Scheff mit der Gesangsgruppe The Association deren Debuetalbum „And Then ... Along Comes the Association“ auf. Der Titel „Along Comes Mary“ wurde der erste grosse Hit der Band und landete auf Platz 7 der US-Charts. Bei der Aufnahme hatte sich Scheff zwar verspielt, aber folgende Coverversionen uebernahmen diesen Fehler. In der Folgezeit etablierte sich Scheff als einer der bedeutendsten Studio-Bassgitarristen in Los Angeles. Er spielte unter anderem auf Alben von Neil Diamond, Sammy Davis junior, Nancy Sinatra, The Everly Brothers, Pat Boone oder Barbra Streisand.
1971 wurde Scheff von The Doors fuer deren Album LA Woman verpflichtet. Anschliessend gab es Ueberlegungen, ihn als Mitglied in die Band aufzunehmen. Jedoch machte der Tod Jim Morrisons in Paris diese Idee zunichte und Scheff nahm ein Angebot an, Mitglied der "TCB Band" fuer Elvis Presley zu werden, bei der er bereits Ende der 1960er Jahre kurzzeitig mitgespielt hatte. 1973 spielte er beim 'Aloha from Hawaii' mit, dem ersten in mehrere Laender live uebertragenen Konzert. Kurz danach verliess er die Band von Presley.
Kurze Zeit verschwand Scheff in der Versenkung. 1978 spielte er dann auf der Europatour von Bob Dylan. In den 1980er Jahren arbeitete er erneut hauptsaechlich als Studiomusiker. Vor allem John Denver und Elvis Costello griffen oefters auf seine Dienste zurueck. Seit 1997 tourt Scheff bei „Elvis In Concert“, einer Show, in der die grossen Hits Presleys gespielt werden.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Announce Scandinavian Tour 2007

Left: Poster Scandinavian Tour Sep-Oct 2007. 

Unfortunately nothing in our neck of the woods but mainly in Scandinavia.

Scandinavian media wrote a lot about Bill and the band, so some photos and comments are available and could be shared on this blog under the relevant dates.


Line-up:
Bill Wyman (bass)
Terry Taylor (guitar)
Georgie Fame (keyboards)
Beverley Skeete (vocals)
Geraint Watkins (keyboards)
Andy Fairweather Low (guitar)
Graham Broad (drums)
Nick Payn (horns)
Frank Mead (horns)

Special Guest:
Eddie Floyd (vocals)

Albert Lee joined the RKs on tour from Sat 22nd to 26th Sep and from 1st Oct until the end of the tour. 

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Market Harborough Leisure Centre - 07 Sep 2007

My review from Market Harborough:
Nice driving in the autumn sun to Market Harborough and enough time for some sightseeing. The venue, a leisure centre, hosts top acts, e.g. Dr Feelgood, Chris Jagger's Atcha, just to name a few, and now the Rhythm Kings ! It was a complete sell-out, so we went early enough enjoying the evening sun in the park, watching a balloon up in the sky, and having some fun bumping into Beverley and Barney from the RK's crew. Queuing at the entrance and then again to the front, or almost - as the front row was reserved for wheel-chair people. The support was done by a local band which were not bad - the name escaped me though. Of course everyone was excited to see the Rhythm Kings. Big cheers when they came on. The setlist was 100 % identical to that one in Bilston the night before. Photos were allowed. We had a great time and although our feet were burning, we danced and sang along and enjoyed ourselves. 

Again it was hot in there, and as Bill told us later, for them even hotter, as they had the big spotlights burning on their backs especially his, Terry's and Albert's. Geraint got soaked, even Andy took off his jacket, but - hey that's rock'n roll and they enjoyed playing as everyone could see. Bev and Andy did a stunning version of HARLEM SHUFFLE, and Georgie called them 'the dynamic duo'. Also the other duet featuring Bev and Albert on CRYING IN THE RAIN was superb and even Bill smiled away. The audience thanked them with endless ovations, stomping their feet and asking for more!

Later we had nice chats with Bill who was having a sandwich and a fag in the open air and the others. I got my "Willie and the poor boys" DVD signed by Andy and Geraint.

Albert personalized me a very old copy of one of his early albums and posed for a photo wearing a funny cap I brought. Lots of fun also with Nick, Frank and Terry. When it was time to go, we saw them to their bus, said thank-you and waved bye-bye, great musicians and lovely guys !! They were about to leave for a tour in Scandinavia in different line-ups. Albert had some more Hogan's Heroes gigs ahead and would join them later.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Robin 2 Bilston - 06 Sep 2007

Robin 2 Bilston


My review:

Off to Wolverhampton last Thursday where the Rhythm Kings played the Robin 2 at Bilston. I didn't expect warm weather in the UK and unfortunately brought the wrong clothing. The venue was absolutely non-smoking and when I arrived all the hard-core smokers stood outside in the patio having their nicotine fixes.

The evening started with Jane Taylor and band, consisting of a double bass, a (female) cello player and Jane on guitar who did a couple of nice ballads reminding me slightly of Nanci Griffith (Nanci's voice has more volume, though). All sold out, and good that I arrived early so no problem to get to the front.

Bill came onstage introducing the band members. I was happy to see that Georgie Fame was with them as well as Geraint Watkins and Andy Fairweather Low. Eddie Floyd was not with the band. The set list was a bit different, they added a couple of new songs, some old songs and some that I hadn't heard for ages. Georgie Fame was funny and poked on Bill, as did Andy in his usual dry way. Needless to say that they were superb! They nailed down their warhorses, interrupted by cheers and massive applause.

click to enlarge

I must say Geraint needs a special mention as he was soo good on his accordion, as well as on piano and vocals doing his "Cakewalk into town". Andy did "Route 66" and the walls shook! They had a nice Country & Western song (as Georgie said there are only two kinds of songs, country and western ...) "Crazy Arms" which was beautiful. Albert seemed to enjoy it very much, and did a great guitar solo. Frank didn't have enough space to do his duckwalk during "Flatfoot Sam" but he and Nick did other funny movements. Luckily they kept Albert's and Bev's beautiful version of "Crying in the rain" which caused cheers and ovations.

Taking photos was strictly forbidden.

Nice chats and fun later with Frank, Nick, Beverley, Geraint, Albert. The band were happy and said that the gig went well which I could only confirm, it was outstanding! Bill walked by waving at me. Elio Pace and Helen were at the gig and waved from the other side of the street. Finally the band boarded the bus and off they went ... I drove back to my lovely stay at Dudley and was looking forward to next day's gig at Market Harborough.