The Music Hall, Shrewsbury, UK (Sunday 29th October 2002) by Anthony Bartlett

Those of us lucky enough to see Lonnie at the Music Hall in Shrewsbury on Sunday 29th October will never forget his brilliant performance.

Playing to a full house, Lonnie and his great band gave it their all. The show was opened by Lonnie and Sharon’s eldest son Peter who played a set of several styles of music including some ragtime, rock n roll, and
excellent composition of his Rainy days and sunny afternoons.

Peter was well received by the audience who were then thrilled by the appearance of Lonnie on stage, who was accompanied by his usual band consisting of Pete Oakman on bass, Paul Henry on lead guitar, Chris Hunt on drums, Alan ‘sticky’ Wicket on African drums and percussion, and a new addition Peter Donegan on synthesizer.

Lonnie was sporting his beautiful new Martin guitar, the one recently presented to him by the Martin guitar company to honour Lonnie’s great musical heritage. Lonnie proudly displayed the instrument to the crowd showing off the dedication on the neck of the guitar which consisted of a crown, the King of skiffle, Lonnie Donegan. The sound of the new $12000 guitar was superb and Lonnie obviously relished playing it. Naturally the banjo was on hand.

The set opened with Can’t you line ‘em, the sound was good and the harmonies came through especially well on this number and throughout. Lonnie then got going with Worried man followed by a rocking version of Corrine Corrina featuring Nick Payne on sax. Lonnie played Grand Coulee dam virtually accompanying himself on the Martin. The audience were treated to Lonnie telling them about the song’s history and to demonstrate how poetic the words are he recited the chorus.

A great surprise was the inclusion of an outstanding version of Ol’ Riley which came across very well with a really rhythmic chorus line which recalled the singing of the slaves of the old south. The banjo was brought out for the gospel medley of Rock ’o my soul, Michael row the boat ashore, and I shall not be moved and Putting on the style.

Sticky Wicket started up a marching version of the Battle of new Orleans by with a rousing solo on the military drum. Lonnie then came in with a growling rendition of the song which was followed by a great drum solo by Chris. We were also treated to those two great songs on the slower side I wanna go home and Seven golden daffodils which Lonnie always sings with a dramatic reading.

Lonnie then started off the blues song I’ve got rocks in my bed with the martin and he played a great solo later in the song . Lonnie displayed his innate feel for a blues song to the full on this number very ably assisted by Paul on lead.

Nothing could have better prepared us for the last song of the set the Rock island line. We knew Lonnie was on the top of his form from the show thus far but what went into the Rock island line was raw skiffle brought right up to date. You could call it 100% rock n roll or anything. It was truly exciting with Lonnie’s vocals tearing into the famous introduction I’ve got pigs ,I’ve got sheep and down the line at great pace the song went with a fabulous lead guitar solo from Paul, with Lonnie virtually on one knee facing the band letting the Martin have it, with not a note being missed or a second of excitement lost. Huge applause from the audience came as Lonnie left the stage but we all knew he would return to give us more as no one in the audience showed any intention of leaving the theatre.

Back comes the great man and picks up the banjo and charges into Does your chewing gum, pushing the band along with some driving rhythm banjo and a fine version of the song. Next comes a big surprise ,Lonnie sings the Last time, the song made famous by the Rolling Stones, but Lonnie sings it almost as a hymn with the band members harmonizing with great effect. This was received by the audience by them all getting to their feet again.

Then comes yet another showstopper. After an introduction where Lonnie told the audience how he had written a song with Jimmie Currie and recorded it and released it and how it had failed to be a success, he went on to explain how Tom Jones and come to record it and have a huge worldwide hit with the song. he then told us with great pride that the song had also been recorded by Elvis Presley. He then launched into I’ll never fall in love again and sang with avoice so powerful and full of emotion that a standing ovation was inevitable. The audience rose to their feet at the end of the song realizing that they had seen a fantastic performance by one of the greatest live performers of the last 50 years.