No longer so pretty, but still got the blues

Live at Ryde Theatre 24-10-2008

Had a great night out last Friday at Ryde Theatre, here on the Isle of Wight.  Top of the bill were The Pretty Things, making a rare appearance on the island, despite their lead guitarist, Dick Taylor, living here.  They arrived onstage in suits, but it wasn’t long before vocalist Phil May, 63, shed his jacket, loosened his tie and began to unbutton his shirt.  Dick Taylor looked a little fragile and aged, but this belied his ability on guitar, he’s a natural and clearly enjoyed what he was doing.  Their set included material from their present day album, Balboa Island back through the psychedelia of the S.F.Sorrow period to the blues/R&B influenced singles from the mid 60s.  Tributes were also played to Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters and a beautiful duo section with May and Taylor recalling the Sidcup Art College Days;  This section of the show recalled the blues roots that influenced Dick and others (including the Rolling Stones) in the early 60s, with much bottleneck guitar and a wonderful rendition of a Robert Johnson original.  It was great to see 50 and 60 somethings gyrating away, myself included, it was an evening of real fun and authentic blues. My favourite rendition was LSD, which included an extended guitar workout incorporating feedback and what I can only describe as strange chords in a psychedelic context;  I guess it was a reflection of the experience that these bad boys of rock would have been through!