Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 ...A sister thread to "Most memorable" going on elsewhere.... I've walked out on a few soul shows down the years. Some I mentioned on the other thread, others include Donna Summer at the Rainbow c. 1978 (front row circle seats, and I still couldn't hear her), and Stanley Clarke/George Duke at the Hammy Odeon c. 1982/3 (went to see Jeffrey Osborne, who was billed as "Special Guest" and who sang just two songs, in the middle of the most interminally boring twiddle-twaddle I've ever heard). I've also been underwhelmed by a few singers who've been brought over here to perform, when they patently can't sing anymore - the late Hoagy Lands and Barbara Acklin at the 100 Club, and the equally late Otis Leavill at Trentham Gardens, for instance. I've been disappointed by those who've come over an treated their shows as an excuse to jam on a few tunes with recently-acquired rock pals, who were nowhere to be found half a decade earlier - the aforementioned B. Womack at the Hammy Odeon being the biggest case in point. But I'd have to say that the most disappointed I've ever been by one of my heroes - indeed, quite possibly my greatest soul hero - was when I saw the late Curtis Mayfield for the first time, at the Rainbow in 1972. I appreciate now that he was then trying to distance himself from his work with the Impressions, but back then I was horrified that he'd favour lengthy, low key versions of stuff from his recent albums over things like "This Is My Country", "I've Been Trying" and what have you. What he did wasn't actually bad (how could it be) but to this day I can remember more about Bloodstone's opening set - and I think that the Chi-Lites were on that bill, too - than I can about what Curtis and his musicians brought to the table, so little impact did it make. Mind you, the great man atoned for his 'sins' some 10 or so years later when, at the Hacienda in Manchester, I saw him give what would rank among the ten best shows I've ever seen, or will ever see...
Barry Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 the great man atoned for his 'sins' some 10 or so years later when, at the Hacienda in Manchester, I saw him give what would rank among the ten best shows I've ever seen, or will ever see... Everybody has off days Tony, it's a truth. I think that the above thread would have made nicer reading if the above statement had been the one that you started your thread with.
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Everybody has off days Tony, it's a truth. I think that the above thread would have made nicer reading if the above statement had been the one that you started your thread with. I don't think it was an off day, it was probably highly indicative of what Curtis' US live shows were about back then. In that era, lots of mainstream black US acts were turning their back - happily, temporarily in most cases - on the material that had brought them to where they were at that point, in an attempt to 'internationalise' their music. Curtis was one of them. I should say that I do like Curtis' music from the early 70s - it includes some of the best work of his career. It was just not what I was hoping for or, perhaps even, expecting on that night, at that show. Don't really understand why I'd want to make my post 'nicer reading', BTW - the thread IS supposed to be about least memorable or most disappointing shows, after all. What's the point of putting a positive spin on those?
Guest andyrattigan Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 The best live Soul performance I've seen was Terry Callier in Dublin around 1999. Both him and his band were utterly mind blowing. Not a 100% soul set that he did but none the less perfection. The Jazz musicians in his band were astounding. "Holding on to your love" nearly made me cry it was that good. Enjoyed Carl Carlton at Cleethorpes 2006 and thought Winfield Parker was amazing at Kents 25th Anniversary party. However, when it comes to most Northern Soul artists performing live, Im not that impressed to be honest. I think it is very difficult for them to recreate that typical sound from the 6ts recordings. I enjoy seeing live acts from the point of view that it is good to see them and give them the acknowledgement and thanks they deserve. I've even cheered, whistled and clapped for sets that I found a little disappointing, but I just wanted to let them know that their music has been such a marked influence in my life. Give me the sound of the old vinyl anyday. However, even if the artists disappoint me in the flesh I will still get on my feet and give them both a rapturous reception and encore. Its the least they deserve after all the pleasure they have given me over the years.
