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Sinnerboy
(Rory Gallagher tribute band) @ Rodeo, 02/02/07 Saturday 12.09.1981: A.E.K’s stadium in N. Philadelphia is full of spectators, not for any football match, but to enjoy Rory Gallagher’s live performance. Several years later, many are those who still remember that concert and remain thrilled and others who wish to have been born 10 years earlier. Friday 02.02.2007: 26 years later, Rory Gallagher returns to Athens, in Rodeo Club, via his official tribute band, the Sinnerboy, and we don’t need much hesitation to go there. Barry Barnes (guitar, vocals), Dave Burns (bass) and Steve Tansley (drums), await for us at 22.00 and although the concert started at about 23.30, no one complained when it was over, just because we had been able to watch an excellent music performance. Do you wonder why? Simple is the answer: two and a half hours with a small interval lasting three minutes at most (!) and three humans-magicians traveling our imagination many years ago, with their cheerful mood, their longing passion and their freshness. This waiting though, became sweet when the time of the live show arrived, when these three guys jumped on stage and the voyage began. The public showed warm response immediately and Barry’s humour played an important role for this. It’s hard to give birth to such a legend of music and to have the unlimited approval of an audience who follows you everywhere. After the third-fourth song, things lead their own way, requests one after the other in a breathtaking rythm, and someone shouted "Cruise On Out" and look! A Panic! All became as one captivated by the unique Sinnerboy’s solo. A Dream. It’s beyond any doubt that whoever was there can exactly realize the feelings and the emotion we felt ourselves. The drums sounded concussively, there were times that the bass compared to the guitar claimed the guitar’s useless existence and if one did not look at the stage, he would believe for sure that it is Rory singing! A remarkable fact was the guitarist’s come down from stage, when he joined the public, playing among us with no problem at all. This made the crowd embrace them even more and not stop applauding between the songs. "Walk On Hot Coals", "Crest Of A Wave", "Shin Kicker" and the good ones didn’t delay to come: "Philby" (yes, we saw this too!), "Calling Card", "Secret Agent", "Bad Penny", "Tattoo'd Lady" and somewhere in the middle there came the big surprise. Barry asks the question: «Do you remember Taste;». "What's Going On" could not be postponed at that time. Eh, the "A Million Miles Away" came right afterwards, completing it all. I, personally, would have wished nothing more at that moment - Rory was there, filling our ears with his innovative music and the dream of his youngest fans had come true. Of course, Sinnerboy didn’t stop there. Almost two hours of live performance had been spent with no interrupt drinking huge quantities of beer (specifically, Steve raised to the public 3 empty bottles he just had drunk) and here is what followed next: "Moonchild" and Rodeo was shaking. The first small interval to rest came at about that moment -20 songs had already been played- and when the concert started again we stretched our necks: "Shadow Play" which lasted, come to think of this, nine minutes, as Barry didn’t mean to stop, shouting endlessly and playing various differential solos with great success. He had a second come down finding himself among much fewer audience than before, because it was late, and started «striking» like a teenager accompanied by us with all the power his body could stand after such a flow of energy he gave before. He asked who would come tomorrow and enough hands raised on air declaring “yes”. What should one play for an epilogue? Big dilemma, but the Sinnerboy managed to solve it in the best way: "Too Much Alcohol" in the memory of Rory Gallagher. Emotion, emotion, emotion... Two and a half hours and if there had been more spectators left, we would still be there. It was two after midnight and our going back home was now for real. The feelings various and many. Satisfaction no doubt, much alcohol and the expectations fulfilled. No one of all of us had had imagined such a live performance, such a loss. The year 2007 started with the finest auguries giving us away two Irish bands (The Answer, Sinnerboy) who have pure hard rock in vein and much courage. We expect the same for what comes next. Now, what can one say about Rory Gallagher? A great composer? An amazing guitarist? An emotional singer? An unlucky man? No matter what, Rory lives in our hearts and undoubtedly he is a big and important piece of the modern music history. But, on Friday 02.02.07 he was somewhere into Rodeo, before our eyes... "Hey
Rory... that must have been the best whiskey I' ve ever had, cheers
mate..." Maria Voutiriadou-Giorgos Zarkadoulas Thank
you to Anthia Konstantinidou for the translation
14/August/2005
