FANVIEWS 2005
Welcome back Don & Phil..............The Everly Brothers !
(c) Tony Whittle - Newcastle 2005
A short note from your Webmaster:
Well a great big Howdy Doo from the lowlands ! First of all on behalf of EBI I would like to take the opportunity to thank everybody for all the wonderful contributions we received over the past few weeks. Great stories and even better pictures arrived in our mailbox on a daily basis ! We really hope that this will continue all the way through the USA concerts next year.............................................
And yes it is true the Everlys played more songs this time (about 5 or 6) than they have done since the mid-80's. Hopefully that will console the fans who were a bit disappointed about hitting the streets again at 9.30 ! The show itself was great, went to the Apollo and Albert Hall, and it shows that there's still plenty of life left in the 'old Everly boys'
Please enjoy the reviews and the pics and come back soon for the EBI party story !
CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL (P)REVIEWS
UK
SET LIST
Act I |
Act II Ike Everly Intro - Everly Family Show
into
|
Band Albert Lee Pete Wingfield Phil Cranham Tony Newman Pat Seivers
(with a big thanks |
NOVEMBER 28 (IPSWICH)
by Richard Harrison
The emotional and physical downturn that results from missing the last train following a show that begins late is good enough reason to feel bitter. But I don't. The show in Ipswich (probably the last ever European date in a career spanning almost 50 years) was an incredible occasion for both the Everlys and the audience.
Though I was surprised how Phil said nothing and how different Don looked to when I had last seen them (1997 in Edinburgh), the vocal harmonies were still there. The country-fied delicacies of 'Green River' 'Kentucky' struck a nice contrast to the up-tempo hits such as 'Bye Bye Love', which I thought was sung with real gusto. The audience was warm from the outset, and the first half simply flew by.
(c) Linda & Gloria
The second set - including an interesting appearance on tape from Ike Everly- provided proof if proof were needed that the Everlys were ending their long career on the road by harking back to its very beginning. Again featuring some lesser-heard Country-style songs (like 'Old Rocking Chair' and 'Willow Garden'), the second half of the show was also notable for amazingly energetic versions of 'Cathy's Clown' and 'Lucille' amongst others.
(c) Gerrit Vermeulen
Although Don sounded a little gruff, the aged sound to his solo pieces made a rather emotionally charged contrast to the strident youthful voice that permeated their 1950s-1960s output. As the show reached its conclusion (with a superb cover of Sam Cooke's 'You Send Me') the theatre erupted in applause which, I felt, was partly due to the show and partly a salute to the Everlys' career. If, as indeed looks likely, this show was their European swan-song, then it was a fitting climax, even if there was no special attention drawn to the moment.
So- was it worth it? A frantic sprint through deserted Ipswich streets, a long wait for transport on a very chilly evening in late November and not getting back until almost 1.00 a.m. are one thing. The Everlys were another.
Yes, it was worth it.
NOVEMBER 27 (BOURNEMOUTH)
by Eileen Smith
My husband and my daughter came with me to see this show my daughter is in her early twenties and wanted out of curiousity to see don and phil. As we are always listening to their music. Well she enjoyed the evening as much as we did. I took my binoculars with me and boy did i have a great view,watching every move and singing with them. My husband thought that phil did not talk or communicate with the fans, but then after all the shows they have done I expect he was worn out!
P.s hope they are coming back and that was not the last tour!
NOVEMBER 27 (BOURNEMOUTH)
by Lyn & Colin Braithwaite
We have been to several concerts over the years and tonight although a little shorter than normal was still a treat.The brothers did not seem so 'close' as in past years, the position of the mikes alone did not allow that but none the less they still harmonised to perfection.
We bought a Tshirt and programme in case this is the last time we get the chance but did feel a stand selling Grecian 2000 would have done really well! We are always amazed at the amount of male support the Everly's get, although I should'nt be suprised as my husband has been an avid fan since the late 50's.
We had a great night tinged with slight sadness that this may be the last time we will experience the Everly's live.
Well done lads.
NOVEMBER 27 (BOURNEMOUTH)
by Malcolm Dennes
Having read the reviews of some of the earlier concerts
of this tour, I went with a little trepidation, especially as my wife came too.
She knows the well-known songs and came with me to Hyde Park last year to see
Simon and Garfunkel. But I was not disappointed and was glad we made the effort.
The Brothers and the band were clearly enjoying themselves. Yes,
it was expensive but if money is the main consideration, don't go.
(c) Gerrit Vermeulen
The playlist was very much as expected, with some welcome variation such as the acoustic set, introduced by the well-known recording of Ike Everly from the radio show. As always, I kept a note of what they sang. I recorded 25 numbers, which is the most of any of the seven concerts I have been to over 34 years (excluding Hyde Park). It has always been a private complaint that their concert repertoire has been so limited. Considering the range and quality of their music, I have always been disappointed that they have confined almost all their songs to the "standards" .