Jumpinjoan Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Mine was BETTY LAVETTE at Blackpool. Having seen... and been blown away by her at the 100 Club and Yarmouth weekender some years earlier... I couldn't wait. After telling everyone and anyone who would listen about how they were in for one hell of a treat... and not to miss it what ever they do... Jeez she was AWFUL! I felt so embarassed... not to mention harassed by my mates... who had gone partly on my say so.. demanding I give them there money back
Roger Williams Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Chaka Khan at the Manchester Apollo in 1987, she was a complete mess. Very disappointing to see.
Jaco Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Freddie Jackson, Manchester Apollo, late 80's What was I thinking Dreadful. Fortunately my "heroes" don't seem to have disappointed Gladys Knight Marvin Gaye Bobby Bland Millie Jackson Bobby Womack All gave outstanding performances at the time and concentrated on their classic output.
Bitchdj Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 2 spring to mind and both were @ the fleetwood weekender...lorraine silver singing the same song twice god she was worse than any wannabe kareoke singer ive ever seen......and bunny sigler who was ratarsed and nearly falling over...kept forgetting the words and stopping the band to go back to let the good times roll cos he knew that one ........dreadful... sometimes i think they should leave these artistes in obscurity especially the ones in those awful levine videos who just looked like tramps he had picked up on a street corner and dressed them from oxfam rejects..it must be terribly demoralising to be reminded of faded glory..... cookie
Soul Shrews Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Detroit Emeralds @ Wigan Casino, people sitting on the dance floor rabbiting wishing the band would finish so they could get back to dancing. Think they did drawn out versions of 'Feel The Need", "Float On"(yep The Floaters tune) and "Feel The Need" again can't remember them doing anymore, maybe I sloped off to Mr Ms Cheers Paul
Guest in town Mikey Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 I'm going to upset a few on the other thread, but I thought Terry Callier was a major disappointment at Trentham Gardens. I went for a walk rather than listen to the end of his set. For me it was to weak (and jazzy) in a massive barn of a venue. I imagine hearing him on Camden Parkway in the Jazz Cafe would be supremely good, but Trentham was too big for his sound.
Guest moggy Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Chaka Khan at the Manchester Apollo in 1987, she was a complete mess. Very disappointing to see. Same Here Mate of mine had a couple of complimentary tickets for The Dome in Birmingham She came out, stoned out of her head, sang "I feel for you" which was a bit Ironic as we all fookin felt for her, she was a disgrace, 1, song & then fooked off, nearly caused a riot
binsy Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 There was another Sam Dees gig at the Jazz cafe ( not the one with johnny Bristol) where the band had not been given his songs in time and didn't know any of his records. Cue 'knock on wood' etc. It was truly awful and I think a lot of people had dragged non-soul mates along to be astounded by a legend Having seen him prior to this at Blackpool/Southport not sure ? Dingwalls and the other jazz cafe gig I can confirm he is fantastic though
Guest Karen Heath Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) There was another Sam Dees gig at the Jazz cafe ( not the one with johnny Bristol) where the band had not been given his songs in time and didn't know any of his records. Cue 'knock on wood' etc. It was truly awful and I think a lot of people had dragged non-soul mates along to be astounded by a legend Having seen him prior to this at Blackpool/Southport not sure ? Dingwalls and the other jazz cafe gig I can confirm he is fantastic though This is true-having seen magnificent and heart stopping performances from Sam on several occasions, we took mates from Primal scream etc to the Jazz Cafe with the promise that they were in for a rare treat.... It was absolutely abysmal! It was such a shame and I've never seen him since...I think things went quite downhill for him after that, in any case it was never quite the same again unfortunately. Having said that, I am confident there could still be a big comeback at some point! Oops-have just taken the extra 's' from abysmal...I must have had finger judder earlier-how strange! Edited January 29, 2008 by Karen Heath
Guest Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) There was another Sam Dees gig at the Jazz cafe ( not the one with johnny Bristol) where the band had not been given his songs in time and didn't know any of his records. Cue 'knock on wood' etc. It was truly awful and I think a lot of people had dragged non-soul mates along to be astounded by a legend Having seen him prior to this at Blackpool/Southport not sure ? Dingwalls and the other jazz cafe gig I can confirm he is fantastic though Another thread within the thread of the thread ...... " Mis - matched bookings featuring soul acts " Doncaster Top Rank , either 1971 or 1972 - Edwin Starr with Adge Cutler & The Wurzels ....... The Fiesta , Sheffield , 1973 - Jr Walker , " comedian " Lennie Bennett , a juggling act and some lady performing songs from the musicals ....... Try putting something together like that now ....... Malc Burton Edited January 29, 2008 by Malc Burton
sepia Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 ruby andrews fleetwood,forgot the words to just loving you & not reaching some notes. just like on her records . ps i do like her tho.
