| Author |
 Topic  |
|
juliajulia
First Love
2 Posts |
 Posted - 02/07/2005 : 01:41:11
|
Must say it came as a bit of a surprise when we arrived at the Rock Cafe in Stourbridge to find that Arthur Lee wouldnt be joining the band tonight...When we got to the door, we were politely told that due to unforeseen circumstances, Arthur Lee wasnt playing with the band tonight, or in fact for the rest of this tour...in fact he had apparently been left on the other side of the Atlantic (in rehab, or at least mashed somewhere or other in the US perhaps?)...We we told that we could still watch the band with £7.50 returned on our ticket price, or otherwise get a full refund an go home...WHATEVER YOU DO, DONT GO HOME!
The band were amazing tonight. Rusty being a more that capable and worthy replacement for the mighty Arthur Lee...You could tell that before the band came on that the boys were nervous about the reception they might receive without the man himself (Mike Randle coming out, introducing himself personally to most of the crowd and apologising far more than was really necessary) - but they needn't have been...two encores later and they could have been in no doubt that, Arthur or no Arthur, their fans love them...all the old favourites were played tonight, with the added promise of some more older stuff being pulled out of the bag on the forthcoming 10 dates...
Whatever you do, dont miss the opportunity to see Love WITHOUT Arthur Lee...it was a total joy and a good night was had by all...the t-shirts on the merchandise stall might need a bit of amending though ;)
Enjoy!
Much Love, J x |
|
|
sdc
First Love
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 02:18:21
|
couldn't agree more, disappointment at first but magnificent music played by an incredible band couldn't help but be totally absorbed in the concert. Tingles, tingles, tingles throughout, excellent guitar from Mike Randle, surprised at how powerful Mr. J. Echols was (what has he been doing since 1967), Rusty fine front man and double D rhythm section holding it all together.
The band were very genuinely appreciative of the response from the crowd and deserve to be supported throughout the rest of the tour, go see them with or without Arthur, you will not be disappointed.
|
 |
|
|
Mr Sensible
First Love
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 03:14:47
|
This was a briliant gig - great atmosphere - everything.
Don't miss them this time around!
By the way, sdc - you were surprised at the power of Mr Echols?
He is da man!!
Now, let's see... Where are they playing next... |
|
|
|
blemfan
First Love
4 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 09:52:04
|
| I was up for 'Love without Arthur Lee' before, after hearing reports from Stourbridge, I can't wait to see this show!! |
|
|
|
Martin Pravda
Fourth Love
United Kingdom
104 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 10:28:03
|
Yeah, do we know for definet if this is the rest of the tour? Im quite looking forward to the strange line up actualy  |
Edited by - Martin Pravda on 02/07/2005 10:30:10 |
|
|
|
Simon
First Love
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 11:07:01
|
I was also at the Stourbridge gig last night and my God was that a hell of a performance.
I can understand if a lot of you guys may be apprehensive of seeing Love WITHOUT Arthur (i was myself last night) but i can promise you have absolutely no reason to be.
That was the third "Love" gig i've been to and i'd say their best. I saw them in Birmingham last year and in Wolverhampton earlier this year (w/Johnny) and while they were both very good shows, last night's just felt better.
It became very clear just how much the Baby Lemonaders and, more recently, Johnny have been carrying Arthur. Last night they played with so much more freedom and enjoyment - like a huge weight had been lifted from the shoulders. For the first couple of numbers they were noticably nervous of what kind of reaction they'd get playing sans Arthur, but it wasn't long before the crowd were showing their appreciation and that really lifted the boys on stage and they played a memorable set.
I think they were pleasantly surprised at just how positive the crowd were to the show. We demanded more and more and the unscripted second encore was just beautiful to see.
The guys themselves are absolute diamonds. At Wolves in April i managed a brief chat with Mike, but this time i was able to talk at length with Johnny, Rusty, Mike and Dave C and they are such lovely guys it's unbelievable.
I promised Mike i'd try and buy some Baby Lemonade (no CDs on sale at the gig this time) today and that's exactly what i'm going to do now. He told me to email him and he'd send me a complimentary CD, but i'm no freeloader and i told him as much.
Anyway, apologies for rambling, but i'm still buzzing from last night and i can't help it.
To conclude:
Like i said to Rusty after the show - "i never thought i'd say this, but who needs Arthur?"
Get well soon, Mr Lee. You're still a legend, but you're doing yourself, your fans and the rest of the band no favours in that state. Please get help my friend. I look forward to seeing you back to your brilliant best soon.
Hopefully that'll be in October - that's the tentative date for the nest UK tour so Mike told me. |
|
|
|
Simon
First Love
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 11:13:04
|
Oh, and for those who were lucky enough to be there last night, i was the tallish guy with the spikyish black hair right at the front getting my groove on directly in front of Rusty. I had my black Love with Arthur Lee 2004 tour T-Shirt on. I got talking to a few people in the crowd so let me know if any of you are lurking on here.
