AJOBO: The British Are Coming… Back!
Some exciting news to share with you all this beautiful, gray NYC morning! The incredibly popular 50th Anniversary British Invasion Tour that circulated along the East and West Coasts last fall is returning for another go-round this spring. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, number one, shame on you, and number two, click here to see our extensive coverage, including interviews with some of the artists!) This time, the truly legendary crew will hit the Midwest as well, and I hope all of you head out in droves to catch it — it’s an unforgettable evening from start to finish.
The first official batch of tour dates are below, but while you’re mass-exiting REBEAT to score the best seats in the house, here’s a peek at next spring’s stellar lineup. You’ll notice a lot of familiar faces from the fall, with a couple of differences that sweeten the deal even more. Impossible, you say? Have a look!
1) Peter Asher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMzME8oVNCY
In his role as half of ’60s duo Peter and Gordon, Peter Asher scored mega-hits with songs like “World Without Love” (penned by Lennon/McCartney), “I Go to Pieces,” and “Lady Godiva.” In the ensuing five decades, he’s become a music industry icon as a Grammy-winning producer, artist, and manager. Last fall, Asher performed a select few dates of the tour; this time, he’ll be a mainstay.
2) Chad & Jeremy
Possibly the most folk-ish of the British Invasion artists, Chad Stuart and Jeremy Clyde topped the American charts with songs like “Yesterday’s Gone” and “A Summer Song,” yet were relatively unknown in England. On this leg of the tour, expect both a range of popular and under-the-radar tracks, plus a bit of storytelling thrown in, just for good measure. Check out both parts of our chat with Jeremy Clyde for more C&J goodness!
3) Billy J. Kramer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ejU-qra0Y
Not only was Billy J. Kramer one of the most famous faces — and voices — of the original wave of British Invasion artists, he was also managed by Brian Epstein and scored hits with songs specially written for him by Lennon/McCartney. Among them were the chart-topping “Bad to Me,” “I’ll Keep You Satisfied,” “From a Window,” as well as stellar covers of “I Call Your Name” and “Do You Want to Know a Secret?” Last fall, he treated audiences to a few tunes from his great new record I Won the Fight as well. Read more in our exclusive interview with Billy!
4) Mike Pender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wJnlAHVUfU
The original voice of the Searchers, another fab Liverpool band to heat up ’60s airwaves, Mike Pender featured on smashes like “Love Potion No. 9,” “When You Walk in the Room,” and “Needles and Pins”-uh. (Also, my personal favorite Searchers’ song, their 1979 Sire Records release, “Hearts in Her Eyes” – which Pender performed at a show on the West Coast last fall. Can I beg that he reprises it just for me but back east?) Last year, Pender was busier than ever with not only the tour, but also his first-ever appearance at the Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans. Read more in our talk with Mike!
5) Denny Laine
Though an important part of the Moody Blues’ original lineup, Denny Laine is also best-known as a member of Paul McCartney’s Wings in the ’70s. Singing lead on tunes like “Go Now,” his distinctive vocals became one of his career trademarks, and have remained strong throughout the years. His electrifying guitar playing and great R&B style infuse the entire lineup with Northern Soul and a dash of blues.
6) Terry Sylvester
A last-minute addition to last fall’s lineup (after Gerry Marsden dropped out due to health issues), Terry Sylvester may be best remembered as a latecomer to the Hollies’ lineup after Graham Nash’s departure, but the Liverpool native was also active in bands like the Escorts and Swinging Blue Jeans during the British Invasion. Look forward to him touching on the many facets of his career within his set.
Upcoming dates:
Sunday, February 22, 2015 Rams Head Onstage, Annapolis, MD
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ
Thursday, February 26, 2015 The Wilbur, Boston, MA
Friday, February 27, 2015 American Music Theatre, Lancaster, PA
Saturday, February 28, 2015 Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY
Sunday, March 1, 2015 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 The Kent Stage, Kent, OH
Friday, March 6, 2015 The Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, March 7, 2015 City Winery, Chicago, IL
Sunday, March 8, 2015 Pantages Theater, Minneapolis, MN
Stay tuned for more dates, and make sure to follow the British Invasion Tour on Facebook and Twitter.
This Week on REBEAT!
– He was the voice of the Buckinghams in the 1960s, hitting big with songs like “Kind of a Drag,” “Susan,” “Don’t You Care,” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song).” Now, Dennis Tufano chats with our own Rick Simmons about his past, present, and future as a recording artist.
– We review releases from the Turtles and Big Star, plus a retro review of Mick Jagger’s Goddess in the Doorway, spotlight a few tunes that you probably assumed hit the Top 40 in the ’60s but didn’t, and get you set to rock on into the holidays, because…
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, AJOBO will feature a weekly giveaway! What, didn’t expect big news this late in the column? Consider it a reward for reading ’til the end. That’s right — I’ll be bringing you a new giveaway every single week from November 24 (hey, that’s a week from now!) to December 22, just in time for the holidays. If you’re thinking this might be an easy way to shore up your shopping, you might wanna think again, because something tells me once you get your paws on what we’re giving away, well — ho, ho, ho to you! For more details and a preview of some of our fabulous prizes, head over to our Facebook and Twitter!