Looking through my notes, I can find that they have sung only two songs they recorded after 1983: "Why Worry" (performed in 1985 and 1993) and "You Send Me" (performed yesterday). I accept that my experience is somewhat limited but having looked at several albums and CD's of live concerts, I do not see any variation. That said, I will continue to go if they come to the UK again!
NOVEMBER 27 (BOURNEMOUTH)
Went to see Everly's last night with my Mum, Dad, sister and brother in law. We all thoroughly enjoyed the show.
My dad is not easily impressed, and having been in several bands himself will always scrutinise every angle of a band/singers performance. He was lucky enough to be at the 1983 Reunion concert and rated last night performance as equal to that one (not bad considering a span of 22 years). Our favourites on the night were So Sad, Cathy's Clown, Love Hurts and Don's solo on Dream was SPOT ON and left my Dad tingling !!!!.
(c) Gerrit Vermeulen
Yes, it could have been longer,as some other reviewers have stated but we did check the venue and it told us exactly how long each "Act" would be, so we managed our own expectations (maybe a learning point for some people!) but IT WAS WELL WORTH THE MONEY AND MORE.
I expected the majority, if not all of the audience to be, lets say, of a certain age group, (there were some younger dudes there though!) but I wanted to take this opportunity to say that Phil and Don's music, for me, are up there with the rest and they are appreciated and admired by the younger generation too.
Excellent voices guys...............
NOVEMBER 26 (BRISTOL) + a little Cardiff thrown in for good measure !
by Brian Hopkins
(ed. Great review Brian. Although the term essay seems to be more appropriate, it's definitely worth the time reading ! So take a deep breath everybody............................)
It
is perhaps the case that most of us who had the privilege to see both Don and
Phil together in the summer of 2004 with Simon and Garfunkel (and boy what an
event, what a concert!), could be forgiven for thinking that maybe that indeed
was the last time that we would ever see them perform together again in the UK.
So
what a surprise and how amazing, and thanks to the Fan Club for timely news,
when we discovered that a UK tour was planned for 2005! It could not have been
more exciting a proposition. Yours truly was fortunate enough to have been able
to get tickets for both Cardiff (St, David’s Hall 20th November)
and also Bristol (Colston Hall 26th November). Having enjoyed
initially Cardiff so much, I decided to focus on the content at Bristol and jot
some notes and then to set out a review of the combined concerts for posterity!
If this review is circulated, then perhaps many other fans too can share the
notes and the recollections and share too my own enthusiasm, who knows? It’s
just nice really to be able to sit down and recall two concert performances,
which for me at least fulfilled all the promise several times over!
Concerts
Review
It might be an unusual way of covering off two concerts, but I have opted to run
through the Bristol concert, since I have notes, and then to add observations
with reference to Cardiff simply by way of comparison. There was a slightly
different audience response in evidence at each of the concerts and it was
interesting then to witness how that in fact then inspired a slightly different
approach by Don and Phil.
You
could not set out to examine the content and performance of each of two
concerts, without first expressing the impact that both concerts had on yours
truly. I attended both concerts with a very close friend who had not ever seen
the Everly Brothers live before, so it was interesting too to have seen her
reaction.
For
my own part, and having seen Don and Phil on 5 previous occasions, I could not
conceal my excitement, so they didn’t have to do a whole lot to have my
approval it must be said! I should add perhaps too, I have spent my entire
working life in the recording industry and have had the added privilege of
meeting both Don and Phil in years gone by, so I was persuaded already that they
would not disappoint. It should be said also this tour did not feature a
stand-up comedian in support so that was already a positive element! In fact the
title ‘An Evening with..’ showed perhaps a departure from performances in
recent years and dare I say, a little welcome ‘creative flair’. So I
attended with not a little enthusiasm, in truth I was incredibly excited at the
prospect.
It
might sound rather like a summary and not an introduction, but it is important I
feel to make one observation right up front which was common to both concerts.
It was both enlightening and also a delight to see that Don went seriously out
of his way to communicate with his audience in a way that certainly I had not
witnessed in previous years. The result was significant in the overall enjoyment
of both performances. It left you with the feeling that you had enjoyed a very
personal experience, a level of communication that was both informative and
entertaining. He at times sounded a little nervous, sometimes very enthusiastic
and at other times was clearly fully appreciative, even excited, at the audience
feedback. That was particularly true in Bristol, recognition in fact that they
were providing full value for those many fans in attendance.
Part
1
The chords of Mark Knoffler’s ‘Why Worry’ brought Don and Phil to the
stage and they opened with ‘Green River’ as intro – I’m not sure why we
didn’t get a vocal rendition of ‘Why Worry’ since it’s one of my
personal favourites, however, the fact of their presence, that was enough for
starters! They could have coughed and I would have applauded!
