Billy Walton Band...UK Tour

Its gonna rock in Rochester tonight. Can't wait for the show. And getting my hands on the new CD.

It's not a case of deja-vu; I've already posted this in a WT Feaster thread, but it was such a great night last Friday, and you'd be pushed to call it betwen the 2 bands, I just have to post this on Billy's thread.

Bloody ‘ell!!! a Hurricane and a Tornado tore through The Cluny on Friday night. The combined talents of The Billy Walton Band and WT Feaster Band; certainly the best double-header I’ve seen this year, if not longer.

Both bands gave full 90 minute sets, Billy Walton batting first in Travis’ adopted second home, and giving it the full works. Blazing solos, chopping rhythms that would make Wilko look twice, plectrum juggling and fine interplay with the sax player Ritchie Taz; Billy and the band tore into the place. With William Paris on bass and Johnny D’Angelo on drums, they had a full Cluny bouncing; the “American Roadtrip” finale almost came too soon; taking us from Newcastle to New Jersey, New Orleans, Chicago, Alabama and back home.

After the shortest of breathers, WT took to the stage with Chris Taylor as ever behind the drumkit, but a new face on the bass; Austin SHEAR-ER having left for a “proper” job. (Wish him well and hope he finds his mojo before too long). Travis opened up with Gunshy, and from there just never let up; giving something old, plenty blue and re-worked some good borrowed stuff; Blues Suede Shoes getting funky, Is This Love showing reggae chops, and his blitzing Hey Joe. Can’t ever overlook Chris’ Buddy Rich-style drum walk-round solo.

End of a fantastic night saw Travis and the band joined back on stage with Billy Walton and Ritchie Taz for a storming run through Dear Mr. Fantasy with rounsing Hey Jude singalong to close the night. Don’t know if they went past the curfew and don’t care; a night as good as this just shouldn’t end. One of the best nights ever at a full Cluny.

Gotta give Linda & John Valentine credit too; they’re the ones bringing it round the UK, these dates still to go before the bands do a couple of separate shows:_

13 Nov - The Cellars, Eastney
14 Nov - Robin 2, Wolverhampton
15 Nov - New Crawdaddys, Basildon
16 Nov - Boom Boom Club, Sutton
17 Nov - Halling Community Centre, Halling Rochester

Mike

How could I forget a cracking venue like Greystones? Hope you guys have a great night there and the rest of the tour. Thanks again for a brilliant night at Newcastle - you've got 4 more fans easily. Look forward to next time around.

Mike (Cynthia, Peter & Ann)

Word sneaking out on Billy's umpteenth UK trip - January/February 2013. Hang on tight.......

26   Rock & Blues Festival, Skegness

29   100 Club, London

31   Chiselhurst; Beaverwood

Feb

1     Touchline, Hullbridge

2     Pontypool, Wales

4     Oxford - Monday Blues; Jericho Tavern

Looks like a couple more to squeeze in maybe..... Hope so!

Mike

From personal experience Billy can f'g play!

We are not playing the Bull's Head in Barnes on May 20th.  Other gigs not listed in the post:

May 20    Yardbirds Club, Grimsby
May 24    Blakeney Harbour Room, Norfolk
May 26    Barnet FC
May 31    Barrow In Furness
Jun 1       Boom Boom, Sutton FC, Sutton

All details at www.billlywaltonband.com    We're really hoping Tommy can find a venue in Hartlepool for the 18th.   If anyone has any suggestions post away!

Thanks
William