Great Performances - A trip through some amazing musical memories # 3 - Rainbow

in #greatperformances6 years ago (edited)

Something for the weekend Sir? Now to celebrate @detlev 's #metalweekend series which is always great for a mosh, I thought I'd delve into my #greatperformances catalogue for a classic with a twist.

If you read @detlevs post he managed to turn up 3 thrash metal versions of ABBA songs which reminded me of the time my favourite hard rock band performed my favourite 60's track.....

I was 14 years old, and the highlight of the musical calendar for me at that time was 'The Monsters of Rock' festival at Castle Donnington, and my mummy wouldn't let me go! I'd have to wait a further 2 years for my first festival experience, but that's a story for another day.

don-rainbow-80-1.jpg

In those days, with only 3 TV channels and no red buttons, live pause or internet, the only medium for live music was radio. Lot's of my generation at the time had radio/cassettes which meant we could record live radio, especially the Top 40 at 6pm on a Sunday, saving a few quid on buying singles which was better spent on albums, and it was with this hi-tech setup that I was armed with as I prepared to 'tape' the live Rainbow headlining performance of the inaugural 'Monsters of Rock' festival which was being broadcast live on Radio 1.

Although not a huge metal/hard rock fan, I'd been into Rainbow for a couple of years after reading an interview with Ritchie Blackmore in NME I think, or it could have been 'Sounds'. What drew me to them was the fact Ritchie is just the greatest axeman the world has ever seen and that they mixed up a lot of classical pieces into their music, especially Beethoven and it was the live performance of 'Difficult to Cure', a cover of Beethovens 9th symphony that I was really looking forward to hear.

I'm sure it must have been amazing, but I don't remember it now. What I do remember is Graham Bonnet saying 'Ritchie just requested I do this song......if I can remember the words', before breaking out into a song I'd never heard before; 'Will you still love me tomorrow'.

After the song had finished, I switched off the radio, missing the end of the concert, hit rewind and listened to it again. And again. Now I don't think the vocal is that great, but I loved the lyric and one thing that sets Graham Bonnet apart as a rock vocalist is that you can hear every word! The arrangement sounded rough and thrown together, but for me, it had that je ne sais pas. Something that touched me.

About 5 years ago, Dad was stressing me about the amount of my junk in his attic and so I went up there to try and show a little willing by chucking a few things away and trying to rearrange the remainder to make it at least look less!
My two slightly faded Asda bags of tapes had to go, a mix of originals and copies I'd done of my own albums were a few Top40 tapes and a creamy-white WH Smith own brand C-60. Odd in itself as I always used BASF Chrome, perhaps I'd bought it to spend the remainder on a Christmas voucher. 'Rainbow, Monsters of Rock,1980' the label pronounced.

The bags went in the bin and the laptop switched on. Surely even 'You Tube' wouldn't have anything so obscure ?...........

Turn it up to 11 and hit play. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Rainbow, live from the first 'Monsters of Rock' festival at Castle Donnington, Leicestershire, UK held on 16th August 1980 performing the Shirelles classic, 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow'.
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Rainbow - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

I must have heard a hundred covers of this track, but nothing gives me the goosebumps like this does. For me, a truly worthy entry onto my list of great performances.

A final interesting fact I found while reading up was that this was Cozy Powell's last ever performance with Rainbow. Possibly the world's best ever drummer.

I know music is very personal, but I just wanted to share things that 'do it' for me, and some of which you might never have heard or seen before, so thank-you for indulging me, and please, share some of your own in the comments!

Thanks for dropping by. Your Upvotes and Resteems are gratefully received but your comments and engagement are truly appreciated. Let's keep up the debate. Thank you

@nathen007 #greatperformances

Great Performances - A trip through some amazing musical memories #1 - Jennifer Holiday
Great Performances - A trip through some amazing musical memories #2 - Randy Crawford

Life's not about the hustle. It's all about the humanity

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Hahaaa, remembering this times.

One of my first real concerts was Whishbone Ash in Hannover

oh Lord, You don't hear much about them anymore!
Unbelievable, I just googled them. They're still touring!! and still recording....
and oh my god...

In May 2017, it was announced that Mark Abrahams, a long time Wishbone Ash fan, would be joining on guitar duties. Abrahams is a guitarist who owns Vision Guitars in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England

I know this guy!! His shop is 2 miles from my parents house!

Having been amazed though...I was never a fan lol...;-)

Small world

Have a great weekend

thanks, and you too!

You got a 32.66% upvote from @minnowvotes courtesy of @nathen007!

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