Ah, The Ferry! Once based on the other side of the Clyde, I saw many a great band there while slurping a beer as a teenager. Fast forward five years or so and not much has changed, only the location of the venue. Welcome, Southside Johnny!
Not before Scots songstress Lynsey Dolan and her keyboard player, Sheryl took to the stage. Kicking off proceedings with "Learn How to Feel", most guys with a pulse were suddenly transfixed by the tremendous harmonies belted out by both girls. Dolan's voice had similar qualities to that of Christina Aguilera but stood her act on her musical ability rather than her looks. "This is Life" was a highlight of a compelling set. It's just a shame that so many ill mannered people chose to speak over them.
As a New Jersey boy and contemporary of Springsteen, it's no surprise that Southside Johnny has a similar, if less dedicated, following as The Boss. However, what can be said for Southside Johnny is that he doesn't disappoint his fans. Despite his keyboard player being absent due to issues pertaining to his Visa, there was little missing in the Asbury Jukes as far as performance goes. Favourites such as "I Don't Want To Go Home" and "Paris" were given an early run-out, much to the delight of his die-hard fans.
Southside Johnny, at the ripe old age of 59, is still the consummate bandleader and frontman he always has been. His recognisable blues rock-meets-big band sound is as effective as ever. The crowd reaction to "Just Walk Away Renee" said it all.
After nearly two hours, it seemed that "The Fever" would bring down the curtains on an impressive showing. However, that wasn't enough. Not for Glasgow. Upon performing "Love on the Wrong Side of Town", it was clear that one encore wouldn't be enough, so it was no surprise to find the band back out for a second encore. "Workin' Too Hard" finally ended a terrific evening for Southside Johnny fans, leaving even the hungriest SSJ fan contented.
I'm all for conversation ("It's good to talk") but talking over a band is terribly disrespectful to the artists and the other fans who have paid their way in. You don't fart in restaurants not even if you really want to. Surely the same can be applied to talking over a band?