More Sad Losses in May †

Günther Maria Halmer  (* 5. Januar 1943 in Rosenheim; † 10. Mai 2026) 
Deutscher Schauspieler,  im Alter von 83 Jahren gestorben. Hinter ihm liegt eine lange und erfolgreiche Karriere,  z.B.  "Anwalt Abel" sowie als Karl "Tscharlie" Häusler in der Fernsehserie "Münchner Geschichten"

Bernd „Lord Bernd“ Zamulo (* 16. August 1946, † 12. Mai 2026)

Nachruf von den Lords:

"Die Töne sind verklungen, die Erinnerung an unseren gemeinsamen musikalischen Weg und die vielen unvergesslichen Momente bleibt für immer. Deine Kreativität und deine Leidenschaft für die Musik haben uns geprägt. Deine Energie auf der Bühne war einzigartig. Wir denken alle an Dich. Du fehlst uns sehr...

Wir wünschen Deinen Angehörigen viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit.

Leo, Jupp, Philippe, Roger, Norbert, Martin und Grit"

Angelica Domröse (* 4. April 1941 in Berlin; † 15. Mai 2026 ebenda) 
Deutsche Schauspielerin, die vor allem durch ihre Rolle als alleinstehende junge Mutter „Paula“ in Heiner Carows Kultfilm Die Legende von Paul und Paula von 1973 zu einer der bekanntesten Schauspielerinnen der DDR wurde.

Dennis Michael Locorriere (* 13. Juni 1949 in Union City, New Jersey; † 16. Mai 2026) 
US-amerikanischer Sänger und Gitarrist.
Dr Hook frontman Dennis Locorriere has died aged 76 after a “long and courageous battle” with kidney disease, his management said. 

Sonny Rollins, eigentlich Walter Theodore Rollins (* 7. September 1930 in New York City; † 25. Mai 2026 in Woodstock, New York)
US-amerikanischer Tenor-Saxophonist und Komponist des Modern Jazz. Rollins war einer der letzten prominenten Musiker der Bebop-Generation. Er veröffentlichte seit den späten 1940er Jahren mehr als 60 Alben unter eigenem Namen.

Rhythm Kings at Brighton Dome - 23 Nov 2011

Special guest:  Dennis Locorriere

Dennis runs a forum where he keeps his fans posted about his activities. 

_____________________________

Carolina a DL fan was at the gig and said:

Having already bought a ticket to see The Rhythm Kings at the Brighton Dome, I could not believe my eyes when I read on The Guestbook that Dennis would be "sittin' in". 

It was indeed a brief appearance but hearing Albert Lee say "How can I follow that?" after Dennis sang Louisiana 1927 was a particularly special moment.

Dennis: I didn't know Albert had said that.Very kind, but the man has no problem following anyone.He's a KILLER!

Carolina: It was great to see you, Dennis.

Dennis: Nice to be there.With two special guests - Georgie Fame and Mary Wilson - and so many great singers in the band I was flattered to be included. ~

Americana 2011 in Newark, UK

... man kann nicht überall gleichzeitig sein, hätte sich aber gelohnt. Gute alte Bekannte auf der Liste: Dennis Locorriere, Hayley Oliver Band, Paul Ansell's #9.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Liverpool Summer Pops, Echo Arena - 14 July 2008

Liverpool Summer Pops - 14 July 2008



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

Special Guest:
Dennis Locorriere, voc.

Support:
John Martyn Band

Liverpool is a busy city these days, and one of the highlights is the Rhythm Kings' show on 14 July 2008 at the Echo Arena.

My review:
Nothing much to add from my part to the reports below. Why do I always think, awe already over ... but as someone said "time flies when you're having fun!" As Dennis Locorriere quoted THIS IS A KICK ASS BAND! Bill said in the introduction "Let's all have a fun night" and I think, that's what everybody had ! Great view although the stage was high and there was a pit between stage and front row which I usually don't like. Security wasn't too tight though which made some photos possible. The venue itself has an interesting shape. Located at the waterfront, it offers a fantastic view by night !

As to the set list which was slightly different from the other nights, I can't name any favourites as they were all so good, so just a few remarks.

