When it comes to legendary rock acts, they don’t get much bigger than ZZ Top and George Thorogood and the Destroyers.
The Texan trio has released 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million records since 1969 while the latter Delaware “high-energy boogie-blues” outfit boasts sales in excess of 15 million since 1975.
So, the audience knew as it converged on Roche Estate for the Red Hot Summer Tour on Saturday 3 May, that each of the bands’ playlists would be exceptional… and that everyone would be in for a great time.
They weren’t far wrong.
Seventy-five-year-old Thorogood strutted around on stage like Mick Jagger, providing a thoroughly entertaining experience from go to whoa.
His guitar skills were phenomenal to say the least and his voice was as powerful as it’s ever been, belting out such classics as Bad to the Bone, I Drink Alone, Get A Haircut, Move It on Over, Who Do You Love? and One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
In other words, he had the crowd in the palm of his hands the entire set.
The main fare, however, was a ZZ Top minus the late Dusty Hill and an ill Frank Beard.
Despite that, vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons joined drummer John Douglas and bassist Elwood Francis to deliver a “colourful” back catalogue of hits.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers produced the goods with Pearl Necklace, La Grange, Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure, Sharp Dressed Man and, of course, their signature tune Legs.
But, unfortunately, there wasn’t the same amount of interaction with the fans as you’d expect, especially after the showmanship of Thorogood.
Yes, Gibbons and Francis wore bright outfits and played fancy guitars with deft touch.
However, something seemed missing… possibly, enthusiasm?
And, disappointingly, they overlooked several smash singles, including Sleeping Bag, Stages, Velcro Fly and Rough Boy to play lesser-known tracks.
Am I being too harsh? Maybe.
But, after growing up listening to Eliminator, Afterburner and Recycler, I’m entitled to feel a bit duped.
Thankfully, Aussie legends The Living End and Baby Animals lived up to all expectations.
Chris Cheney, Scott Owen and Andy Strachan were brilliant as usual, thanks to Prisoner of Society, All Torn Down and White Noise.
The boys, regulars on the festival circuit, are always deserving of high praise.
And, what can you say about the incredible Suze DeMarchi?
She’s still one of the best in the business and her vocals spot-on, punching out Early Warning, One Word, Painless, Rush You and their latest offering, a cover of Motorhead’s Ace Of Spades.
Throw in a dash of Rose Tattoo and Dallas Frasca, too… and, overall, it was a pretty good way to spend an evening in the vineyards.
For more entertainment stories:
- Discounted hire fees slated for major global acts at Newcastle venues
- Hunter left out of emergency music festival funding
- Baby Animals still have an Ace Of Spades up their sleeve, says DeMarchi
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