Paul McKay Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 ...A sister thread to "Most memorable" going on elsewhere.... But I'd have to say that the most disappointed I've ever been by one of my heroes - indeed, quite possibly my greatest soul hero - was when I saw the late Curtis Mayfield for the first time, at the Rainbow in 1972. I appreciate now that he was then trying to distance himself from his work with the Impressions, but back then I was horrified that he'd favour lengthy, low key versions of stuff from his recent albums over things like "This Is My Country", "I've Been Trying" and what have you. What he did wasn't actually bad (how could it be) but to this day I can remember more about Bloodstone's opening set - and I think that the Chi-Lites were on that bill, too - than I can about what Curtis and his musicians brought to the table, so little impact did it make. Mind you, the great man atoned for his 'sins' some 10 or so years later when, at the Hacienda in Manchester, I saw him give what would rank among the ten best shows I've ever seen, or will ever see... That's really wierd Tony, because I remember that concert as one of the best I've ever seen! I guess I went along expecting to see Curtis Mayfield do CM rather tha the Impression stuff. I saw the Imps at a night club in Margaret Street W1 around this time too and they concentrated on the post ABC stuff if I remember rightly. They were still great though.
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Another thread within the thread of the thread ...... " Mis - matched bookings featuring soul acts " Doncaster Top Rank , either 1971 or 1972 - Edwin Starr with Adge Cutler & The Wurzels ....... The Fiesta , Sheffield , 1973 - Jr Walker , " comedian " Lennie Bennett , a juggling act and some lady performing songs from the musicals ....... Try putting something together like that now ....... Malc Burton Only one contender for this for me, Malc - Disco Tex and the Sexolettes, and Op-Knox boy band winners 'Our Kid' at Liverpool Empire (I think it was) in 1976-7. Somehow I was not tempted into parting with my money.... ...I hope you stayed for Edwin after the Wurzels, mate One of my top 'wish I had seen 'em live in their prime' acts. They were never the same after Adge died in 1971...
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 That's really wierd Tony, because I remember that concert as one of the best I've ever seen! I guess I went along expecting to see Curtis Mayfield do CM rather tha the Impression stuff. I saw the Imps at a night club in Margaret Street W1 around this time too and they concentrated on the post ABC stuff if I remember rightly. They were still great though. Am I right in thinking that the Chi-Lites were the 'middle' act on the bill? I certainly saw them live around this time, and 'on a bill' rather than on their own at a Baileys or whatever. I just can't place where... I do remeber that they were much, much better when I saw them - complete with a post-solo career Eugene Record - in the early 80s, in Dingwall's.
Guest Karen Heath Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Only one contender for this for me, Malc - Disco Tex and the Sexolettes, and Op-Knox boy band winners 'Our Kid' at Liverpool Empire (I think it was) in 1976-7. Somehow I was not tempted into parting with my money.... ...I hope you stayed for Edwin after the Wurzels, mate One of my top 'wish I had seen 'em live in their prime' acts. They were never the same after Adge died in 1971... I remember 'Our Kid'-I didn't think anyone else did...I was a little bit in love with them!
Guest the dukester Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 ruby andrews fleetwood,forgot the words to just loving you & not reaching some notes. just like on her records . ps i do like her tho. Got to agree, one of my faves Ruby, but very very poor on the night.
