Stages With Curtains

[Guest MBarrett]

When was the last time you saw a band or performer on a stage with curtains that opened in front of them?

Something just reminded me yesterday what a thrill it used to be. The anticipation gradually built up. You would be waiting and waiting till the first little chink appeared in the curtains and as they started to open the band launched into their first number.

Slightly off topic but I remember Cliff Richard talking once about the day he knew his future would be in music. He bunked off school to watch Bill Haley & the Comets. Their first number was Razzle, Dazzle. BH did the first couple of spoken lines from behind the closed curtains - "On your marks, get set, are you ready, go man go" - then as the curtains opened launched into the song - "Everybody Razzle Dazzle . . . . . . "

Appreciate the music may not be to your taste - but dramatic effect at it's best! Gives me a shiver up the spine just thinking about it!

MB

[Barry]

I remember Slave in full flow at Zanzibar in Glasgow in the early 80's coming round on a revolving stage.

Found out later that the stand in bass player was one Larry Houston.

Edited April 24, 2007 by Barry

[macca]

I saw solomon burke in the local town square last summer. there were huge black curtains draping the stage. the lights went down, the fanfare started & the band kicked in. then, through a gap between the VIP marquee & the steps leading up to the stage we saw solomon being literally winched into a wheelchair & pushed (heaved) towards the wings. the drapes were so thin you could make out the minders, about 6 of them, accommodating him on his 'throne', robes, king sol' crown, the lot. the curtains then opened to much uproar & the gig began. he took no prisoners. his grammy award winning stuff & early 60's hits were superb, but then he went all cheesy & sang imagine & what a wonderful world. kind of spoiled it really.

[Guest MBarrett]

Macca

He was on Jools Hollands' New Year Hootenany just a few of years back.

I loved it.

When I got back to work one of my colleagues asked me where she could get one of his CD's to give as a present.

He's a great character!!

EE