(c) Linda & Gloria
It
was the same at both concerts, Don then said his hellos and in Cardiff he made
reference to the fact that Wales was ‘The land of song’ a comment not lost
on his audience but perhaps he was being not a little modest! At Bristol he
remarked that not only had the Everly Brothers played at Colston Hall many times
in the past but also indeed the hall itself had played host to many great
artists of their era, Buddy Holly played the hall in 1957. Don remarked that
they had toured with Buddy Holly who was a friend and commented too that so many
artists of that era had passed on, but they are still here – and the audience
responded with overwhelming appreciation of that fact!
They
didn’t waste time getting onto their favourite music, commencing with
‘Kentucky’, full of close harmony in a way that only the Everly Brothers
know how. This was followed by ‘Bowling Green’, ‘So Sad’ (the latter was
interesting since I remembered from 1997 they announced that they had not often
if ever, included So Sad in their concert repertoire, but I stand to be
corrected on that) then onto ‘Claudette’, ‘Crying In The Rain’, and
‘When Will I Be Loved’. The common feature through all of these tunes and at
each concert was Don’s introduction. It was heart warming to hear the intimate
way that he explained the origin of each song, reference to each composer. This
is not new in Everly concerts but this time somehow, Don had put more emphasis
on the fact, perhaps even a note of nostalgia? He talked of touring with Roy
Orbison and asking him for a new song, hence ‘Claudette’, the contribution
by Carole King of ‘Crying In The Rain’ (lyrics by Brill Building colleague
the late Howie Greenfield who contributed most of Neil Sedaka’s lyrics), and
so on.
This
of course led onto the inevitable ‘Sad Medley’, which Don amusingly referred
to as ‘The Deadly Medley’ – but in fact and as we all know, such a medley
is sure to capture our hearts and our souls! This medley was no exception,
including ‘Devoted To You’, the JD Loudermilk ‘Ebony Eyes’, and
Bryant’s ‘Love Hurts’. The medley was followed by a stunning guitar intro,
Don demonstrating all of his skill with acoustic guitar, which is their hallmark
after all, into ‘Bye Bye Love’. Both audiences reacted the same, with huge
applause.
Perhaps
because I am an acoustic guitar nut (and possess proudly an Everly Gibson!) it
was certainly my observation that a great deal more attention was paid on this
tour to the quality of delivery of their ‘brand’ style acoustic guitar
playing. For me anyway, in concert tours following the Albert Hall reunion,
unfortunately the band, wonderful musicians as they undoubtedly are, had been
allowed to dominate the overall sound and much of Don and Phil’s acoustic
guitar playing was lost. I wonder how many of us from the very beginning and
even still today, marvel at the intro to ‘Wake Up Little Suzie’ and ‘Bye
Bye Love’ and so many other of their earlier hits? It was the Rolling Stones
maestro Keith Richard who paid tribute to Don Everly describing him as the
master of acoustic rhythm guitar. How true that was, and how true that is, since
Don certainly this time around was able to thrill and delight with some superb
up-front rhythm guitar playing. I for one was hoping to see it, and was
definitely not let down.
The
closing numbers before the interval provided yet more delight. Both Cardiff and
Bristol responded with great applause to almost perfect renditions of arguably
their greatest hit, ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’. This was followed by a band
performance, with Albert Lee ‘et al’ in fine form. Pedal Steel guitar gave
us sounds of Wout Steenhuis, (who remembers the Hawaiin sounds of the Kontikis
in 1965 who hailed from Kent (!) on EMI’s Studio Two label?) A little 60’s
nostalgia was then followed by a performance with Don and Phil of ‘Long
Gone’, before a reasonable 20-minute break, so not so long gone! Time enough
to recount the excitement of the occasion and to enjoy an ice cream!
Concerts
Review – Part 2
The opening to the set in Part 2 was full of ‘roots’ Everly Brothers. We had
seen this before, but I have to say that this time around there was an even
greater fondness and love of their own music in evidence, it was that kind of a
close personal treatment that you could not fail to feel a part of it all
somehow. ‘Don’t Let Our Love Die’, ‘Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine’,
‘Old Rockin’ Chair’ and ‘Rose Connelly’. And how amazing to introduce
their very earliest recording, the radio broadcast with Ike Everly, Dad, and
Phil’s first radiobroadcast. Some of us will have enjoyed that recording on
the Everly Brothers ‘Hearts and Harmonies’ Box Set, but what magic then for
Don and Phil to overlay their live vocals to one of their earliest recordings.
Superb theatre of course, but we were witness also to some very sincere and
historic performances, unforgettable.
It
was a joy for Don to introduce the band and for us to realise how long they had
all been performing together. That also brought huge nostalgia to the event. Had
it been a new ‘road’ band, it simply would not have been the same that’s
for sure. We were treated to 30’s style blues with some fine dobro and
mandolin playing. Albert Lee has lost nothing in his ability and had virtual
standing ovations himself at both venues.