- Too late - well done by Terry, Frank great on harmonica
- Chicken shack - Frank had plenty of space to do his funny movements, but
the duck walk was missing ...
- Race with the devil - Albert played like a devil, one of my all-time favourites
- Johnny B Goode - Geraint in great shape
- I'm ready - Fats Domino song, done by Albert in raving speed
- Honky tonk women - a surprise to everyone (but me as I had heard it the nights before). People jumped to their feet, danced and sang along. Great addition to the set. Everything else has been said in the paper reviews.
- Spell - Bev's moment!
- Crying in the rain - clean & moving version, Bev, Albert, Terry, lovely !
- Tear it up - no one remained sitting, what a treat, Albert at his best.
As to Dennis Locorriere's songs, I preferred his "Pouring water on a drowning man" (great lyrics)
as well as his duet with Bev on "Haarlem Shuffle" which is definitely worth a mention.

No break for the boys, shortly after Liverpool they will be heading down to France for more great shows. I had a long journey home next day, but I wouldn't have missed this show for a million dollars.

• This is Dennis Locorriere's personal review: "It was very nice to see everyone again. Good people. Different to slot into the picture and then just roll back out of frame. Must be especially strange for the band. Me tonight in Liverpool. Georgie Fame in France in 2 days. Gary Brooker next week, somewhere else on the planet. I remembered just about everything I wanted/ needed to and we did 2 songs I'd never played with them before (did I say cold?) - the opening song, Sweet Soul Music and something by Bill's old group. Now, everyone knows that Bill has nevvvvvvvvvvvvvvver done Stones songs with his bands. But because it was Liverpool - he told the crowd that The Stones were the first London band to play The Cavern Club in the 60s - we were gonna do ("One time only!") Honky Tonk f8cking Women!
  And Bill sang the lead... NEEDLESS TO SAY (but I will anyway), I'm very glad I was in the band for that!
  Home tomorrow and back up to Darwen on Thursday evening for Friday's solo show. Maybe I'll get the call again somewhere down the line, but for now I'm back to being an 'only child'."

• Bill Wyman And The Rhythm Kings at ECHO Arena, Jul 15 2008
  Review by Samantha Parker, Liverpool Echo  (can be shared)
  HE was once one fifth of one of the most famous bands in the world and last night Bill Wyman (pictured) proved he could still pull a crowd.
  The bassist took a back seat role and let the Rhythm Kings with special guests Albert Lee and Dr Hook frontman Dennis Locorriere raise the roof of the ECHO Arena with a 20-song set.
  He did, however, surprise the audience with a Rolling Stones favourite, Honky Tonk Women, and a Chuck Berry classic, You Never Can Tell. Both songs had members of the audience up on their feet dancing away.
  Stepping up to the mic before singing the Stone’s classic, he said to the crowd: “We (The Rolling Stones) were the first non Merseyside band to play The Cavern.
  “We always got a good reaction out of Liverpool crowds and so, just this once, we’ll do A Stones version – but just this once.” The air in the ECHO Arena was electric despite there being fewer than 3,000 people in the 10,600- seater venue, a true testament to the brilliance on stage.
  
  The first song of the night, Motown classic, Do You Like Good Music, set the tone for the rest of the evening.
  
  Soul singer Locorriere wowed the crowd with his sultry tones as well as his erratic dance moves. Louisiana 1927, a reflective song based around floods which echo the disaster in New Orleans, was perfectly pitched and provided the audience with a reprieve from the energetic set.
  Singer Beverley Skeete gave an amazing rendition of Nina Simone’s I Put A Spell On You as the group’s finale, before they came back with a two-song encore. Her voice sends shivers down the spine.
  A duet with Skeete and Albert Lee singing Crying In The Rain, originally sung by the Everly Brothers, was the first encore.
  A beautiful and reflective song which mellowed the crowd in time for the final song, Tear It Up. Everyone was on their feet.
  
  Bill Wyman And The Rhythm Kings were a class act, they were in tune with one another and bounced off each other. Their enthusiasm was infectious.

