The Bellrays: The Cluny, Newcastle
THE eclectic booking policy of The Cluny saw the return of The Bellrays, from California, making their first visit to these shores in over half-a-decade since opening for the rock 'n' roll firestorm, The Jim Jones Revue.
Fronted by their not-so-secret weapon, the imposing and commanding, Lisa Kekaula alongside guitarist husband, Bob Vennum, The Bellrays batter down all musical conventions with their intoxicating blend of punk, soul, blues and pop, and whatever other label you can think of. Imagine Aretha Franklin fronting Detroit's MC5 and that gives you some idea of where they are coming from.
Packing a set crammed full of great songs from across a 25-year career, with the most recent album Black Lightning providing a fair chunk of the setlist, The Bellrays were on fire. From the frantic Living A Life to the upbeat Pinball City and the anthemic pulse of Everybody Get Up this was 100 per cent pure, raw energy.
A wonderful, smouldering, groove-heavy take on Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love was followed by a sprightly romp through Cheap Trick's Dream Police.
While many may have appreciated the news of Axl Rose stepping into Brian Johnson's shoes for reputedly AC/DC's final shows, but Kekaula staked her claim with an absolute barnstormer of a take on Highway To Hell. What a way to end the show.
With a new album due for release at the end of the year and the promise of a quick return, only a fool would miss them next time.
Mick Burgess
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here