(c) Linda & Gloria
The
set then launched into yet more favourites and delivered with immaculate vocal
harmony. ‘Til I Kissed You’, ‘Cathy’s Clown’ (to rousing applause –
the peoples choice!) and what a great and teasing guitar intro by Don to ‘Wake
Up Little Suzie’. He knew how clever that guitar intro always was! Then
‘Lucille’ providing as ever, the opportunity for the band to demonstrate
their considerable talent before the most immaculate performance of the entire
concert – and the same was true in both concerts – ‘Let It Be Me’. We
have Chet Atkins to thank for introducing this masterpiece to Don and Phil and
they have lost none of their unique close harmony and beautiful gentleness in
delivery, a showstopper at both Cardiff and Bristol.
A
brief departure to exit side stage before a predictable but welcome return for a
short set in response to huge applause and shouts of encore! We were treated
then to’T For Texas’ and the very lovely ‘You Send Me’. I recall this
song was used in encore back in 1997, with Don again paying tribute to the
faithful fans and in both Cardiff and Bristol – hugely appreciative audiences.
In fact it was clear that the warmth particularly moved both Don and Phil and
the enthusiasm they received in Bristol, a bigger hall than Cardiff so the
applause was louder, but it was also longer! It is perhaps true that the style
and arrangement of a hall can make for a different atmosphere, but I certainly
found Colston Hall to be more vibrant and vocal an audience which made for an
even more exciting ‘event. Both Don and Phil visibly responded to this level
of enthusiasm.
And
no forgetting lyrics with Phil in Bristol too! He had a few forgetful moments in
Cardiff, and perhaps Don was getting a little irritated? But none of that cast
any kind of shadow over the concert in Cardiff. It has always been astonishing
to me how modest are both Don and Phil, given their stature and the recognition
that is theirs. They have always shown a degree of humility despite their
obvious fame, and that is still true today I feel.
We
can only be thankful that we have yet again been able to indulge ourselves and
to enjoy in concert - a live performance of one of the worlds most outstanding
vocal groups. The Everly Brothers were the most successful vocal group in the
world before the Beatles; ‘All I Have to Do Is Dream/ Claudette’ is one of
just 18 ever-official double-sided Number Ones. They are described in many
publications as ‘one of the most important acts in early rock ‘n’ roll’.
I recall seeing them at the Albert Hall in 1972, the year before their break up,
and none of the excitement of seeing the Everly Brothers live on stage has been
eclipsed.
I
hope that whoever else might read these recollections might also be able to
share the joy that I had felt at both Cardiff and Bristol. The memory will
remain, just as so many earlier concert performances yet somehow, this time it
felt more then ever before - like an evening with the Everly Brothers, more than
any previous concert.
Thank
you Don and Phil – amazing, very special.
NOVEMBER 26 (BRISTOL)
by Bruce & Jan Carter
Just to say that the show at Bristol was excellent, as were the seats obtained through EBI – 3rd row, centre, about 10 feet from Don & Phil on stage.
I have been a fan for 45 years and this was a most enjoyable evening. Having first seen Phil Everly in concert in 1962, when Don had returned to the States and the opening act was a little known group called the Rolling Stones (as some people have rightly pointed out that was the 1963 tour. But hey it's more than 40 years ago so please give them a break !)
Through several more shows including the Reunion Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, it was blissful to hear those harmonies live one more time.
The waistlines may be a little
fuller, the hair a little greyer and the overall concert a little shorter, but
Don & Phil were on top form and it was a delight to listen to their biggest
hits, as well as some songs from the Songs Our Daddy Taught Us album, still my
favourite.
Time catches up with us all in the
end and if this is the last time that we will hear the Everly’s live in the UK
, what a lasting memory to leave us with!
Thank you Don & Phil.
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
(c) Fabian Lopez
by Fabian Lopez
Just few words to tell to fans that couldn't go to see the Everlys this year, that the concerts were beautiful. Specially the one at the Royal Albert Hall, the place where they reunited 22 years ago. The afternoon before this concert was the time for a the great party at the Zetland pub . Thanks Martial for organizing that, great idea !
Enjoy the pictures.
![]() (c) Fabian Lopez |
![]() (c) Fabian Lopez |
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
by Tony O'Leary
Dear
Martial
It
was great to meet you at the Zetland Arms before the concert. We (my wife
Dolores and I) really enjoyed talking to other fans and the buffet itself was
delicious. A pity so many did not make it. Some of the old videos shown were
remarkable. We stayed a while, but had to leave early as Dolores had a mission
to conclude in Harrods. I noticed from the many dark green bags in the Zetland
Arms that she was not the only one! We enjoyed the afternoon, and thought it
was well worth the entry charge.
As
for the concert itself – well, it was apparent from the opening bars of “
(c) Ida Muller
At
the interval, quite a few people were unhappy with the sound system for
“Gone, Gone, Gone”, and, while the band was good, some people, me
included, felt that they could have done their solo spot at the start of the
show, before the Brothers came on. As it was, the band’s solo spot appeared
to be no more than a filler to give the Brothers a rest. And while Albert Lee
is a fine guitarist, frankly, I did not go to the show to hear him sing.
