23 October 2018 (gig)
28 October 2018
For over 100 years The Palladium has been at the centre of London’s evening entertainment with huge stars enthralling from its ample stage. As Bob Harris introduced support act Robert Vincent - who he had personally chosen as the Bob Harris Emerging Artist at the UK Americana Awards three years earlier - he recalled The Beatles’ famous “just rattle your jewellery” quip.
Liverpool based Robert Vincent is dressed unusually smart in black jacket and jeans because “it's The Palladium.” With his four-piece band he introduces us to songs from his latest album “I'll Make The Most Of My Sins”. For a self-confessed misery guts he's a very witty chap who I’m sure John Lennon would have approved of.
Soon it was time for the main event with Richard Hawley’s band taking to the stage as Duane Eddy's backing outfit, with the 80-year-old joining them to rapturous applause.
‘Moving and Grooving’ kicked off the set, Eddy’s first chart position reaching number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1958.
‘Cannonball’ and ‘The Lonely One’ followed and that distinctive instrumental sound which so defined him was warmly welcomed. Shadows guitarist Bruce Welch joined for ‘Shazam’ a hit for both bands.
Eddy looked comfortable leading the outfit through his early repertoire dressed in a dark suit and cowboy hat. The longstanding guitarist has a very easy amiable manner which instantly charms and sets the listener at ease. Much like a doting grandfather recounting tales of youth from a bygone age.
Richard Hawley joined for Chuck Berry cover ‘Memphis Tennessee’. Hawley produced the Eddy’s 2011 ‘Road Trip’ album and along with his full band has become a regular fixture in Eddy’s live UK shows. With Hawley’s backing singers taking on the mantel of The Rebelettes and a guest appearance from the wonderful Imelda May it was a night to savour. In a sequinned black dress Imelda shone brightly singing ‘Tennessee Waltz’ and ‘Rollin and Tumblin’ showcasing her amazing range and versatility, a perfect addition to Eddy's instrumental sound.
Henry Mancini’s ‘Peter Gunn’ a veritable highlight at the tail end of the set came before a standing ovation to a true legend of music whose ripples can still be felt in today's music.
A first-class night of good old fashioned rock n roll, and if any confirmation were needed that this was the hottest ticket in London seeing Jimmy Page clapping along provided it. A fitting tribute to and 80th anniversary celebration.
Setlist
1. Movin 'n' Groovin
2. Cannonball
3. The Lonely One
4. Shazam (with Bruce Welch)
5. Three-30-Blues
6. Ramrod
7. First Love, First Tears
8. Dance With the Guitar Man
9. Play Me Like You Play Your Guitar
10. Boss Guitar
11. Memphis Tennessee (Chuck Berry cover) (with Richard Hawley)
12. Keep A Knocking (with Richard Hawley)
13. My Blue Heaven (Fats Domino cover)
14. Blueberry Hill (Fats Domino cover)
15. Kommotion
16. Because They're Young
17. Tennessee Waltz (with Imelda May)
18. Rollin and Tumblin (with Imelda May)
19. Forty Miles of Bad Road
20. Yep
21. Peter Gunn (Henry Mancini cover)
22. Rebel-'Rouser
Encore:
24. Some Kind'a Earthquake (with Richard Hawley)
25. Hard Times (with Richard Hawley)