Maark Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Got to agree, one of my faves Ruby, but very very poor on the night. Martha Reeves and the Vandella's in the mid 90's in Swindon. She sounded like a croaky old woman I'm afraid.
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 I remember 'Our Kid'-I didn't think anyone else did...I was a little bit in love with them! They cropped up recently and briefly on an ITV saturday night snoozeathon "Before Britain Had Talent" (wasn't aware that it ever did, but that's another topic for another thread I guess...). Compared to some of today's Cowell-manuafctured 'talent' I have to say that they actually sounded quite good... ...You will not be surprised to learn that I was not even the teensiest bit in love with them ...
Paul McKay Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Am I right in thinking that the Chi-Lites were the 'middle' act on the bill? I certainly saw them live around this time, and 'on a bill' rather than on their own at a Baileys or whatever. I just can't place where... I do remeber that they were much, much better when I saw them - complete with a post-solo career Eugene Record - in the early 80s, in Dingwall's. Could be wrong but I don't think the Chilites were on this bill. Might have a programme somewhere. I'll let you know if I find it.
Guest in town Mikey Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Its trendy to knock Do I Love You, but Frank Wilson ruined a really great performance at Fleetwood by doing DILY and making it last about a half an hour. "All the people on the left DO I LOVE YOU? All the people on the right DO I LOVE YOU? "
Cheapsiderecords Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Bettye Lavette - last year as support for Buddy Guy, not very good at all, and we left as Buddy got stuck into about a 30 minute Jam as he wandered around the venue, unfortunatley this was only his second song. Etta James - last year, I understand she has been ill and all that but for the money I was a bit disappointed. Chairmen Of The Board - Glos Leisure Centre - sometime late 70's - God they were abysmall. Surely they have enough material not to have to do an extended Love Train? George Benson - Wembley Arena? - 79/80? - so far at the back I could just see his guitar glinting in the light!! But the worst ever was Tina Turner, again in Gloucester, wife had a niece staying with us as she was going to English school and wanted to go and see her, so off we go. Only time I have ever asked for my money back at a concert.
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 But the worst ever was Tina Turner, again in Gloucester, wife had a niece staying with us as she was going to English school and wanted to go and see her, so off we go. Only time I have ever asked for my money back at a concert. Helen and I briefly saw Tina Turner, at the old Wembley on her farewell tour some years back. We went because John Fogerty was the first of her two supports - he was brilliant - but we stuck around for Lionel Richie, who was not bad although we 'watched' a great deal of his set from the bar, I must admit. Tina comes on, after some truly appalling rock opener she's doing her set 'chronologically'. First number up is a halfway good version of "A Fool In Love", with a bit of film of her and the Ikettes singing it in the early 60s synch'ed up with her 21st century caterwauling. Then comes 'River Deep' - again not too bad, all things considered. We decide not to push our luck and stay for a third song, which turns out to be 'Let's Stay Together' so it's a good judgement call. We go towards the turnstiles. As we pass the person manning the exit, she says 'you won't be able to get back in, you know'. To which there could only be one answer, the one that Helen gave 'exit person' - 'perfect'... ...at least the old bat (TT, not the good lady wife of course) has remained true to her word, and stayed retired. We can be thankful for small mercies...
Maark Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Helen and I briefly saw Tina Turner, at the old Wembley on her farewell tour some years back. We went because John Fogerty was the first of her two supports - he was brilliant - but we stuck around for Lionel Richie, who was not bad although we 'watched' a great deal of his set from the bar, I must admit. Tina comes on, after some truly appalling rock opener she's doing her set 'chronologically'. First number up is a halfway good version of "A Fool In Love", with a bit of film of her and the Ikettes singing it in the early 60s synch'ed up with her 21st century caterwauling. Then comes 'River Deep' - again not too bad, all things considered. We decide not to push our luck and stay for a third song, which turns out to be 'Let's Stay Together' so it's a good judgement call. We go towards the turnstiles. As we pass the person manning the exit, she says 'you won't be able to get back in, you know'. To which there could only be one answer, the one that Helen gave 'exit person' - 'perfect'... ...at least the old bat (TT, not the good lady wife of course) has remained true to her word, and stayed retired. We can be thankful for small mercies... I have never ever understood the attraction of Tina Turner in the 80's . How did that "caterwailing" (nicely put!) get to be so popular???