Incidentally, I was often puzzled like Dennis Lade by the line in “Gone,
Gone, Gone” preceding “cos you done me wrong”, until I read the record
label – the full title of the song is “Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved
On)”.
Anyway,
back to the concert. The highlight was the acoustic medley fro “Songs Our
Daddy Taught Us” (Mom got a mention, too) and “Lucille” during the
finale – for two old guys, the Brothers could teach many a young band how to
rock. I also like what Don called the “Deadly Medley”, including “Ebony
Eyes” and “Love Hurts”, even though it was mildly disconcerting to be
brought back to the era of teenage death songs like ”Ebony Eyes” and
“Tell Laura I Love Her” ( although I still think “Leader of the
Pack” is great).
Before I booked the tickets I had a sense that this might be the last major tour for the Brothers – their ages and personal relationship made even this tour an unexpected bonus for Everly fans. Therefore, if this was going to be the last time I would see them perform, it would have to be at the scene of their greatest triumph – the Royal Albert Hall, and to hell with the expense. I was not disappointed with the Brothers’ performance, although I suspect the only time they spend in each others company is immediately prior to, and during, the show.
(c) Ida Muller
Overall, I thought the show had a “farewell” feel to it – old tunes like “Bye Bye Love”, which on previous tours were refreshed and re-invigorated, somehow sounded more nostalgic, perhaps finally reaching the stage where the magic in those tunes is beginning to fade. But the brother’s own magic continues – their live version of “You Send Me” is the Everly Brothers at their very best, any time during the past 50 years. Overall, I was more than pleased. I had been a bit apprehensive about which Everly’s would turn up – the 50-minute professional but cold filler act I had seen in a ballroom in Ireland in 1964, or the splendid Reunion performers.
Thankfully, we got the latter. The Brothers seemed to be really enjoying themselves, making contact with the audience and giving their all. I felt slightly sorry for the following night’s audience – I just could not imagine the Brothers being that good two nights in a row.
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
by Janice Robertson
I almost didn’t book to see the Everlys this time. I have seen a dozen or more shows since 1984 and they have all been the same format, same songs for the most part, and same introductions by Don. So I am glad I went to the Royal Albert Hall after all. I thought it was a magical performance, especially the acoustic session. Like listening to boy trebles, there is that feeling of poignancy that you may never hear them in the same way again.
(c) Fabian Lopez
I don’t know why some reviewers complained about the shortness of the show. I thought there were more songs than they used to do. Though perhaps you would get a better idea of value for money if there was a support act of the quality they were lucky to have with Nancy Griffith or Ralph McTell. I agree that if they had more time they could have put in Walk Right Back (more popular still in the UK than they realise), and what about Wonder If I Care as Much, Why Worry, etc., etc.?
(c) Fabian Lopez
We all agreed they looked great for their age, though Don was limping and he did have a couple of “senior moments” when he mentioned stealing the song from Little Richard after singing When Will I Be Loved instead of after Lucille, and also when he paused after a couple of guitar bars of Willow Garden and admitted he had forgotten the opening words. Amazingly Phil jumped in straight away with a brief synopsis of the song being about horror and death, during which time Don recovered his memory. Must be one of the very few occasions when we heard Phil speak. There is no doubt though that they were terrific for their age and still had the same magical harmonies for any age. It was a credit to them that most of the (British) band members have been with them for years, though I do wonder why world class guitarists (including Albert Lee) think they should sing.
(c) Fabian Lopez
I
tend to agree with the reviewer from the London Evening Standard after the
Hammersmith show – if they can be this good at this age, what a treat it
would have been to see them when they first started out.
Thanks also to Martial and the others who arranged the successful party in London. Pity the Brits were outnumbered by the Dutch – those who booked but didn’t turn up missed a great afternoon.
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
Dear Martial,
Big thanks to you from Tokyo. We came back.
What we saw was not a DREAM! The wonderful concert! With the BEST seat!
And to seeing you was a wonderful for us, too.
Thanks again.
Aki Kamebuchi
(c) Robin Dunn
Hello Martial
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
by Sue Dracup
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
(c) Ronald den Boef
by Hazelle Jackson
Hello Martial
![]() (c) Ronald den Boef |
![]() (c) Ronald den Boef |
NOVEMBER 24 (LONDON, ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
by Dennis Lade
I was really very happy I went on Thursday but for slightly different reasons to usual. Great to see and hear them again of course and the old magic is still there in spades.
Usually they throw me back to my youth mainly because their voices have always seemed to defy time . But this time the performance pointed ahead not back, an altogether bleaker prospect. Approaching old age, losing faculties we take for granted, slowing down etc. I thought Don looked frail and none the better after what I guess was a face lift.He always tended to skip over his chat lines but on Thursday it was in more breathless fashion. He's human after all. He worked so hard against a dodgy throat and I thought Phil worked double as hard to compensate and get the blend right.
