Jerry strode on stage at
10.39 pm to a great standing acclamation from the audience. He was wearing a sharp black business-like suit with a red shirt. He looked like a million dollars and acknowledged the
standing ovation saying, "It is great to be back in Scotland. Everyone here has been very nice to me and you have a beautiful country." There was then another standing
ovation. Jerry again said, "It is great pleasure to be here to play for my fans and what a beautiful hotel this is."
He started out by saying he was really hoarse
and that his throat was sore. Nevertheless, he sounded in good voice when he started into "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" before launching into "Over The
Rainbow" and during this number he said, "Kenneth, let me hear that fiddle." He then did a joking "false" start to "Great Balls of Fire" and
sang one line in falsetto, to show how his throat was feeling.
Like the previous night, Jerry did a five-minute version of "Hadacol Boogie" during which
Jimmy Ripp played some truly amazing blues riffs that had Jerry looking over at him in amazement. Jimmy is a truly talented guitarist and adds a new dimension to the band.
In the middle, Jerry included a line or two from "Mean Woman Blues." At 10.58 Jerry started "CC Rider" and Kenneth again picked the fiddle and played some
great fiddle - just like he used to and Jerry seemed to appreciate the sound from behind him.
A short version of The Hawk's "In The Mood" followed a pile-driving
version of "Chantilly Lace," during which Robert excelled on the drums and B.B. thrummed on the bass. Jerry coughed during this number. After he finished it, he
took his first drink of the evening and announced to the amusement of the crowd that it was "Apple juice".
As on the previous night, Jerry did a long version of
"Blues at Midnight" which segued into "Blues Stay Away From Me." Again Jerry got Jimmy Ripp to take some extended solos that themselves drew applause
from the appreciative audience. Jerry asked Bill Strom to take a solo on this number, and he really sounded wonderful.
The first Chuck Berry composition of the
night to get the Lewis treatment was "Sweet Little Sixteen" and Jerry followed this with a great fast version of "Mexicali Rose." At this point Jerry looked
fine and responded to many shouted requests from the audience for "You Win Again." This number got the full Jerry Lee treatment with extended solos and sound just
as good as it has always done. He ended it by saying "I love you still - not too still."
After the number finished,
Jerry put his hand to his throat and appeared to be in some difficulty. Jerry looked uncomfortable and said "There will now be a short intermission." He stood up
holding onto the piano lid and the stool fell over, which was not part of the show. Jerry was definitely not feeling well and he was helped offstage by Phoebe. The crowd gave
Jerry a standing ovation as he left; they were with him all the way! After sitting in a side room for a short time, he decided to go up to his room and to bed, rather than
over-extend himself tonight.
Jerry had been on stage for 46 minutes - more than twice the time he used to do back in the sixties. During the 13 numbers he did, Jerry
sounded really good and his piano playing was quite astounding. All the old power and drive were there. Hoping that rest and medicinal throat spray will help The Killer feel
more like himself by Tuesday in Glasgow. Looking forward to it. Throughout the show Jerry kept his jacket on and the room was exceptionally hot. Perhaps for the rest of the
tour he should throw away his jacket in true Jerry Lee style after the first number.
Jerry is looking happier than he has done in ages and is obviously enjoying doing this
tour. It is a pity that once again, he has "Overshot The Runway," but we all know that he goes that extra mile in Europe for his loyal fans.
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Update:
The morning after the show Graham Knight reported that Jerry is fine now. He has three days to fully recuperate before the next show on February 24th in Glasgow.
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