The Venue at Horseshoe Casino had a very special guest recently. “Oh what’s his name” played a show with a group of very worthy musicians performing some rock hits while the crowd chair danced the night away. Ringo Starr (A.K.A. Billy Shears) and his All Star Band was just an absolute joy to see. The former drummer of ‘Rory Storm and The Hurricanes’ and that other group he was with has been a band leader for the last four decades.

The band started to play “It Don’t Come Easy” and out walked the main attraction, Mr. Richard Starkey. This 1971 single got people pumped up and ready for the evening. The song referring to the breakup of The Beatles delighted everyone. The night started on a high note and never came down.

As the night continued, Ringo and the boys pressed on with great songs such as; “I Wanna Be Your Man” and “Photograph.” The crowd had a sing along with the well known song that children still sing today like it was a nursery rhyme, “Yellow Submarine.” His baritone vocals in the song and comical bridge make this just a wonderful ditty for people of all ages.

The band would play a few of Ringo’s songs and then he would take a backseat during parts of this show while the other members of the band stepped forward and took the lead. Each member of the All Star Band came to the center of the stage for two songs of their own.

Guitarist Rick Derringer played his fingers down to the bone on every guitar piece during the night. During his presentation the first song he played was “Hang on Sloopy” from his days with the McCoy’s. He did the original version with parts of the song that never made it to the record. As he talked during the middle of the song explaining how the record company had cut out a verse, he proclaimed, “I’m here tonight to set the record straight.” For his second song he made the most obvious choice, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie-Koo.” During this song Rick was just on fire. He ended the song with a flashy guitar solo that included fast runs and tapping that would make the 1980’s guitar shredders look on with amazement. One of the most under-rated guitar players in the world had taken the lead role in this band.

Wally Palmar from the Romantics completed the guitar rhythms and some great background vocals for this group. He played a variety of different guitars, but it was quite obvious that he was in some way influenced by the Beatles. At some points he was playing a Rickenbacker guitar and his amp of choice was a Vox. He impressed the crowd with an updated version of “Talking In Your Sleep.” For the people in the audience the show kept rocking out when he did the jam “What I Like About You.” His amazing abilities and sweet vocals were definitely a tremendous addition to this band.

The bass playing done by Richard Page from Mr. Mister was a complete shock. This man really knows his way around the lower register of the music staff. His expertise was provided on every piece, but when he presented his number one singles to the audience no one was sorry to hear them. The songs “Kyrie” and “Broken Wings” were a nice fit within the other songs chosen for the concert performance. His vocal and musical contributions were very well received.

Gregg Bissonette filled out the night on drums completing the rhythm section. On most of the songs Ringo played alongside him, but Gregg was definitely the main drummer for the evening. He held the rhythms and kept them tight. His timing could not have been knocked off beat with a wrecking ball. His dynamic range on the drums was perfect and he knows how to hit hard or with finesse.

Gary Wright filled out the band on some great keyboards and vocals as well as the rest of the band. One of the most memorable moments or the concert was when he stepped up to the front of the stage for his first number and sang “Dream Weaver.” The song that had been played on every classic rock station for years was being played before the eyes of the concert goers and most of them couldn’t believe how flawless it was. There was no lip syncing being done during this performance; this man was just that good. When it came time for his next song “Love is Alive” his performance was just impeccable as well. Two smooth songs with a crooner of a voice that has remained polished over the years.

One of the jam band masters Edgar Winter had his time during the show as well. His first song he did was the awesome riff jam “Free Ride.” The song rocked just like the record! His contribution was complete when he played one of the coolest instrumental jams ever, the song “Frankenstein.” The man made an impressive jump from keyboards, to drums, to sax and back again. He was the very first keyboard player to put a strap on a keyboard and walk around the stage with it. He stated during the show, “I got tired of being stuck behind a piano.” This night would not have been the same without hearing this awesome man play everything that he did. Winter is truly one of the greatest musicians to ever take a stage.

The night continued on passing the torch from Ringo to the band and then back to Ringo again. The mix of songs from the 1960’s to the present was just a great combination of music for everyone. Ringo did a few songs from his new album Y Not. “The Other Side of Liverpool” was a great song to bring out for the night. It fit the classic Ringo writing style and was accepted by the crowd that didn’t know the new material.

