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Venue: Pacific Road
Date: 21st November 2002
[website]
The great man returns, and its even greater to report that the passing of time hasn't slowed him down on e little bit. Wilko still retains his unique walking guitar style and the stacatto eye and head movements made famous years ago as the visible member of the superb Dr Feelgood. His power house trio - backed by bass and drums - literally belted out a long selection of his songs to a packed audience at Pacific Road as part of the Wirral International Guitar Festival.
I think that Wilko's performance perfectly fell into place as to why the festival is such a great success - three different nights, three different performers - Gregg Wright's blues a'la Hendrix, Tommy Emmanuel's expansive acoustic set, and finally our old mate, Wilko, wide eyed, jittering and hitting the guitar with a full hand, and yet achieving such amazing control over individual notes. The audience was right behind him all the way; Wilko still dressed in his traditional black outfit stalked the stage, his eyes wickedly surveying the audience. The sheer breakneck pace almost left it unnecessary to actually list the songs, however, highlights included Route 66 - always a favourite, Some Kind of Hero, and a blast back to the 1950's with an exquisite version of Johnny Burnette's Tear It Up. I must admit that during his encore, when he played She Does It Right, a shiver went up my backbone as I thought back to the days of Dr Feelgood. Good, good show and one worthy of the Guitar Festival, Wilko returns, as if he has ever really been away.
Review by
Maddie – November 2002
 
An energy filled double-header featuring the brilliant innovative Wilko Johnson Band and local Wirral four-piece rockers The Chain Gang. The Chain Gang opened and played a great set of twelve of their own songs mainly from their new CD “They Came From Out Of Town”. Songs included Crawlin’, Graveyard Man and closing with the superb Midnight Train. This is an excellent band, they are stylish performers and I think destined for higher things. Comprising Jon Genno, Eddie Harrison, Tony O’Keeffe and Mick Saunders the band rocked with the distinctive sound of a Fender Telecaster and driving bass and drums leading the way through some great songs. The lead singer is a natural front man for the band. It is worth noting that later in the evening Wilko Johnson himself commented on how good The Chain Gang were and the audience clearly agreed. More information is on their web site www.chaingang.btinternet.co.uk.
A short break followed and then just after 9.00pm Wilko Johnson, Norman Watts-Roy and drummer Monti strode onto the stage to a loud and expectant welcome. Now anyone who has seen Wilko will know his style is very much his own and he quickly settled into his “stride” with intricate rhythm patterns interspersed with slick guitar licks. A very individual guitarist in every way. The band is also very animated and made use of every inch of the stage. The audience was hypnotised by Wilko’s haunting stare and urgent and erratic cross stage meanderings. An impressive and mesmerising spectacle. Sound balance was excellent and complex lighting patterns embellished the feast. Several prominent local musicians had made a point of attending this concert and they did not leave disappointed. I am sure no one left disappointed.
The concert hall was again full and the ovation at the end prompted two well-deserved encores.
A great concert and a great night. Review by
Tragic Sally - November 2002
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