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Salisbury City Hall - March 2008

Rhythm Kings in Salisbury - one of the gigs we missed.

Here's an illustrated review from Salisbury Journal (Roger Elliott), published 06 March 2008, free to share 

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Dorking Halls - 05 March 2008 (last gig of their spring tour)

The Tour was called "Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings and Friends" kicking off on 24th January through March 2008.

Dennis Locorriere was a special guest and an interesting addition to the band. Dennis himself published a tour blog on his website, some of his funny notes are added here to lighten up the usual comments. Thanks to Jilly for her Dorking review which could luckily be saved from my former fansite, shame that I was unable to make it to that gig which was the last one of the spring tour.


From: jillydesmo350 Sent: 06/03/2008 01:00
"Last night of the tour, Dorking 5th March - a packed house, and extra rows of seats installed. My seat was in the middle of the front row, normally not a good place for the sound to be right, but there's always the exception - and this was it! ('Well done' to the sound crew!!) No support, just straight into the RKs and everyone with that 'end of tour lets have fun' attitude. They started with 'Mess Around' and the first set went by too quickly. Bev gave a fantastic rendition of another Ray Charles classic 'Drown in my own tears' dedicated to a dear friend of hers who passed away during the tour. Nick and Frank - what can I say? They're just a great double act in themselves, and what a performance on 'You Never Can tell'.

Dennis was an interesting addition to the tour, and added addtional tones to the vocals with his very distinctive voice. Geraint 'told' the story of 'Johnny Be Good' before signing it to a brilliant arrangement - not the usual version (Gudrun, maybe you know what it is?). I can only add a little to Gudrun's reports, it was only apparent that the 'flu was still with some of the band when they spoke - or had hot drinks brought to them on stage. The encore comprised of Terry, Bev and Albert doing 'Crying in the Rain' and then a storming version of 'Tear it Up' with all the band and featuring Albert. Again, standing ovations, and a very happy crowd leaving the theatre. 

Photos - I took one or two, but a steward repremanded the guy next but one to me for taking photos (I'd hidden my camera under my coat when I spotted the steward, but the guy was still taking pics when the steward crept along the front!) I also took some at the final curtain call, so I will try and post them here soon. What a fantastic night, and thanks to all!

If I think of anything else, I'll let everyone know. I am so pleased I went along to this gig."

From: Gudrun Sent: 06/03/2008 01:48
Wow Jilly, great report (and quick), thank you so much for posting. Glad you had a great time, with this (according to Dennis L) "kick-ass band".....
As to Johnny B Goode I've been trying to figure out what was different from the original Chuck Berry version, the lyrics were identical, but it didn't have the typical Chuck Berry style ... Geraint definitely seemed to enjoy telling the story and I liked the way he told it ...

From: thisisjuanitatoo (Beryl) Sent: 06/03/2008 02:06
FAB revue Jilly, I almost feel like I was there. Hope Neil Young is just as great and he will be, from Beryl. xxx.

From: jillydesmo350 Sent: 06/03/2008 14:41
Thank you, it was best to write it whilst still fresh in my memory!! Checking out Geraint's website earlier it looks like a version of 'Johnny' is on there, I'll listen to it tonight. Seems he's doing a tour with Andy Fairweather Low ... now to find a gig that's local and on a 'free' date. I'm loooking forward to Mike S this Saturday and Neil next Tuesday, but I doubt whether I'll catch up with Gudrun's schedule! Love from Jilly xxx

From: Gudrun Sent: 06/03/2008 14:51
Oh - you will catch up Jilly, after the next action I decided to slow down a bit (hope I can). Recently I found a flyer with Andy's tour dates but nothing on your doorstep I'm afraid.
Gudrun (sleepy after having taken some cold relief stuff) ...


From: jillydesmo350 Sent: 06/03/2008 19:38
... and how's this for spooky? Just looking at Geraint's website (again !!) and reading about his accordian playing when 'Julie' (by Shakin' Stevens) is played on the radio! No prizes for guessing who played the accordian on that record ....
Love from Jilly xxx.