Another song that was done was “Act Naturally” which he explained it was almost a biographical song, making fun of himself. He played a great piece from the early days called “Back off Boogaloo” that was sang around the room. He then introduced a song that he described as not going over well the previous nights before and he wasn’t sure if he was going to continue to play it. He asked the audience to be the judge. They then started in singing the opening line “Billy Shears” to one of his most popular songs “With a Little Help from My Friends.” The place went nuts!

At the end of the night as Ringo takes his bows the band went into a few choruses of “Give Peace a Chance” which sent chills up and down the spines of the members of the audience. Everyone throughout the room could almost feel the presence of John Lennon. Goose bumps were everywhere!

Ringo gave his goodbyes, the band continued on with a few more bars, and then it was over. Billy Shears and the All Star Band galloped off into the sunset to the next town. What a fantastic evening as “Oh what’s his name” got by with a little help with his friends.  

The lights went out and the band took their place on the stage. There was no opening introduction and it wasn’t necessary. The packed house cheered and waited for the band to start. When the stage lights came up, the band immediately jumped in with “Nothing is Easy,” and the crowd went wild. Everyone in the place was grinning from ear to ear as Jethro Tull started up their show. It was a fantastic night for music.

Now with over forty years as a successful touring band, performing shows in five different decades, this bluesy progressive rock band has impressed the hell out of millions. Sunday night at Ravinia was no exception what so ever. Five men took the stage with a job to do; to entertain the audience and that is exactly what they did.

The up scaled outdoor theater was a great setting for Tull to perform some of their great hits as “Thick as a Brick,” and “Aqualung” that everyone would expect to hear in their concert. They also dug down deep and pulled out some “B” side material that impressed the true fans. One of the big surprises of the evening was “Farm on the Freeway.” It was a very nice piece from the album Crest of the Knave.

Ian Anderson throughout the show played tough flute pieces as he danced around the stage. He performed his signature step for brief moments, standing on one leg, kicking through the air with his unique version of an Irish jig. His playing as a flautist has changed over the years from his beginning comical days into a highly sophisticated musician. His runs have become fluent as they flow so wonderfully within every piece of music. He kept the crowd’s attention as he hammed it up on stage doing his best to gain the award of entertainer of the year. Most of the fans that attended would gladly present him with a trophy.

Martin “Lancelot” Barre is still one of the most under-rated guitarists to ever pick up a six string. His ability during the entire show was mighty powerful from every note that he played. His solo capabilities are far past what most other guitar players can do and he has the ability to play rhythms that most musicians can only dream about. The intricate display on stage was superb and scary that someone could become so much a part of his musical instrument. For the guitarist who has influenced so many players over the years, hats off to you. 

Doane Perry kept the meter going during the concert never missing a beat. This rock band would not be the same without this man behind the drum kit. His triumphant displays come across so effortlessly showing his talent within everything that he plays. His precise engagement with percussion instruments is a delight to see and hear. His drum fills at this show were so amazing, in sync, and to the point. The dynamic range of Doane is unbelievable for the fan and by your average four-four timing drummer. His elevated playing skills have far passed what other drummers have done in Tull and live he has been doing it for over twenty-five years.

John O’Hara had a solid keyboard performance during the show on each and every song. One of most important parts of Jethro Tull music had become their keyboard player even though they didn’t even have one when they first started out. They have gone through so many keyboardists over the years and this guy had to duplicate what so many competent musicians have done before him. He pulled off everything without even appearing to sweat. His musical knowledge was apparent as he pulled off the classical runs during the opening to “Locomotive Breathe” and the middle jam in “Thick as a Brick.” He proved that he is more than capable of doing his job as a member of this band and he fits in well.

David Goodier provided the low tones that were felt deep down within your body and soul. Approximately a half dozen bass players have taken the stage with this band since 1968 and none of the previous ones may be in the same league. The master of the low end showed his skills during “Bouree” as he displayed sweet bass parts. His quick and finesse like attack kept everyone supplied with the most pristine bass lines within a live setting that anyone could possibly ever imagine. He was sporting a monster of a six string bass that sounded as good as it looked.

