THE JOHN LAWTON BAND

LIVE AT THE BORDERLINE 6TH DECEMBER 2001

So tonight the John Lawton Band were to be the band to start off what was to be a whole weekend of great music. The venue was a good size and 250+ people were gathered there in anticipation of a feast of good old fashioned rock`n`roll, and a dose of the blues. Right from the opening chords of "Easy Livin" the band rocked. The sound was very clear (and loud) allowing Johns amazing voice to astound and amaze the fans. What a tight band as well. This line up is really blossoming, and considering this was Arthur's first gig with the band he did really well. His style and sound were very good, and I hope he will continue to play a part in the future. His solo effort as well proved his prowess as a player. "Sympathy" followed played with real emotion, a classic Heep/Lawton song. Nobody does it better!

The band rattled out the songs with a vengence, "Starlight Angel" "Big Fat Money" "Paying My Dues To The Blues", highligting Johns songwriting talents as well.

Then a surprise, as Trevor and Stella Hensley joined the band onstage for a fabulous rendition of "Tonight", in my opinion one of Johns finest songs. They really did do a great job as well, and the crowd cheered them."The Dance" followed, and this song showed how well the current line up can play. Steve Dunning on bass really is THE best player I have seen in years, a real talent. John and Steve did "Rain" next and this is when everyone realised how good Steve is. He got a standing ovation at the end . A song from the Heartbeat album followed. Let It Ride was a strange choice for tonight, but the crowd loved it, and by now John had them rocking in the aisles and everywhere else for that matter. He really has an amazing stage prescence and can work an audience like none else.And this crowd loved him!  Then it was time for Ken Hensley to make an appearance onstage. He was given a warm welcome, and although feeling under the weather with a bad cold, he played his heart out. It brought back wonderful memories of the Hensley/Lawton Band. To me it was a highlight of the night to see them on stage together again.There is definitely a magic between them when they get together to play music. "Gypsy " was next, Roger Wilson doing an amazing job on this with the Hammond wailing , and Ritchie pounding away on the drums. John literally left them to it for 10 minutes and they rocked and rocked till we nearly all dropped. A total wall of sound. Incredible sound and arrangement, the band realy enjoyed this one, as did the fans.

All too soon the gig was over , but not before John thanked us all for being there, and he meant it! This really is a peoples band. All in all a fantastic gig, enjoyed by every single person in there. Long may they rock, and long may we roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alan Keetley