DL's last entry:
"Time to close the book on this one.
Big thanks to everyone who attended the RK shows. I had a nice time and hope to do more with Bill and the band whenever time and scheduling permits. So, to Nick, Frank, Albert, Graham, Terry, Beverley, Geraint and Bill, as well Tony and the crew, a huge heartfelt 'thank you' for making me feel so welcomed and for allowing me to be myself. Glad it worked out so well for all of us. See you all sometime in the not too distant future. D.L.~"

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Royal & Derngate Northampton - 03 March 2008

The Royal & Derngate, Northampton, 03 March 2008

Long way down to Northampton, my 2nd visit there and also 2nd time at the Royal and Derngate. Nice surprise, Sue and her friend Laura were there, we met them in the foyer. I learned later that it was Sue's birthday and a very special one so I will never forget the date. The show was audio recorded, which meant we can hope for a live CD in the next future.

Our seats were superb and very close to the stage - the very front row - so close that we could count the frets on Albert's fretboard.  Bev wore a stunning outfit with matching shoes, hope my photo can reflect this. What a performance, humdinger! Enthusiastic audience. Glad to see that most of the band members were feeling much better after the terrible 'flu. I was able to see Graham this time which is not always possible. Great guitar playing by Albert. I loved Bev & Albert doing "Crying in the rain" and I could see from the audience’s reaction that I wasn’t the only one. "Tear it up" was on again, and of course stomping and standing ovations at the end.

Finally we could catch Dennis Locorriere who was picked up by his own tour manager Adrian. He was kind enough to sign our tour programmes, even personalized. Special thanks to the ever friendly Nick for getting us a taxi as our stay was in the middle of nowhere ! Also big thanks to the busy and efficient crew, great job guys.

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

Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion

DL's blurbs: "Northampton. Everyone was a little nervous about recording so soon after the flu went around the band (hasn't gotten me yet and I'm not sure why), but it seemed to go well. Not sure what's planned for the recordings. 'Live' album I would imagine. I doubt it will contain all the songs in the set. Would have to be a double disc. I'll let you know when I know. Another recording at the next show."

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Lowry, Salford - 02 March 2008

The Lowry, Salford - 02 March 2008
Featuring:
Bill Wyman - bass, vocals
Beverley Skeete - vocals, percussion
Albert Lee - guitar, keyboards, vocals
Terry Taylor - guitar, vocals
Graham Broad - drums, backgr voc
Nick Payn - saxophone, flute, harmonica
Frank Mead - saxophone, harmonica, percussion
Geraint Watkins - keyboards, accordion, vocals
Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion

To cut it short, brilliant show. Salford was stormy, with rain and hail but we managed to walk along the quays to the venue without getting blown away. Sell-out show. A bunch of Dennis fans in the crowd as we could take from their cheers. Nick and Frank got much applause because of their funny movements and of course their outstanding horn playing. Everybody was in good mood, many jokes onstage among the band members. Terry was picking on Bill again (tongue in cheek) which caused a lot of laughter. "Johnny B Goode" was received by the audience with loud cheers. A couple of youngsters were among the audience which Bill noticed and pointed out at them, "... so we’ve got to watch our language....".

I didn’t forget to bring my Ray Davies CD "Other people’s lives" and have it signed by Nick as he's playing on the song "Next door neighbour". Nick told us apart from the studio work he never toured with Ray.

Downside: Poor photos only, so just a few for the records.

Comment by Dennis: "Salford. Another venue I've been to recently. Hits and History territory. Very appreciative & enthusiastic audience. Geraint was particularly, ummmm, verbal before his songs tonight. He and I sit at the back of the bus, for miles and miles on end. Talk, read, nap, talk, read, nap, with moments of laptop. Lovely fella. Very philosophical and funny. Good traveling company. Only 2 more to go. I will miss the people and the shows alot. But, truth be told, I'm ready to get the hell out of hotels for awhile! Have I said that somewhere else, in the past few blogs? Well, if I did, it's because it's just that true."

