Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Venue Cymru Llandudno - 22 Oct 2011

Venue Cymru, Llandudno Wales

Line-up:
Bill Wyman - bass, vocals
Beverley Skeete - vocals, percussion
Albert Lee, git, p, voc
Terry Taylor - guitar, vocals
Graham Broad - drums
Nick Payn - saxophone, flute, harmonica
Frank Mead - saxophone, harmonica, percussion, vocals
Geraint Watkins - keyboards, vocals
Georgie Fame - Hammond organ, vocals
Special guest:
Mary Wilson (of the Supremes) - vocals

 
My comments:
My first visit to Venue Cymru which luckily was in walking distance from my stay. Strong winds from the seaside which got even worse during the night made walking a bit tricky. Rhythm Kings had difficulties with thick traffic and arrived the last minute, as Georgie Fame put it "from the bus to the stage with no food".

I had a good seat some rows back in the raised centre stalls which enabled a fantastic view. Unfortunately photos were strictly forbidden, there was a special announcement and the stewards were really tight on cameras. I was able to snap 3 or 4 times without flash when they didn't watch but the quality leaves to be desired.

The band must have been tired but that didn't prevent them from giving an excellent performance. Georgie and Geraint Watkins did their usual jokes but Beverley felt a bit unwell so her song I PUT A SPELL ON YOU was left out. Albert wore a black suit which looked cute, Georgie Fame his usual red trousers.

The audience sat tight, now and then a whistle and extra cheers but the atmosphere at Dorking Halls the night before could not be topped. Towards the end, the crowd loosened up and gave standing ovations.

Albert closed the show giving us a history lesson with the old Coaster's tune THAT'S ROCK'N ROLL. Of course, the crowd cried out for more, and Beverley and Albert did the fine Everly Brothers ballad SO SAD, featuring Albert on piano and Terry Taylor on guitar.

Mary Wilson & the complete band rocked us out with DANCING IN THE STREET, which was - in one word - BRILLIANT.

Review: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings at Venue Cymru, Llandudno

From: DAILY POST.co.uk
(article free to share)

• By Joanne Roberts - can be shared on social media

With Mary Wilson, of the original Supremes

Legendary bass guitarist Bill Wyman and his blues-rock band the Rhythm Kings played to a packed house at Venue Cymru Llandudno on Saturday night.

The band was founded by former Rolling Stones' bass guitarist Bill Wyman, and together with his lifelong musical partner Terry Taylor, the pair produce, arrange and compose original material for this award winning band.

As well as Bill and Terry, the band includes Georgie Fame, Albert Lee, Beverley Skeete, Geraint Watkins, Graham Broad, Frank Mead and Nick Payn and they are always joined by a guest star, this time around the guest was none other than Mary Wilson, of the original Supremes.

Ms Wilson got everyone clapping along as she belted out her old hits, such as Baby Love, and Stop! In the Name of Love. She looked amazing, there’s not many women who can get away with wearing skin tight lycra leggings at 67 years old and still look great.

It was definitely ladies night, because as far as I’m concerned, Beverley Skeete stole the show with her outstanding voice, she put in a brilliant performance with a combination of blues, jazz and soul hits.

Georgie Fame does most of the introductions and his voice and musical talent haven’t diminished over the years, he’s still as good as he was back in the 60’s.

I love the saxophone and the two guys, Nick Payn and Frank Mead, delivered some great solo performances albeit accompanied by some pretty dodgy dance moves.

Worthy of mention also is South Walian born Geraint Watkins, a rock and roll pianist who has played with such greats as Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler and Paul McCartney, as well as being a brilliant keyboard player, he has a pretty good voice and also displayed a cheeky sense of humour.

All in all, each and every one of the band members are truly talented musicians, whether your preference is jazz, blues, soul or just good musical entertainment, you are certain to enjoy a night in the company of Bill Wyman and His Rhythm Kings.