John Lennon in Concert 2014- Part 1
I noticed that Ringo Starr and his All-Starr band is touring again. He's on the road regularly and it's a pretty entertaining show. Past members of his band have included Joe Walsh, Levon Helm and Clarence Clemons.
Another former Beatle tours regularly. You may have heard of Paul McCartney. He puts on a terrific show. Good combination of old and new songs. Very nostalgic.
George Harrison has been dead since 2001, but we have an idea of what one of his concerts will be like. George reluctantly toured in 1974. We also have the "Concert For Bangladesh" and "The Concert For George" .
John Lennon is different. There's very little to go on. He never toured as a solo act. There were a couple of benefit concerts in 1972. "Live Peace in Toronto", in 1969. A few songs with Elton, on Thanksgiving 1974. A song here and there...and that's pretty much it.
What's a John Lennon gig like in 2014?
First he needs a band. Drums and Bass are easy. He's played with both Klaus Voormann and Jim Keltner. Here they are playing with B.B. King
Next is keyboards. Chris Stainton has played with many acts in his career, most prominently with Joe Cocker and now with Eric Clapton. He's perfect.
Lead guitarist is trickier. EC has played with Lennon and would be the easy choice but he's too big for this. He takes away attention from what would be a historic tour. I need someone who can play and sing. Welcome Peter Frampton. He's toured with both Ringo and Bill Wyman, so he knows how to be a sideman. He's also comfortable enough to move up front for solos.
You get some some girl back-up singers and you've got yourself a band.
Now that we have the players, what songs and in what order are they played? Good question!! I have them doing a three set concert. There are eight songs in each set.
They open with Lennon's solo work. John comes back with a solo acoustic set. The band finishes with a set of his Beatle's tunes.
It's time for the band to rehearse and get ready for set one.....which we'll see in Part 2, tomorrow.
By the way...good news...Yoko will be in the audience dancing, not performing.