The Wilko Johnson Band / The Zeds

One word describes this live performance from The Wilko Johnson Band and that word is SUPERB!

I have to admit I was only vaguely familiar with Wilko Johnson in the run up to this gig, but when you discover he was the original guitarist with Dr Feelgood in the 70's and also involved with The Blockheads then you realise what a legend the man is.

In fact, all 3 band members have strong connections with The Blockheads:
Norman Watt-Roy – Bassist since 1977 to the present.
Steve Monti – Drummer off & on for 9 years
Wilko himself – co-wrote some tracks with Ian Dury for The Blockheads 3rd album.

I am fortunate that a mate of mine has been good friends with Monti since they were teenagers. So it's early doors for us to meet possibly the best drummer on the circuit, for a drink and a chat before the gig. As I sip on my pint I query why Monti is having a J2O and he replies "I never drink alcohol before a gig, I can have a pint after the show. I wanna be focused, you know?" Such is the professionalism of this man perhaps better known for his work with The Jesus & Mary Chain in the 90's, Curve (Cuckoo album), and also collaborations with Cocteau Twins amongst others.

We meet the venue owner (also a Steve) a real character and that sets the tone for the night, because Steve is no ordinary pub landlord but a passionate 'Muso'. He has not only invested a huge fortune in The Horns, but also his heart and soul. Just looking around the venue at the phenomenal amount of Rock Memorabilia on the walls you realise that The Horns is not just a pub, but a proper music joint.

Also, as the night progresses we discover that BOTH acts tonight are not just pub bands, but proper Rhythm and Blues performers!

Sitting with Monti and our mutual friend we discuss our musical interests, and differences! I ask if I can have a copy of the set-list to which Monti replies "Set-list? Nah, we don't do a list of songs, we just play it as it comes mate."

We catch the set of the support band The Zeds, another 3 piece combo who churn out some cracking numbers. Their set is mostly of their own material and strongly flavoured with Rhythm & Blues. Some songs peppered with some influences of Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Before they finish their set I hear 'Like a Rolling Stone' played fantastically & sung by their front-man (another Steve) with as much feeling as Bob Dylan himself.

The 200 capacity venue is well packed out by now, with mostly a very mature crowd, but then Wilko is 60 years old now. A lot of the audience look like seasoned fans and my mate recognises plenty of faces amongst the throngs from previous gigs. We eagerly await the arrival of Wilko.

Steve does the introductions and as quick as a flash the great man leaps onto stage joined by Monti & Norman and they thunder into the performance. Wilko is dressed all in black with smart shirt as is Norman Watt-Roy including his Doctor Martin boots almost a trademark of The Blockheads. 'Barbed Wire Blues' stands out as the band get to work & do what they do best.



Without following a set-list, it amazes me that the first note Wilko plays is accompanied with a knowing look from both Watt-Roy & Monti and all 3 musicians are up with the pace straight from the off. Musically they are so tight and slick it makes me think they must be telepathic.

Wilko side steps across the stage in his customary jerky style and his head switches front & sideways regularly during the set, but when he stares out he looks right through you so intensely as if in another world or looks like he wants to fight the world.

However, his frenetic finger work on the guitar is just mesmerising and the songs fire out at an electric pace and accompanied with Norman Watt-Roy who thumps away on that bass producing tunes that are jaw dropping.

Watt-Roy strums it like there's no tomorrow and facial expression has his chin dropped to match the jaw dropping sound. And with Monti too, who produces rhythmic beats on the drums that would give Stewart Copeland a run for his money.

These are 3 musicians at the top of their game all with over 30 years experience under their belt and it shows in the performance tonight. During 'When I’m Gone' around the 6th song I think, we have Wilko machine gunning his guitar at us. And during the 10th song Wilko plays the guitar behind his head just like Jimi Hendrix or Chuck Berry and gets gasps & nods from the crowd.

At times during 'Dr Dupree' and towards the end of 'She's Good Like That' I almost hear an eastern sound like sitar in among the guitar playing from Wilko. Such is the magic this man produces.

Well into the set two ladies; both are old enough to be my mother; next to me at the front of the stage start to boogie during a cover version of Sam The Sham And The Pharaohs' classic 'Woolly Bully'.

Songs I remember hearing on the night include:

Barbed Wire Blues
Dr Dupree
She's Good Like That
Sneaking Suspicion
When I'm Gone
Don't Let Your Daddy Know
Back In The Night
She Does It Right – (My personal favourite)

I thoroughly enjoyed this gig and recommend you get yourself along to see this band whenever you get a chance.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.