Guest Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Only one contender for this for me, Malc - Disco Tex and the Sexolettes, and Op-Knox boy band winners 'Our Kid' at Liverpool Empire (I think it was) in 1976-7. Somehow I was not tempted into parting with my money.... ...I hope you stayed for Edwin after the Wurzels, mate One of my top 'wish I had seen 'em live in their prime' acts. They were never the same after Adge died in 1971... Thanks for the date on that, Tony : I could not recall what year it was when I did the posting ..... I seem to remember thinking upon seeing who was on with ES , " what the hell , let's give it a go " ....... I was quite surprised to find that they were quite good , very polished and professional , and the comment from most of the party I was among , was " They were not bad , were they ? " ...... Your contender of DT & TS with OK is , to say the least , surreal ........ I would be hard pushed to pick who would have been the campest act .......... Malc Burton Edited January 29, 2008 by Malc Burton
Roger Williams Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 George Benson - Wembley Arena? - 79/80? - so far at the back I could just see his guitar glinting in the light!! Saw George Benson at Wembley in 1982. Sadly the most memorable thing about the night was having a piss stood next to Des O'Connor before the concert started!
Jules Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 I'm going to upset a few on the other thread, but I thought Terry Callier was a major disappointment at Trentham Gardens. I went for a walk rather than listen to the end of his set. For me it was to weak (and jazzy) in a massive barn of a venue. I imagine hearing him on Camden Parkway in the Jazz Cafe would be supremely good, but Trentham was too big for his sound. I was there for terry callier, remember going to the upstairs room half way through his set, great shame.
Ernie Andrews Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Yeah Lorraine Silver was absolute S**te and Jimmmy Conwell siging the words - "Got to have money" for nearly half an hour was a waste of good vynil time
Kev Cane Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Bettye Lavette - last year as support for Buddy Guy, not very good at all, and we left as Buddy got stuck into about a 30 minute Jam as he wandered around the venue, unfortunatley this was only his second song. Etta James - last year, I understand she has been ill and all that but for the money I was a bit disappointed. Chairmen Of The Board - Glos Leisure Centre - sometime late 70's - God they were abysmall. Surely they have enough material not to have to do an extended Love Train? George Benson - Wembley Arena? - 79/80? - so far at the back I could just see his guitar glinting in the light!! But the worst ever was Tina Turner, again in Gloucester, wife had a niece staying with us as she was going to English school and wanted to go and see her, so off we go. Only time I have ever asked for my money back at a concert. Saw Buddy Guy and Junior Wells in Newcastle in 1987 and they were absolutely brilliant. I saw Aretha at the Victoria Appollo in 1978 and she stank the joint out. She didn,t want to "get down" at all. She never got out of 1st gear, instead singing M.O.R. like Streets Of London. I must admit though I had been warned that she was very temperamental. I am probably setting myself up here but the Masqueraders ended up being a let down for me at Prestatyn. The reason I say this is because Lee Jones was not there and for a long time I have considered him as right up there with the best as far as Male vocalists are concerned. It was a bit going to see the Temps in their day and finding out David Ruffin wasn,t there. Phil Perry in the modern room at Prestatyn though was magnificent.
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 I saw Aretha at the Victoria Appollo in 1978 and she stank the joint out. This would be the show where the (alleged) Queen Of Soul opened with "There's No Business Like Show Business", yes? I wasn't there but my pal Terry Davis (the real one) was. He's still not completely over the 'experience' nearly thirty years later...