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, Sheffield Arena (City Hall) - 1st March 2008

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

Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion


1st March 2008 - I learned it was St David's Day.
My first visit to Sarah’s home town, weather even worse here. Hotel was easy to find, venue in walking distance, but again climbing hills in a hurry to make it in good time as it was an early gig - 7.30h. Rain and wind were so heavy that our umbrella broke and was gone for good. The city hall turned out to be an impressive building with columns and a huge entrance area. No front row this time but OK-seats in the centre stalls which enabled a good view. The bands’ health situation seemed to have improved and Albert could open with "Mess around". Photos without flash were allowed but mine didn’t come out well. Geraint and Bill made fun with the accordion during "All night long". They all were fantastic, Dennis Locorriere’s "Louisiana" turned out to become a great addition to the set. My neighbour to the left gave loud comments after each song - luckily all positive ! Still no "Tear it up" at the end, but again Bill closed the show with "You never can tell"  - a real crowd pleaser. Standing ovations. We were given the set lists again and the cherry on the cake was that Ines got Graham’s drum sticks which we shared later. We caught up with the band at their bus in heavy rain and said bye-bye until the coming night - at the Lowry Salford.

Dennis Locorriere guesting with the RKs
DL comments:   "Sheffield. There were times, during this show, when we couldn't tell how the audience felt. Reactions we were used to getting didn't happen, but some unexpected ones did. Everyone was on their feet at the end, so the cumulative affect was cool, I guess."

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, St Albans Arena - 29 Feb 2008

St Albans Arena, 29 Feb 2008

From: Gudrun, originally sent: 05/03/2008

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

Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion



Photos not possible. Here's my review. I left a lot - otherwise this would become a book, so just the facts:

A gig on leap day! Arrived in the UK with heavy rain plus strong winds (what else can you expect), flight was ok though. Unfortunately no time to visit the Roman leftovers in the historic part of the city and neither the Abbey Church and the Cathedral, just passing by catching a glimpse from the car windows. At least we bought some postcards while checking out the venue which was in walking distance although we had to climb a hill, which is great fun when you’re wearing high heels. The gig started earlier than usual, 7.30 pm with no support but we made it in good time and took to our front seats. A complete sell-out. I noticed from posters in the foyer that the venue features top acts, e.g. Chris Farlowe just mentioning him.


The RKs started in time with no support. I felt very sorry for the band who were still in poor shape (as far as the health situation was concerned), nevertheless they did a great job. As Beverley quoted "we are are all pro’s and the show must go on". It was great to see how they covered up for each other. Due to several band members still fighting the 'flu they had to change the set list again. The first song "Mess around" was usually sung by Albert but this time Geraint made up for him. Dennis Locorriere added an interesting song to the set "Pouring water on a drowning man" which turned out to be a killer. Everybody including Graham helped out with vocals. Terry should be mentioned working hard on guitar. No "Tear it up" by Albert this time, Bev delivered an outstanding version of her "Spell" and Bill closed the show  with "You never can tell". The friendly crew supplied them with hot and cold drinks during the performance. Unfortunately taking photos was strictly forbidden and I was immediately told off after I tried to take one pic with flash. Later we were kindly asked in for drinks & chats with the band members and friends.

Dennis L says: "St Albans. Nice venue. Been there before. Good audience. The band all came to this gig separately, in their own cars, etc. Very strange to assemble like that after so many weeks of traveling together. Some of the band still feeling poorly. Not sure why I'm still intact and haven't caught anything. Maybe I move too fast for 'it' to catch me."

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Corn Exchange Cambridge - 09 Feb 2008

The Corn Exchange Cambridge

UK Tour 2008: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings and Friends,
featuring Dennis Locorriere ('The Voice of Dr Hook') as special guest.

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

Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion


My review:

Carrying on to the next gig which took place at Cambridge. Our hotel was a pain to find in the middle of nowhere and cost me hours of criss-crossing the city of Cambridge due to poor signs, an irritating one-way system and thick traffic. I already wanted to give up when I finally made it more dead than alive and rather late. Not much time to get ready for the evening as we had to drive again to make it on time. Again endless driving despite of a map and I'd better keep my mouth shut about the very strange description we were given by the hotel staff which led us anywhere but not to our destination. We made it in the last minute, and the next disappointment was the uncomfortable seat I had and again the ban of any cameras. The security ladies stood like watchdogs on either sides of the aisles and jumped on everybody who tried to take photos. Again a sit-down gig, which meant people hardly moved and it was impossible to get up and dance.