I was also aware that the audience had also aged of
course, taken on extra pounds and a little plainer than in days past. The really
nice thing was for me was they seemed to be happy together and Phil's prompt for
Willow Garden was really touching.I can't remember a better Gone Gone Gone and
the slight variations of harmonies was a bit of a Dylan moment and very welcome.
Still can't make out that recurring line that comes before " cos you done
me wrong" though so need your help there! .............(N.B Robin has
since solved this mystery for me)
Daniel was polite about their performance but not really his thing. Lovely for
me to have him there as it completed a circle with his mum. All in all brilliant
though I still wish Albert would only bring his mandolin and they left out a few
numbers like Claudette and When will I be loved. I love the songs on disc but it
wastes Don's voice and I have never really like the way he murders Phil's lyrics
on When will........Or is that just me? Maybe it's just me. What do you think?
Be pleased to see you if ever you're down Tonbridge way.We can compare
collections and would love to have some photos Bowling Green playing in
the front room. Pure honey !
NOVEMBER 23 (LONDON, HAMMERSMITH)
(c) Imran Rahman
by Imran Rahman
Saw the Everlys at Hammersmith last night.Don didn't want to sign any autographs before the show although there were only half a dozen fans and he walked right by us.Perhaps he's tired. He seemed to walk with a limp.
The set was as listed but they didn't sing you send me. Overall the performance was good but patchy. The best part was without the band I felt and on some songs the voices were great but other numbers sounded a bit of a shambles to me, particularly Gone Gone Gone and Claudette. I'm hoping they might be a bit better at the Albert Hall tonight but I suppose you have to appreciate the fact that these guys are nearly 70 and for the most part sing as well as they did when they were 20.
NOVEMBER 23 (LONDON, HAMMERSMITH)
by John & Joy Elkington
We went to the concert at Hammersmith and had a great time.It has only taken about 45 years for me to catch up with them and see a live performance,but I have been listening to their music since the beginning.
Thank you.I repeat,it was a great evening.
NOVEMBER 23 (LONDON, HAMMERSMITH)
by Andy Tyler
It was really a great privilege to finally meet you ,I was only sorry that we could not make the concert and party the following day so we could have had longer to talk and maybe reminisce about the Everlys and their music .
Once again thanks for all your efforts with the EBI and for obtaining those 2 tickets for the Apollo that allowed us to see the boys for possibly their last tour .I hope the Albert Hall show was good and that all who attended the party had a great time, we thoroughly enjoyed their Apollo show , I think after all these years that you have to make some allowances for their voices , after all as Don says , they have been singing now for 5 decades !! But the harmonies , timing and variety were still there for all to see.
We have both our children and grandchildren all living in N.Zealand now so we are never sure of our future plans but if at all possible we will try to attend the get together in Holland next year and meet many more Everly fanatics.
Once again thanks and keep up the good work
NOVEMBER 23 (LONDON, HAMMERSMITH)
by Kevin Thomas
Where do I start,okay I have been a true fan of the Everly Brothers for over 40 years and not only went to see them at their UK concerts, I have basically collected their music on records, cassettes,cd`s and dvd etc over the same period.
So I was very pleased that the Brother`s were once again on tour in the UK during November perhaps for the last time. Now I was lucky enough to purchase TWO tickets at £60 each for two seats for the above subject concert.I thought at the time it would be well worth the expence which also included £65 for Train fares and £55 for overnight stay in small hotel ( I live in Barnstaple, North Devon) as there would not be a train to get me and my daughter home that night.
To my and my daughter`s disapointment and thats being an understatement, the concert started with the Everly Brother`s at 7.45 who sang on stage for approximately 30 minutes,then went off stage for 10 minutes, came back on and sang ONE song,off again for a twenty five minute break and then returned on stage for a further 30 minutes.
It is not rocket science to work out that for an outlay of £240.00 not forgetting extra money for food etc and a six hour journey to London and six hours back ,my evening entertainment with the Everly Brothers was ONE SOLID HOUR so the complete concert (there was no other backing group or singer) including breaks was ONE HOUR and FORTYFIVE MINUTES. YES START TIME 7.45pm END TIME 9.30pm !!!SHAME OF THEM!!! is this tour for mugs like me. TOTAL RIP OFF.
Perhaps old age is creeping up on the Brother`s and they need to be tucked up in bed with a cup of cocoa by 10.00pm.Wish that was printed on the their adverts for this tour at least that would have save me the bother and big expence.
From TWO VERY ANGRY FANS.