Garethx Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 An interesting topic. I'd stick my neck out by saying that, to my jaded palate, most live performances are inherently disappointing. I tend to stay clear of most live performances by any artist in any genre these days. At its very best live performance is probably the true medium of soul music, but the collision of time and place which can ignite this spark can be extremely fleeting and elusive. I concur with Binsy and Karen about the Sam Dees fiasco in Camden Town. That was probably the most bitterly disappointing as like a lot of people I had bought friends along who were unfamiliar with his material but not his reputation. It resulted in having a lot of explaining to do! Terry Callier in a patently wrong setting (the Union Chapel in Islington without his usual full touring band) is also a painful memory i'd desperately like to erase.
Guest 45s and 33s Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Err - The Flirtations @ The Cavendish, Edinburgh (where Clouds nighters used to be held in the dim and distant). Went through with a couple of mates from Dundee, got in reasonably early to get a decent seat and waited patiently whilst we were bombarded with the very worst of Stock Aitken & Waterman (Stark, Aching & Watered Down) and Stars on 45. The lights dimmed and we all cheered whilst the ladies from The Flirtations emerged. "Err - they're a bit young says one of my mates". "A bit young???? They're a lot fookin' white" says the other. We were then "treated" to a bland set of average girl-group sounds in sandwiched between unintgelligible diatribes in broad Cockney. You live and learn! However, a few months later in the very same venue we saw the late Desmond Dekker and he was simply amazing - the place was jumping and it was one of the best non-soul gigs I've been to. Ali
Guest Karen Heath Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 An interesting topic. I'd stick my neck out by saying that, to my jaded palate, most live performances are inherently disappointing. I tend to stay clear of most live performances by any artist in any genre these days. At its very best live performance is probably the true medium of soul music, but the collision of time and place which can ignite this spark can be extremely fleeting and elusive. I concur with Binsy and Karen about the Sam Dees fiasco in Camden Town. That was probably the most bitterly disappointing as like a lot of people I had bought friends along who were unfamiliar with his material but not his reputation. It resulted in having a lot of explaining to do! Terry Callier in a patently wrong setting (the Union Chapel in Islington without his usual full touring band) is also a painful memory i'd desperately like to erase. And I will concur back! Live acts are invariably a disappointment and I have to be persuaded that it is a good idea to take the risk! There are exceptions but very often, if in any doubt, the best course is to steer clear! Where I referred to Sam Dees as abysmal earlier, (actually I typed an extra 's' but that was a typo!) it was made so much worse because his previous performances had been absolutely outstanding. Generally however, it is best to have low expectations then one may be pleasantly surprised as sometimes happens.
Chris L Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 ...A sister thread to "Most memorable" going on elsewhere.... I've walked out on a few soul shows down the years. But I'd have to say that the most disappointed I've ever been by one of my heroes - indeed, quite possibly my greatest soul hero - was when I saw the late Curtis Mayfield for the first time, at the Rainbow in 1972. Hhmm..........this is a negative type of thread Tony, not sure it contributes much, however Archie Bell in 2006 in New Jersey was a load of tosh, maybe the KV set up wasn't as good as for the Del-larks & Spellbinders. As for Curtis Mayfield did you come down with us to the Roundhouse/Chelsea Village circa 73-ish, he played a great set, we got to say hello and shake his hand. Of course we didn't expect hime to start with "I'm trying hard to forget......................." As these singers get older and most have lived pretty rough hand to mouth lives, I am content to see them, say hello and have a chat, after all it was there 60T's heydays that really interest us. Chris L
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Hhmm..........this is a negative type of thread Tony, not sure it contributes much, No, it's not, and yes, it does - thirty odd postings at the last count, and not all of them from me Seriously, why should we not recall the worst of times as well as the best of times? I think that most of the people that have made the 'vile pile' here were still pretty much at the top of their game when their efforts disappointed (I know I mentioned Barbara, Hoagy and Otis L, but with senior soul stars it's often a bit of a 'suck it and see' situation and I tend to give them a lot more leeway than I do what might be termed 'current artists'). What's wrong with sharing a few disappointments, as well as a few triumphs? No, I didn't see Curtis with you anywhere, but I would never have expected him to start with "You've Been Cheatin'" at any time, other than possibly when it was a new release. But then, I didn't expect him to start his set at The Venue - on the same tour as the peerless Hacienda show - with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long", either. But he did... Funnily enough I saw Jean Carne at the same Venue, probably no more than a couple of weeks after I saw Curtis there. She also started with "All Night Long" before doing what was an exceptional show. Nick Cave's group the Birthday Party were on the following night. I was sorely tempted to go down to Victoria again, just to see if they'd also open with Lionel, as I thought it might be a contractual obligation for that location...