Classics alongside 'fan only' material were performed to perfection - Cradle Rock, Shinkicker, Going to My Hometown, Walk on Hot Coals and Shadowplay sat seamlessly alongside superb album cuts such as Bad Penny, I Fall Apart, Laundromat & A Million Miles Away. The last track was used as a tribute to Rory's Mum who Barry announced had passed away some 5hrs prior to the gig. What a poignant moment, the track being performed in a fashion that Rory himself would have undoubtedly seen as a fitting tribute. Whether playing acoustically or full on Blues/Rock Barry Barnes is an ideal frontman for a three-piece line-up, clearly enjoying rapport between band and audience. Dave Burns on bass and Steve Richardson on drums (also life long Rory fans) laid down the perfect foundation for Barry to work over, and he didn't disappoint. I had seen a much higher profile act at Kyps a few nights prior to the Sinnerboy gig, and quite frankly left that gig somewhat disappointed...the Sinnerboy guys deserved that crowd. Taste / Rory fan or not, if you like your 3 piece Blues / Rock you must catch Sinnerboy - I guarantee you will not be let down. This band transcend the tribute tag. To them, the tribute is the music itself. Music that has stood the test of time and sounds as fresh today as when written. Come back soon guys (on a night in the week). With such a quality back catalogue to dip into and your ability to play any number therein, boring you aint! A standing gig would undoubtedly suit you more, giving that intimacy with the audience on which you so clearly thrive. Well done lads - Rory would have been proud! Couldn't close without a mention for the sole occupant of the Mosh Pit last night - 'Air Guitar With a Twist' - well done that man (you had to be there!) Review by: Tony
Whitley 14/August/2005
WRONG! Although the attendance wasn't what it could have been the hundred or so crowd were in for a real treat. Those of you who were disappointed in Walter Trout need look no further than Sinnerboy to get real value for your hard earned readies. Two hours forty five minutes of sheer brilliance. I'm no Rory Gallagher fan but these guys made me want to go out and find out what I've been missing. The play list was driven along by fevered requests from the crowd and as the evening wore on air guitarists forced their way to the front of the stage and the duelling began in earnest with the Sinnerboy front man nearly being upstaged once or twice by Rory aficionados. In all seriousness, Sinnerboy are an extremely tight outfit worthy of far larger crowds than were at Mr Kyps that night. Those that were there were treated to an evening of high quality musical virtuosity. Having been to both gigs (Walter and Sinnerboy) last week I know where my money will be going next time. KEEP ON ROCKIN' SINNERBOY Review by: Trev Faulkner 14/August/2005
Laundromat, In Your Town, What's Going On?, A Million Miles Away, Moonchild, and Shadow Play are just a few gems, plus an all-too-short acoustic set where tribute Rory made you weep. Every song was delivered with every string-bend, pinched harmonic and note exactly where it should be, plus that characteristic Gallagher upsweep over the DA & E strings - delivery of the utmost perfection. The adreniline pumped, the spine tingled, and you couldn't believe life was this good. Whether the 150 or so audience was low due to work the next day, I don't know? But if a local band like Jak the Lad can fill the place on a Saturday, maybe Sinnerboy should be booked for a different day next time? Even we were on borrowed time. Wife, Jane, had an early shift next morning. "We MUST leave at ten!" she told me. At quarter to eleven I had to prize her from the seat; enjoying it more than she ever believed she would. Kyp smiled when I told him, "The best band I've seen here yet!" And when they do return, (I'm an optimist), you really should be there, and after the show you will agree how right I am about this great band. Trivia time: First watched Rory with Taste when they supported Cream at their farewell concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968. Within the set, they played a cracking instrumental of Gershwin's 'Summertime,' wonder if Sinnerboy know that one? Review by: Alan Burridge
The High Cross Inn is a beautiful place, nestling in an idyllic location with breathtaking views from every window but tonight, when SINNERBOY took the stage, no-one was looking at the scenery as the band shook the Inn to its foundations with a mix of hard-driving rock and mind-bending blues. Steve Richardsn, with his precision drumming laid down a groove so deep that I could have happily remained trapped there for days. His drumming technique, whilst as powerful as I have heard, remains exceptionally musical and he complements perfectly the nuances of every song. Dave Burns is a bass guitarist of immense musical talent – I almost pity the guitarist who plays alongside him. Play what you believe to be, say, Abadd9 and Dave is likely to tell you that it sounded more like Ab13. He is an enviable musician whose playing, like Steve’s, is oh so melodic. The range of sounds and moods he squeezed