Saw Little Richard last night at BB King's in Manhattan. I've been to that club a number of times, i have never, ever seen it that crowded. His band- about which there is nothing on the web as far as I could tell (I hope somebody proves me wrong), was absolutely one of the best in the business. These guys, to quote one of the folks I went with (who himself is a pretty famous player) were "hired killers." Two drummers, one who did gymnastics while playing, without missing a beat, a bass player who played multiple bass lines against himself, a pro-horn section that was never too loud and guitar players that nailed it- the right lick at the right time. Hammond B-3 behind the star, who got wheeled out on a golden throne. (He apparently broke his hip a couple years ago, and is not very ambulatory). The guy looked no different than he did 50 years ago, which is, admittedly, a little frightening. His voice wasn't always the best, but his piano work rocked. And with that band, Oh Lawdy!
Little Richard was hilarious. I had forgotten how much fun he is. As a celebrity who always made fun of his homosexuality in veiled references, he is refreshingly funny about his life. He did spend time holding court, talked about bringing Hendrix into the band, hanging with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, etc. The guy not only has the miles, but the stories to go with a long, amazing career. At one point, when fans were converging beneath his throne on stage to give him roses, or get him to sign autographs, he remarked (i think this was about the roses): "Oh Lawdy, you-all gonna make me scream like a white lady."
Killer show. Catch him while he is still with us. You'll have fun.
Little Richard was hilarious. I had forgotten how much fun he is. As a celebrity who always made fun of his homosexuality in veiled references, he is refreshingly funny about his life. He did spend time holding court, talked about bringing Hendrix into the band, hanging with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, etc. The guy not only has the miles, but the stories to go with a long, amazing career. At one point, when fans were converging beneath his throne on stage to give him roses, or get him to sign autographs, he remarked (i think this was about the roses): "Oh Lawdy, you-all gonna make me scream like a white lady."
Killer show. Catch him while he is still with us. You'll have fun.