NOVEMBER 21 (NOTTINGHAM)
(c) Joan Asken
by Joan Asken
NOVEMBER 21 (NOTTINGHAM)
by Richard Wilson
NOVEMBER 21 (NOTTINGHAM)
by Rusty Pearl (Ian Craig)
NOVEMBER 20 (CARDIFF)
(c) Michael Keating
by Colin & Donna Howell
NOVEMBER 18 (MANCHESTER)
Tony Edwards sent us these pictures of twin brothers Dave & Michael Leadbeater who perform as the Everly tribute band 'Two of a Kind'. Here they are outside the Manchester Apollo with that other 'Two of a Kind'
![]() With Don.............. |
![]() .............and with Phil |
Thanks guys ! For more info on 'Two of a Kind' you can check out their WEBSITE
NOVEMBER 18 (MANCHESTER)
by Arthur Dickens
Hello Martial,
I trust that you had a memorable gathering in London and enjoyed the concert, I know that I did. I went to the Apollo in Manchester, which was packed. The seats were very good and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. On previous occasions when I have seen the Everly's I concluded that their voices were on the decline and that they were being selective in what they could sing, they seemed to fit the songs to their vocal abilities. I also came to the opinion that Don's voice had suffered a bit more than Phil's had, however, what a change there was this time.
Don has lost some weight but boy how they both sung, they seem to be getting better. This time they also seemed to cram more songs into their time space than ever before, great value for money.
Well what can you say about two legions of music, a team that has been acknowledged as being the inspiration of so many pop groups, they are pure harmony. The way their voices complement each other puts them number one of a cast of hundreds. I feel privileged to have been around during their rise to fame and also fortunate to have been able to see them perform live so often and in so many different places. I always sung their songs but time has taken its toll of my vocal cords so now I limit myself to listening to the real thing. Keep it up Don and Phil, we will always follow you.....and so to Las Vegas.
NOVEMBER 18 (MANCHESTER)
by Kevin Hickey
I wont list the songs as others have already done this but there was a big surprise in store for only the Manchester concert goers. " I'm still Don and he's still Phil came the usual and expected opening remarks from Don.But he then went on to say tonight "Its Don and Phil and Graham I guess........-Graham Nash is hear.We worked together on 'Two Yanks In England'-lets bring Graham on.With that Graham Nash walked on looking very 'casual' sipping a bottle of water.Don said that Graham had told them that he and his sister, who was also in the audience that night, saw them at the same theatre 45 years ago. Don joked 'Could it have really been that long?'
He went on to sing 'So Sad' with his arm around Phil and left the stage with much affection.I say left but I could actually see him in the backgruound enjoying the rest of the concert. Don later called him back for a joint version of 'Bye, Bye Love'. He bore little resemblence to his 'Hollies' or 'Crosby, Stills and Nash' days and was very thin with white grey hair, but a treat to see him.
The show started at gone 7:45 and the first half went to about 8:30 including two numbers by just the band. Although Albert Lee is great I had difficulty hearing the lyricas of his song and I think the technicians could have improved it.The second half was about 45 mins as scheduled but there was a definite enchore included in that.The Ev's and the group went off and returned very shortly with Don saying 'We don't like doing that but we've been told we have to'.So they didn't realise we wanted an enchore to show us of the short time left so we could savour it.
(c) Brian Davy
They went off and the house lights came up and 'Don'tLet Our Love Die' and 'Keep-A Lovin Me' were played over the sound system.I listened to these while my better half spent a penny and I missed Don who left the theatre quickly, as he has done in the past. Phil however took another half hour to emerge and signed all the autographs before being escorted on to he bus by a roadie.
And what did I think of the concert? I can honestly say I have never heard them sing so together and so brilliantly.The rendititons were much truer to the originals than usual and Don did alot of extra vocal and instrumental additions which were truely incredible. When this was added to Phils outstanding harmonies the result was absolutely breathtaking.
I know I'm a 'fan' but if they had short changed us I would say so. They didn't.
NOVEMBER 18 (MANCHESTER)
by Tony Drinkwater
Sounded as good as ever how do they do it ? It only boils down to one thing Talent I would hate to see groups of today performing in 40 years time. Band of Albert Pete etc fabulous A small surprise of Graham Nash a local lad ex Hollies to duet with Don and Phil on two songs.
I managed to get autographs of Phil, Jason and Pete, missed out on Don.
Just one problem why does Don do all the talking not once did Poor Phil get to say anything.
I just hope this is NOT the last UK vist from these Two greats superstars of Rock n Roll. Fingers crossed.
NOVEMBER 17 (OXFORD)
by Kate Hale
I just wonder if the people who are moaning about being "short changed" and feeling cheated were anywhere near the same shows as me??? How can you feel anything but privileged to be able to see and hear such wonderful talent and harmony? O.K. the tickets were'nt cheap but it's not as if you get the chance to see them every week, I personally would have paid double and walked every inch of the way barefoot just to see and hear them one more time.