The show started and Bill (still not completely cured from his cold) and the band cheered me up for all the obstacles. The set was almost identical to the Ipswich set list, again a lot of fun between the band members. Bill told the usual stories about Chuck Berry. Someone put a hard hat on Nick Payn's head which looked funny and caused a lot of laughter. Flatfoot Sam was done with raving speed and Frank completely forgot his duckwalk. He did it later in a funny way to please the audience. When it was Bill's turn, I quickly got up and took a photo. Hid the camera immediately and was amused by the puzzled face of the steward who couldn't figure out who snapped.

Needless to say that the band were fantastic and delivered another brilliant performance. Everyone gave more than 100 % which caused stomping and loud cheers until they came out for the encore. Later it was time to say another goodbye, thank you all and see you next time. Our way back was another odyssee but somehow we reached our hotel before sunrise.

Dennis Locorriere wrote a blog on his DL guestbook which I want to post here as it's a pleasure to read his comments:

"I don't remember ever playing here; certainly not at tonight's venue. (Here's where someone posts 'Hey! I've seen you there lots of times!'. OK...look. I don't how many times I can repeat myself and not puke or cause you to do the same, but:

The audience really seemed to have a good time tonight ...and so, in fact, did I! The latest song I've been given to sing, with Beverley, is Creedence Clearwater's 'Green River'. Bill was singing it, and, very well, I might add, but he never got totally comfortable with it and said he might want to drop it.

The track, however, is kick ass and the band wanted to find a way to save it. Someone, maybe Frank, suggested to Bill that I should try it. And there you have it.

Song #6, including the duet with Beverley on 'Harlem Shuffle'. As well as the other cool bibs and bobs I'm getting to do throughout the show. All more than fine with me."

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, The Regent Ipswich - 08 Feb 2008

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

Special guest:
Dennis Locorriere - vocals, harmonica, percussion


My review: Friday 08.02.08
Very tired from all those Berlin events, but I was able to catch my early flight. Sunny weather in the UK and a venue which was easy to find. My seat was front row but unfortunately at the far right side which meant I could hardly see Frank and Nick hidden by huge speakers. Neither could I see Graham Broad. Cameras strictly forbidden, everyone who had a camera in his hands was immediately told off by the very tight security which is simply ridiculous. Even shots by mobiles were not allowed and I could just catch the final line-up.

Brief comments:
Mess around - by Albert, good starter, very fast
Show me - Beverley. I like the horn section in this one.
Unchain my heart - Dennis Locorriere stepped to the front (he asked the audience if he was a surprise to be in the line-up and did a bit of small talk).
Too late - Terry - Do you like Chicago Blues? You bet! Great Little Walter tune. Fantastic harmonica playing.
Green River - basically done by Bill, but this time by everybody else, as Bill's cold wasn't over.
Jump, Jive and Wail - by Albert, always a highlight for me. I just love this Louis Prima tune.
Drown in my own tears - Bev did a heartbreaking version, so excellently that even Bill gave her a nice hand.
Muleskinner - by Albert. Their tribute to the late Lonnie Donegan and a standard in the set. Dennis, Nick, Graham and everybode else did the backing vocals, Frank on harp, super..
Chicken shack - Geraint. I was happy that this song was included again.
Pride & Joy - Dennis did this Randy Newman song. Good voice.
Flatfoot Sam - Bev. Outstanding horns, Nick and Frank !!