out of his Fender found me longing to hear a bass solo. Together, Steve and Dave lay down a rhythm as tight as the proverbial duck’s bum, and a most remarkable feature of the band is their interplay and empathy. Barry Barnes (guitar/vocals) is the consummate professional and, playing his gorgeous “61 Relic” Strat through a Cornford MK50 valve amp, he could rip off your head at 100 paces. The Cornford demands ultra-clean playing and it bowed in admiration as Barry played some of the most blistering solos with each and every note ringing clear and precise. It isn’t easy being a frontman, particularly when you have to sing and play with no rhythm guitarist for back-up, but Barry was born for the job and makes it seem easy. There was no pre-arranged Set List - the audience were asked to shout out their favourite songs and the band happily obliged - a most heart-warming and endearing gesture - and a test of true musicianship. Barry gave a guitar masterclass; his solos were never less than hypnotic and, like Rory’s, were always in complete empathy with the song, be it a head-banging rocker or sweet, soulful blues. Someone requested “I Fall Apart” and, boy, was I glad - I closed my eyes as I drifted off to the music - it was the early 70’s; the Free Trade Hall, Manchester; listening with spine-tingling excitement to Rory Gallagher and his Band - I opened my eyes to see not Rory but Sinnerboy - am I hallucinating? - I’ve drank one pint of Guinness, nothing more - no, the drug was Sinnerboy’s music - more powerful than anything you can buy on the back streets, and all perfectly legal - try it - but I warn you, you’ll be hooked. Barry picked up a mandolin and tore into “Going to my Home Town”, which saw the audience automatically join in to the mesmeric beat: clap-clap / clap-clap-clap, so simple yet so inspired. “In Your Town” paid homage to the Cumbrian locality, and Barry picked off harmonics at will from the length and breadth of the fretboard. There must be something wrong with my own guitar - it wouldn’t recognise half of the notes that are on Barry’s guitar - when I get home, I must remember to smash it against the wall. “A Million Miles Away” was played with such soul and passion that I had to bite my lip to chase back the tears - was that Rory’s smiling face I saw in the crowd? - did I see him give Barry the thumbs-up? - did I really see him slip into Barry’s body to share guitar duties? The audience were on their feet, dancing, clapping, cheering. Even the Landlord couldn’t control himself any longer, and he joined the others on the dance floor and pleaded for more. You could hear the band’s thoughts: we’ve only been playing for 3 hours, the night (no, early morning) is yet young, let’s do a few more numbers. Even if they’d wanted to stop, the Landlord isn’t going to let them as he, along with the crowd, pleads for more….and more. Sinnerboy eventually finished in true Rory style with “Shadow Play” and “Bullfrog Blues” - the Landlord had better get a full structural survey after tonight - the foundations surely can’t take such a pounding. The band left the stage to tumultuous applause and, dripping with sweat, they immediately joined the audience for a drink and a chat, with no sign whatever of egotism. One thing is certain - Sinnerboy truly do embody the spirit of Rory Gallagher and, whilst giving their all to an enviable following, they remain three of the nicest guys anyone could ever wish to meet. The audience had travelled many miles tonight to watch Sinnerboy play - was it worth the journey? - you bet it was!!!! Everyone left the High Cross Inn exhilarated, exhausted, happy, smiling, the music still ringing in their ears. New friendships were formed; old friendships were cemented. As for myself, it’s now three days after the gig and you couldn’t scrub the grin off my face with a wire brush - I think it’s permanent. My recommendation for true happiness in life?…..you don’t need no doctor, you don’t need no pills……just take my advice and check out Sinnerboy next time they hit your town. You will not be disappointed. Miss them at your peril. Gordon
Morris for the 'Cumbria Crack'
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(Guest review by Ian Hill) Sinnerboy - The Brook, Southampton THIS
tribute to the late Rory Gallagher produced an electric atmosphere
at a bulging Brook, from the shattering Shinkicker to the belligerent
Bullfrog Blues. Simply exhilarating! Peter
Ashton
Cheers Steve, you really know your Rory don't you? Dukinfield
Town Hall 17th May 2003: Raw Gallagher opened up the show with some excellent guitar work from Steve White especially on a fine version of 'A Million Miles Away'. Next up were The Tony Dowler Band, these guys (Tony, Dave & Steve) really make the Town Hall rock each year and tore into 'Shinkicker' with a vengeance - great stuff! Barry then brought to the stage 'The Loop' a great band from Germany that he has been trying to bring over for some time, superb renditions of 'Overnight Bag' and their signature tune 'The Loop' were the highlights.