Yes of course they are getting older, but I still say that there is NOBODY to match them and the atmosphere in both theatres was magical, everyone was singing along, and The Boys were relaxed and happy. They seemed to really enjoy the evening.....and yes of course it was too short and we would all have liked more but when would we have let them go? If applause, foot stamping, and shouting would have kept them on stage they would have been there all night!!!!
I am delighted to have been able to see them again and I sincerely hope that they will return as they promised, but if they don't then the memory of their fabulous performances together with their music will be their legacy, envied by many.....equalled by none.
NOVEMBER 17 (OXFORD)
by Geoff & Jan Snow
NOVEMBER 15 (NEWCASTLE)
(c) Tony Whittle
by Kevin Fox
(c) Tony Whittle
(c) Tony Whittle
NOVEMBER 14 (BIRMINGHAM)
by Chris from Birmingham
NOVEMBER 14 (BIRMINGHAM)
by Sheila and Brian Reddish
NOVEMBER 14 (BIRMINGHAM)
by Bob Brookes
Don has slimmed down a lot , Phil lot fatter. Don was in fine voice , Phil
occassionally seemed a bit out of sorts but
mostly ok. The opening of the 2nd half was brilliant, starting with the Ike
Everly show introducing don and Phil and into Darling Don't Let Our Love Die
which then faded to allow Don and Phil take it up live (just the 2 of them -
with
Phil Cranham on upright acoustic bass).
The show was not overly long - as you would expect (90mins) but was quality
rather than quantity. There were no encores .
I managed to get a set-list from the stage as a memento.
No pictures unfortunately.
NOVEMBER 14 (BIRMINGHAM)
by Vanessa Windass
Me and my mum, Christine, went to
the show - we had central seats two rows back from the front, and had an amazing
view of these two very talented brothers. It was an excellent evening -
the band and the boys were on form - their voices and harmonies could near move
you to tears, and between them they definite produced some sort of
"awww" factor - very, very sweet and touching.
I thought I was being a bit over-sensitive in thinking the atmosphere was a
little unearthly, until my Mum strangely mentioned the same thing after the
show. I don't know how to describe it - the nearest I can come to is, it
felt like sitting in a cosy room, in front of a roaring log-fire on a cold
Christmas eve with close family and friends, no modern TV, gadgets or anything
like that - just family, friends, songs, stories, simplicity, warmth, the
glitter and magic of Christmas and feeling totally safe, secure and calmly happy. It was this "magical" feeling that urged me to
write to you - I've seen Don and Phil perform many times before, but how they
managed to create this atmosphere in a sizeable auditorium last night will
always be beyond me - a truly magical evening - and one I feel honoured to have
witnessed.
Only one disappointment at the very end - sadly no encore. We thought they
would as they said goodbye to their audience quite quickly and didn't hang
around, which led us to believe they would be back on stage for one more song,
but sadly, no.
I took some pics so may send some soon if they look okay.
NOVEMBER 12 (GLASGOW)
by Gabrielle Law
NOVEMBER 12 (GLASGOW)
by Hans-Werner Reis
The concert in Glasgow was great.
They started with some oldies and finished
the 1 half with a local pipe piper. The second half of the concerts started with
the play back of Ike Everlys introduction in a Radio Show of Don and Phil with
them starting to sing and later they joined with their actual voices. Singing
Songs our Daddy told us like Silver haired Daddy and Rocking Chair with some
blues to follow incl. Blues stay away from me. Those songs were just accompanied
by Albert Lee on Mandoline and later the
band joined again.
Main problem for me was that the audience
did not stayed after the concert ended to get some extra songs additionally.
Maybe they wanted to reach the pubs before closing.
NOVEMBER 12 (GLASGOW)
by Paul Reynolds
I've seen the Everly brothers on five
different occasions and I have to say that I agree with the comments of some
others who felt a little shortchanged by the brothers.
I last saw them at the Usher hall in Edinburgh in '97, and this didn't come
close to how good they were that night. I can forgive them for that of course,
because they are eight years older - but the show in Glasgow on Saturday seemed
to be a little rushed.
Phil Everly did make a mistake while singing 'Kentucky' but I've seen and heard
them make mistakes on that song before, and since Glasgow was the opening night
of their tour I suppose they could be forgiven for a few glitches in their
performance. Don's speaking voice sounded weak, but his singing was excellent.
My wife had never seen them before and she couldn't believe that a man of his
age could sing so well. She only came to the show to accompany me, but she left
extremely impressed by how good they were, for a couple of 'old men'.
At the end of the show it seemed that Don was going off stage straight after T
for Texas, only to be told by Phil to stay where he was. Don put his guitar back
on and told the audience that they weren't going anywhere he then started
talking about Sam Cooke before they went into their version of 'You send me'.
Then they were off. There was no encore, and
everyone around me looked a little puzzled by the way the show ended. I
certainly was!
That was a disappointment for me and I did feel a little shortchanged by the
experience, but I couldn't fault the Everly Brothers as far as their performance
was concerned because they were very good. Just wish they would have taken more
time and come back for that encore.