Robin S Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Mine was very recent - the other Sunday - went to see Jack Ashford and the Funk Bros at Sage Gateshead...I'ld convinced myself it was going to be the original Funk Bros (those still around) a la the documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". I should have done my research, as it ws 80 years old Jack and a much younger band, albeit quite impressive. But not what I hoped to see. Just Motown by numbers really. Add to that I passed on Thorne the previous night to see this and got vertigo up in the gods and it's one I'll forget....
Robin S Posted January 29, 2008 Posted January 29, 2008 Mine was very recent - the other Sunday - went to see Jack Ashford and the Funk Bros at Sage Gateshead...I'ld convinced myself it was going to be the original Funk Bros (those still around) a la the documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown". I should have done my research, as it ws 80 years old Jack and a much younger band, albeit quite impressive. But not what I hoped to see. Just Motown by numbers really. Add to that I passed on Thorne the previous night to see this and got vertigo up in the gods and it's one I'll forget.... Just to balance up that post - two of the best acts - Randy Brown at the Shaw Theatre, London and Edwin Starr at Wigan 1979
Guest moggy Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Hhmm..........this is a negative type of thread Tony, not sure it contributes much, however Archie Bell in 2006 in New Jersey was a load of tosh, maybe the KV set up wasn't as good as for the Del-larks & Spellbinders. As for Curtis Mayfield did you come down with us to the Roundhouse/Chelsea Village circa 73-ish, he played a great set, we got to say hello and shake his hand. Of course we didn't expect hime to start with "I'm trying hard to forget......................." As these singers get older and most have lived pretty rough hand to mouth lives, I am content to see them, say hello and have a chat, after all it was there 60T's heydays that really interest us. Chris L Chris How can this be classed as negative strange comment My post along with another members mentioned Chaka Khan, and although she is not one of our 60ts Icons, the question asked was who least impressed me live I for one am glad to inform fellow members that this woman was so fookin high she could only manage one song before pissing off So if you ever decide to take up a night out,where by some one may invite you to go and listen to Chaka Khan at least you have been warned she is nothing more than a smack head who lets people down Now I know your going to say, but why would I want to watch CK, but its not aimed at you directly but to everyone as a whole, I for one would certainly take on board other members comments, and if I attended a concert and it was shite, at least I could say, I had been warned
Chris L Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Chris How can this be classed as negative strange comment My post along with another members mentioned Chaka Khan, and although she is not one of our 60ts Icons, the question asked was who least impressed me live I for one am glad to inform fellow members that this woman was so fookin high she could only manage one song before pissing off So if you ever decide to take up a night out,where by some one may invite you to go and listen to Chaka Khan at least you have been warned she is nothing more than a smack head who lets people down Now I know your going to say, but why would I want to watch CK, but its not aimed at you directly but to everyone as a whole, I for one would certainly take on board other members comments, and if I attended a concert and it was shite, at least I could say, I had been warned Least Memorable/most Disappointing Live Soul Act This is the thread title "Least Memorable/most Disappointing Live Soul Act" I'm not sure where the positive is in these words. Tony thought the C Mayfield gig was sub-standard I loved it, it's personal choice not a fact. Again not sure where Chuka Khan comes into the scheme of things, if C Mayfield had been a smackhead (in fact he was prone to hair loss) and pissed off after one song I gues that would rank as a "Least Memorable/most Disappointing Live Soul Act" in the very least. When I saw Archie Bell in NJ the whole thing fell apart, not sure though that Archie was 100% to blame, probably could burn KV to stake for that one. Just because someone says "bad" or "good" doesn't make a it fact. I went with wife, bro & sis-in-laws to see 4 Tops & Temptations, the fact that only one of each group was an original member didn't make it any less of a great night, I read lots of the comments on the web from soulies and most were negative, but we enjoyed it. Getting to meet and chat with Abdul Fakar and Ronnie McNair was tops. So.......... beauty is in the eye of the beholder............................................................... Chris L