Then at 10.45 the evening just shifted up another gear - 'Sinnerboy'
hit the stage like a tornado, Dave Burns on bass and Steve Richardson
on drums were in the best form I have heard them yet, pounding out
note perfect rockers like 'Cradle Rock' & 'Moonchild' before reducing
some of the audience to tears with 'I fall Apart' I was told by a
reliable source that Tom O'Driscol - Rory's Road Manager, Phil McDonnel
- Rory's front of house sound man, and 'Spooner' who looked after
the great man's guitars just gaped at eachother and could not believe
how close this band have got to the raw energy of Rory Gallagher,
they were well spooked! The band even handled the power faliure in
a Rory-esque manner by carrying on at exactly the same note in 'Used
to Be' that they were playing when the fuse blew! The day was saved
by an electrician from Dublin who sorted out the problem. Jan (piano)
from The Loop then guested with Sinnerboy on a spine tingling rendition
of 'Going to my Hometown' with Barry in sparkling form on a new mandolin
and Dave and Steve aptly supplying the 'Boom Boom Boom'! A minutes
silence and then Bullfrog Blues with all the players of the night
swapping blistering solos brought the evening to a close. Five hours
which passed like five minutes. Roll on 2004! Wow thanks Nick - you enjoyed it then?!
"I've seen and enjoyed Rory Gallagher tribute bands throughout Europe, all with their own type of Rory magic, but the last performance in December given by Sinnerboy was pure awesome. For sure the spirit of Rory was with Barry at the Stagshead and everyone including the band felt it. Without a doubt Sinnerboy have really got The Taste for Rory" - Phil Hoolahan, Stag's Head, Paisley
Barry opened by paying tribute " to the nicest guy who ever strapped on a Strat" and then SINNERBOY launched into "Cradle Rock". These guys play Rory's music with a raw energy and infectious enthusiasm so reminiscent of the man himself and the audience loved it. .From "Tattoo'd Lady, Laundromat, Walk on hot Coals" and many other favourites to a sensitive and soulful rendition of "I fall apart" they put on a riveting performance. At the interval while Steve and Dave took a break Barry entertained the crowd with some great acoustic work. Then back to three piece format for a second half with particularly memorable versions of "A million miles away" and the bands own poignant anthem "Sinnerboy".The encores ended with a blistering "Bullfrog Blues" to full-throated audience participation. This
band is clearly in the premier division with Barry's powerful vocals
and soaring guitar laid on the solid foundation of an ultra-tight
rhythm section of Steve and Dave.At the end of the show seasoned Gallagher
veterans and new fans alike were agreed - a brilliant nights music,
a great band!
How does one start? Great gig - Enjoyed all the people and great to meet new friends in music - Please come back! Gee "The Bass" Hogan. Rory's music is always number one here in Cork, so you're always Number one with the Lee Delta Blues Club. John Some lovely comments from the great people of Cork
I
love Rory too! Got hit on the head by a jug - nevermind! See ya! Thanks. It was John Harrington! |
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SINNERBOY…………..High
Cross Inn, Sat 10 July 2004 
Dublin
(JJ Smyths) June 2004
PLAYING
OUT LOUD LIVE REVIEW.
Sinnerboy
@ Silkstone Lodge Barnsley
"After
very favourable advance reports from the likes of Tony Moore , Angela
Shaw etc I went with great anticipation to see SINNERBOY perform at
Kings Bar in Waterford on December 11th last. A good-sized crowd turned
out to welcome the band to this opening gig of their first Irish Tour.They
weren't to be disappointed - SINNERBOY have hit the scene with a bang!
Thank
you guys from Lee Delta Blues - We kept the best wine until the last.
All the best from LDBC Signed Christy. "Come
back guys - Please!
P
A Johnson's bar in Cork City. Unfortunately for him Sinnerboy were
playing and not some nice quiet Irish Folk Band. During a particularly
robust rendition of 'Shinkicker' we managed to vibrate a dirty great
jug off the shelf which landed plum on this unfortunate's head! If
you are he, get in touch and tell me your name. Everybody else in
Cork look out for him (Just look for the lump!)