Interval, Bill had his fag
2nd set
I'm ready - Fats Domino tune done by Albert
She's looking good - Bev. Somebody shouted "and so do you, Beverley"
All night long - to quote Bill: "Very simple, otherwise I wouldn't do it".
Geraint on accordion, cajun style. A lot of jokes between Bill, Terry and Geraint going on.
Better for me baby - Terry. Great horns.
Harlem shuffle - Bev and Dennis - a crowd pleaser.
Louisiana 1927 - Dennis on vocals, Albert on piano. Cheers from the audience.
I'll be satisfied - Bev
Race with the Devil - Terry, Albert in full flight. One of my all time favourites.
You never can tell - by Bill. Sounds a bit different now, with Dennis on backing vocals, but great. I'd like to get up and dance, but the audience were glued to their seats. A lot of jokes about Chuck Berry between Bill and Terry. Bill told the story about his first Chuck Berry records in the early days and later the encounter with the man himself, which turned out to be a big disappointment.
Johnny B Goode - Geraint on piano, another Chuck Berry song. More jokes and picking on good ole' Chuck ("he needs the money" ... ), Geraint in good mood.
Pouring water on a drowning man - New song, done by Dennis, great lyrics.
That's Rock'n Roll - A song ususally in Hogan's Heroes set list (by the Coasters), surprise that they did it here.
I put a Spell - Beverley's warhorse. Despite of a sore throat, excellently done.
Great response by the audience.


Encore:
Crying in the rain - Albert and Beverley, so very good. Extra cheers for this lovely Everly tune which everybody liked. I hope they will keep it in the setlist.
Tear it up - by Albert in great shape. And that's exactly what they did, toring the house down.
Standing ovations, endless cheers, what a great show that was !!



Dennis wrote in his blog:
"Very appreciative audience in Ipswich. Another show tonight and then a day off tomorrow. I'll still be in a hotel, of course, but it will be nice to relax for a few hours.
P.S. I've been given another song to sing. Actually, it's me and Beverley. Good that they feel they can count on me as these things crop up."

Bits and pieces from Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Gigs in 2008 which I couldn't attend

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings at Glenrothes, Scotland

The tour kicked off on 24 Jan 2008 at the Rothes Hall, Glenrothes.  I couldn't make it to the gig but fortunately Dennis Locorriere - the new boy in the band - wrote a diary and posted his comments publicly on the DL guestbook:


"Show #1 - Glenrothes.
Well, well, well...not too shabby. Felt pretty good for the amount of new input and output that's involved. We even did a couple songs I hadn't rehearsed with the band that I was required to play and/or sing harmonies on. Baptism by fire, I believe it's called. I must admit it's initially gonna be difficult to keep a flow going in my head, running off and on like I do, especially for a guy who, for so long, has been the only one left onstage when the rest of the band goes off. But, I kinda like the change. The audience seemed to enjoy the evening, which is all that really counts in the end. Lots more shows coming up, nightly. More as it becomes easier to type about. Still absorbing alot.
On the social side, the members of the band are all very cool, switched on folks. Makes it all so much easier to handle a schedule like this one. Someone from the guestbook was gonna be there tonight. Their review will be more informative and accurate than mine, I would suppose."

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Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings at The Orchard, Dartford - 28 Jan 2008

Same goes for the Dartford Gig. Dennis Locorriere wrote in his tour blog: "Nice, but strange, to return to the venue where the H&H DVD was recorded, this time as an honorary Rhythm King. The show is getting tighter and tighter. Graham Broad, the drummer, is fantastic! Between his kit and Bill W's bass the bottom and groove are rock solid. You can feel everyone playing out more now that the arrangements are becoming locked in our brains." (shortened)

Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings - Double Show at The Stables Wavendon - 26 Jan 2008

Double show at The Stables Wavendon



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


Dennis Locorriere, former lead singer with Dr Hook (everyone remembers 'Sylvia's Mother') was guesting with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings & Friends on their 2008 tour, beginning January and into March 2008.
The Stables at Wavendon featured a double show - afternoon and evening. As this venue follows a strict 'no photos' policy, I could only take a handful by mobile phone which came out poorly so no album on FlickR this time. The shows were, however, great as usual and Dennis Locorriere as special guest was an interesting addition to the band and fitted in perfectly. Please find the setlists (identical for both shows) at the bottom of this page.

Mezzie's comment: 'Was also at the afternoon show, if it had been possible I would have loved to have stayed in my seat for the 8pm show as well as I enjoyed it all so much.' - That's exactly what I did, staying for the late show as well and enjoying it to the full !

 Set list, Set 1

Set list, Set 2