Guest TONY ROUNCE Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Least Memorable/most Disappointing Live Soul Act Tony thought the C Mayfield gig was sub-standard Chris, mate, I thought - and said - no such thing. "Sub-standard" and "disappointing" do not mean the same thing, and they never have done. It's possible for something to be of the highest standard and still be disappointing. For instance, every time United win the league - with football of the highest standard! - I personally find it to be disappointing. As I said earlier - I think - Curtis' show was probably pretty much in keeping with what he would have played in any city across the USA at that point. For me it was disappointing, given that most of the people in the audience had never seen him live during the Impressions era, that he did not incorporate more of his classics from that era for the benefit of those who knew and loved the material. I wasn't expecing wall to wall ABC Paramount and early Curtom, or anything like, but I would have hoped to have heard a bit more than we actually did on the night. As an illustration of how to do this properly, I cite the Isley Brothers' UK shows of the 90s where, having not been over here for around 30 years, the group made the effort to perform full length versions of "Twist And Shout", "This Old Heart Of Mine" and even "Behind A Painted Smile" - songs that I bet they had not played live since "It's Your Thing" came out if, indeed, they had ever played some of them at all. I'm all for giving the public what they want, and Ronnie Isley did. Curtis unfortunately didn't at the Rainbow- at least, not for me he didn't. That's why the show was so 'disappointing'. It was not in the least bit 'sub-standard' (the quality of the singing, writing and musicianship was, of course, extremely high)...
Guest Goldwax Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 So if you ever decide to take up a night out,where by some one may invite you to go and listen to Chaka Khan at least you have been warned she is nothing more than a smack head who lets people down Sorry to hear your Chaka experience was a bad one although I asume it was during the 'less than together' period of her life. I saw her in NY on Central Park Summer Stage in 2004 and it was the best vocal performance I have ever witnessed. No one could touch her. Just felt I had to redress the balance and assure feloow SS'ers that her 'crack head letting people down' phase is most definatley over.
Guest moggy Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Wax, it was almost 20 years ago so maybe I was being a little harsh, I was just saying what I considered my least memorable live act. And as you have redressed the balance, maybe listening to yourself and others I would always give someone the benefit of the doubt & a second chance but woe behold her if she f****d it up again
Guest Jean-Marc Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Edwin Starr in Ostende in 1983/84 ... a couple of Michael Jackson tunes to open the show followed by a substandard Motown medley ... very disappointing - despite all that we had a laugh so it was not all bad
Dazcymru Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Chris Clark when she opened for the Tops & Tempts at MEN Manchester about two years ago. She was a surprise extra to the line up that had not been mentioned in any publicity. Looked like a Yettie, in a sort of big white coat, and sang like one too. In the middle of DILY she decided to introduce her band so song went on forever.
Wiganer1 Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 Chris Clark when she opened for the Tops & Tempts at MEN Manchester about two years ago. She was a surprise extra to the line up that had not been mentioned in any publicity. Looked like a Yettie, in a sort of big white coat, and sang like one too. In the middle of DILY she decided to introduce her band so song went on forever. ===== tavares at Hinckley in mid to late 80s - AWFUL
Sean Tasker Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 ===== tavares at Hinckley in mid to late 80s - AWFUL Archie Bell at Wigan, 1978 I think, what a downer!! (or was that the Duramin) Only livened up when the guy from Leeds (Robin Hood?) got up on stage and danced with them.
Soulsmith Posted January 30, 2008 Posted January 30, 2008 I fell asleep listening to Anita Baker at Wembley.
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