A fan review by Richard Harrison,
published by EB net fansite, for everybody
The
emotional and physical downturn that results from missing the last
train following a show that begins late is good enough reason to feel
bitter. But I don't. The show in Ipswich (probably the last ever
European date in a career spanning almost 50 years) was an incredible
occasion for both the Everlys and the audience.
Though
I was surprised how Phil said nothing and how different Don looked to
when I had last seen them (1997 in Edinburgh), the vocal harmonies were
still there. The country-fied delicacies of 'Green River' 'Kentucky'
struck a nice contrast to the up-tempo hits such as 'Bye Bye Love',
which I thought was sung with real gusto. The audience was warm from the
outset, and the first half simply flew by.
The second set - including an interesting appearance on tape from Ike Everly- provided proof if proof were needed that the Everlys were ending their long career on the road by harking back to its very beginning. Again featuring some lesser-heard Country style songs (like 'Old Rocking Chair' and 'Willow Garden'), the second half of the show was also notable for amazingly energetic versions of 'Cathy's Clown' and 'Lucille' amongst others. Although Don sounded a little gruff, the aged sound to his solo pieces made a rather emotionally charged contrast to the strident youthful voice that permeated their 1950s-1960s output.
As the show reached its conclusion (with a superb cover of Sam Cooke's 'You Send Me') the theatre erupted in applause which, I felt, was partly due to the show and partly a salute to the Everlys' career. If, as indeed looks likely, this show was their European swan-song, then it was a fitting climax, even if there was no special attention drawn to the moment.
The second set - including an interesting appearance on tape from Ike Everly- provided proof if proof were needed that the Everlys were ending their long career on the road by harking back to its very beginning. Again featuring some lesser-heard Country style songs (like 'Old Rocking Chair' and 'Willow Garden'), the second half of the show was also notable for amazingly energetic versions of 'Cathy's Clown' and 'Lucille' amongst others. Although Don sounded a little gruff, the aged sound to his solo pieces made a rather emotionally charged contrast to the strident youthful voice that permeated their 1950s-1960s output.
As the show reached its conclusion (with a superb cover of Sam Cooke's 'You Send Me') the theatre erupted in applause which, I felt, was partly due to the show and partly a salute to the Everlys' career. If, as indeed looks likely, this show was their European swan-song, then it was a fitting climax, even if there was no special attention drawn to the moment.
So
- was it worth it? A frantic sprint through deserted Ipswich streets, a
long wait for transport on a very chilly evening in late November and
not getting back until almost 1.00 a.m. are one thing. The Everlys were
another.
Yes, it was worth it !