The night consisted of songs being played such as “Beggar’s Farm” and “A New Day Yesterday.” The sound mix of the group, as always, was just a clear and perfect presentation of music. For the awesome display the band played their fingers to the bone. Ian presented the audience with two giant balloons that he balanaced on his head during “Locomotive Breathe” before throwing them into the crowd. The balloons were knocked around above the crowd like a giant beach ball. Their final song played and Tull put on another tremendous show that could go down in the record books. One of the balloons popped as the fans grabbed for a piece of the souvenir and two small children got the other one to take home. Their final song played and Tull put on another tremendous show that could go down in the record books. Ian and the rest of the band said, “Bye – bye! Bye – bye!” The lights came up and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong played through the theater giving everyone their walking music.

Ravinia was an excellent setting for this concert to take place. Jethro Tull had a beautiful setting to display their music. The band as always played some of the most difficult music done by any band that ever existed. They came, they played, and they conquered their fans. They brewed the songs of love and hatred as the crowd hummed along and kept on going. It was truly a magical evening.

Saturday night at Harrah’s Casino in Joliet, Illinois can be a very special place to go, but when they have a musical act playing it’s even better. One of the best traveling bands around played a fabulous show for their audience. Creedence Clearwater Revisited took the stage entertaining fans of all ages and everyone had a great time.

Doug “Cosmo” Clifford and Stu Cook revisited their music with some very worthy musicians. The group jammed for the evening playing such hits as; “Born on the Bayou,” “Down on the Corner,” “Fortunate Son,” “Suzie Q,” and everything else including the kitchen sink. If classic rock radio was a part of your life, you knew every single song played by this fantastic band.

The Band:

 Clifford and Cook were the rhythm section canvas for CCR allowing the hired guns to help complete these classic works of art. For over fifty years since these two met they have been entertaining audiences as a super tight group and were very lucky to have been able to reach the success they accomplished.

Tapping away at the drums with the clock like beat was Doug Clifford. His kit may be small, but he didn’t need much else to put on fantastic show with the amount of talent that he has. His experience was apparent throughout the night and he never lost the beat. He was flawless.

Stu Cook provided the bottom end and occasionally went low with his five stringed earth mover. The smooth tones were amplified through an Aguilar amp head and a matching set of SWR four-ten cabinets. He played with precision and was in a synchronized locked with “Cosmo” all night long.

The big man at the front of the stage was John Tristao. His lead vocal capabilities sounded just like the original vinyl pressings. Tristao played some great rhythm guitar and sang Creedence songs with perfection. He acted like a real life cartoon character with his crazy antics on stage and obscure facial expressions. He is a true entertainer and a great front-man for the band.

Guitar virtuoso Tal Morris absolutely screamed on guitar solos through every single song. CCR never sounded so good! Some of the solos stuck pretty close to the studio recordings, but most were embellished on and he added a new and improved twist to the old classics. His tone was sweet music to the ears.

Steve Gunner filled out the group’s sound with vocals, guitar, keyboards, and some small percussion instruments. Although he was in the role of a utility man, everything he added was very well done. This “Jack of all trades” hit some high notes as a backing vocalist, played some tight rhythm guitar, and keyboard accents that were very rich. The songs may not have sounded complete without his musical presence.  

The main set ended with a few of the most popular songs being played back to back, including “Bad Moon Rising” and “Proud Mary.” The group took their break from the stage and received their applause for a job well done. They returned to the stage for the encore busting out some more ditties for the fired up crowd. Amongst the CCR hits played during their commanded return was also the Little Richard song “Good Golly Miss Molly.” The show came and went so fast, delighting your ears with their hits, and then they were gone.

The new CCR was absolutely awesome to see and a tremendous way to spend a Saturday night. The group revisited every single hit including “Midnight Special.” The crowd had a lot of energy and a lot of fun dancing in the aisles. The traveling band was having their fun dancing and playing on stage. Creedence Clearwater Revisited is the real McCoy. These genuine rock music icons were a delight to see live and would be suggested to anyone. Their show is a must see!!