I'm obviously younger than i look. Despite being only 20 Mike thought i was about 24 - cheeky git! ;) |
|
|
|
Amanda Gordon
First Love
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 11:13:17
|
| Definitely worth seeing. When he cats away..... Well these mice really layed. Fantastic guitar work from Johnny Echols.Great energy all the way through, some really sublime moments. Don't miss it. |
|
|
|
Gill
Fourth Love
United Kingdom
213 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 11:50:21
|
Thanks for the very positive reports about last night's gig. I truly hope that Arthur can get back on his feet but I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the band at Milton Keynes. From what you've all said I will be in for a treat.
Love
Gill |
|
|
|
starchild
First Love
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 11:59:02
|
Love without Arthur lee what’s going on!
I have a few points to make about the man Arthur lee. Firstly I'd like to explain that I'm a musician and have been playing for a number of years mostly helping friends out and being part of someone’s backing band or singers who wish a little accompaniment.
I booked the tickets to see love at the Stourbridge rock café 2 weeks in advance through the Wolverhampton civic box office, so not to be disappointed with added booking fee of £2. You can imagine my frustration of being told, by a women at the door that “Arthur will not be playing tonight he’s out of his face in LA”. So the points I would to make to Mr lee is that he may be a great songwriter and musician but he is also unprofessional and rude and should just give it all up. On the ticket it says love with Arthur lee and no disrespect to the only other original member of love but to have your name associated with the band surely means something or is it just ego.
I will not be bothering to turn up to see Mr lee again unless he gives some kind of apology for his actions after all the wasted energy of buying tickets and travelling to Stourbridge,. Has you may have guessed I went home very deflated and disappointed and I wasn’t the only one feel like this, the group of friends who came with me and many other people at the door walked away in the same frame of mind.
If I let people down by not bothering to turn and play for them or with them how popular would I be, read on Mr Lee and at least eat humble pie and apologise.
Mark. C
|
|
|
|
dalla
First Love
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 12:33:34
|
Yesterday was my first "Love" gig and considering Arthur's absence I was totally blown away. It appears that Love sans Arthur Lee (which is far more affordable) is guaranteed entertainment, whereas paying extra to see Arthur isn't as predictable. The band excelled themselves, and Johnny Echols really came alive (I'd heard before from the person I was standing with that he doesn't usually add anything). Love without Arthur Lee is indeed a great experience.
Oh, and I was the youngest chap there I think- blonde hair, long sleeved pale blue shirt standing parallel to Johnny.
Please hang on, guys- it's a great night. |
|
|
|
sdc
First Love
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 13:01:02
|
| Dalla, great to have the younger generation there, I went with my son who is fifteen and he was blown away, he usually listens to guitar bands of today along with Jim Hendrix and other timeless music, can now add Love to this list. A women in the audience approached him at the end of the concert, recognising his youth, and asked if he enjoyed the concert, do not worry, Love music will live on through musicians like these and fans like yourselves. |
|
|
|
Tina
Old Love
United Kingdom
678 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 14:55:03
|
Hi everybody, I was there as well and confirm that it was a great show - have just got home to Nottingham. I understand only 8 people asked for and were given a refund - the ticket price was reduced to £10 and everyone who had paid full price got the difference refunded.
I had the privilege of interviewing Johnny Echols yesterday before the show and as soon as I can get it all typed up I'll get it off to Torben to post on this site - I will also report back on updates as and when I have any but at the moment, Liverpool is definitely happening on Sunday evening so please turn out and see a great show!! |
|
|
|
stefaan
Second Love
Belgium
45 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2005 : 20:59:51
|
| I got a mail from Mike a few days ago, telling there's a big change the'll do my little Belgium in October. I was delighted to read this... but after reading the LWAL revieuws I'm having mixed feelings. Of course I want to see Arthur again on stage with the band, but I'd also love to see todays line up, because it sounds like a new fabulous band is born... |
Edited by - stefaan on 02/07/2005 21:00:52 |
|
|
|
TheElephantMan
Second Love
27 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2005 : 17:46:55
|
I'm going to tonight's Liverpool show - I can't believe Love featuring Arthur Lee isn't actually going to feature Arthur Lee! I've seen them five or six times during the last four years and they have always been brilliant - the band infusing real youthful energy into the Arthur's classic songs. I'm slightly disappointed that the old guy won't be there, but I'm still looking forward to the gig - and my daughter won't care because she only comes with me to drool over Mike. 
Ian. |
|
|
|
ALLANAGAIN
Old Love
United Kingdom
687 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2005 : 18:58:23
|
Wow!! I for one, am completely dismaied by this news. Firstly that Arthur Lee will not be appearing, and secondly by how quick everyone seems to slag him off.
I know Baby Lemonade are well up to the task musicaly, but without Mr. Lee i wouldent have purchased a ticket for Islington Academy this thursday.
Johny Ehcols is a great guitarist, and seeing him and Arthur finaly play together at The Rocket this easter, is one of my favourite LOVE memories.
At least i,m getting the news today, which is better than turning up at the gig and getting told the news.
To cut it short, GOOD LUCK to Rusty, Mike and all the guy,s on the tour, but details of Arthurs absance are sketchy at best, broken ribs according to J.E,Ss interview.......so please let,s just wish him well and hope to see him back fronting the band soon...LOVE...Allan. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Love WITHOUT Arthur Lee
