The SAS Band
@ The Exchange, Sturminster Newton
11 September 2017
Introduction
The incredibly resourceful manager of The Exchange, and my very good friend, Karen Rhys, really pulled it out of the bag when she booked The SAS Band to perform at The Exchange. The Exchange is situated in Sturminster Newton, North Dorset, a small former rural market town and The Exchange's main space, the Stour Hall, has a seating capacity of 300. It is not the usual sized venue that the incredible SAS Band would appear at, and given the band's world-class status, you can imagine how excited us locals were when this show was announced by The Exchange. I'm told that the phone was ringing off the hook before the tickets even went on sale. Needless to say, the show was a sell-out. And what an amazing show it was! Those who know me will know how many gigs/festivals I have attended, and attend all year round, so for me to say that this is absolutely one of the best shows I have ever had the privilege to see will hopefully set the scene. The SAS Band completely blew me away.
I volunteer at The Exchange in my spare time when I'm needed (The Exchange is a charity, whose team of staff mostly comprises volunteers), and given that I do not work on Mondays, and this show was on Monday 11 September, I offered to help out, knowing that this was an important day for The Exchange, and of course it was a privilege to be part of the pre-show buzz...... and being able to listen to the sound-check whilst carrying out my duties was really cool too!
Having quickly popped home to change, I returned to The Exchange to take interval drinks orders in the hour before the show. During that time I got to speak to people as they placed their orders and there was a general sense of excitement and anticipation among them all. Most people were very impressed that The Exchange had managed to book a band as successful and famous as The SAS Band and a lot of them had travelled far and wide to see them!
As I said in my Los Pacaminos blog, I only discovered them a couple of years ago and they've been together for 25 years. Similarly, The SAS Band have been together over 20 years, and I'm gutted to say I hadn't heard of them either until a year or so ago when a fellow Los Pacaminos fan told me that Jamie Moses also plays in The SAS Band! Again - this is another reason I post blogs - if I didn't know about either Los Pacaminos or The SAS Band before, and they've both been together for well over 20 years, then others may not know of them either, and bands like these are too special for people not to know of their existence!
So firstly, some factual information about The SAS Band.
The SAS Band is named as such because it is 'Spike's All-Star Band'. Spike is of course Spike Edney, who is the Musical Director and keyboard player of one of the most famous and much-loved iconic bands on the planet; Queen.
Spike Edney
Spike is an incredibly talented musician and multi-instrumentalist, He has been Queen's Musical Director and keyboard player since the 1980s and toured the world with them over the years, as well as being part of iconic gigs such as Live Aid and Live at Wembley.
That is of course impressive enough in itself but Spike has also toured, recorded and performed with other iconic artists of our generation. Spike's career began in the mid-1970s as Musical Director and keyboard player for Ben E King and Edwin Starr, and in the 1980s he worked with artists including the Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners and Duran Duran.
Spike put together his All-Star Band/The SAS Band in the early 1990s and since that time, Spike and his band have made TV appearances and performed at various select private, corporate and major public events around the world, including the 2000/2001 Prince's Trust 'Party In The Park' concerts, the Nelson Mandela '46664' concerts for aids, the 'Party At The Palace' concert for the Queen's Jubilee at Buckingham Palace and Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concern in Hyde Park, London.
Spike Edney
Spike is an incredibly talented musician and multi-instrumentalist, He has been Queen's Musical Director and keyboard player since the 1980s and toured the world with them over the years, as well as being part of iconic gigs such as Live Aid and Live at Wembley.
That is of course impressive enough in itself but Spike has also toured, recorded and performed with other iconic artists of our generation. Spike's career began in the mid-1970s as Musical Director and keyboard player for Ben E King and Edwin Starr, and in the 1980s he worked with artists including the Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners and Duran Duran.
Spike put together his All-Star Band/The SAS Band in the early 1990s and since that time, Spike and his band have made TV appearances and performed at various select private, corporate and major public events around the world, including the 2000/2001 Prince's Trust 'Party In The Park' concerts, the Nelson Mandela '46664' concerts for aids, the 'Party At The Palace' concert for the Queen's Jubilee at Buckingham Palace and Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday concern in Hyde Park, London.
The artists and musicians who have performed with The SAS Band since its creation are some of the world's best known and much-loved stars of rock and pop, including Roger Daltrey, Lionel Richie, Brian May, Roger Taylor, Paul Young, Bob Geldof, and Midge Ure.
In between his commitments with Queen and The SAS BAnd, Spike has also worked with Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, George Michael, Def Leppard and Joe Walsh, to name just a few.
Considering that his is just a very brief overview of Spike Edney's musical career history, this will give you an insight into what a talented, accomplished and respected artist he is.
In between his commitments with Queen and The SAS BAnd, Spike has also worked with Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, George Michael, Def Leppard and Joe Walsh, to name just a few.
Considering that his is just a very brief overview of Spike Edney's musical career history, this will give you an insight into what a talented, accomplished and respected artist he is.
The SAS Band
The SAS Band members include Spike Edney, Jamie Moses, Steve Stroud, Johnny Marter, Steve Hamilton, Susie Webb and Zoe Nicholas
The SAS Band is an extradinarily accomplished band whose versatility, talent and experience means that they can play any song from any genre; classic rock, 1960s, pop, Motown, soul, disco, blues, modern charting songs, or a mix of varied genres across the decades. Iconic rock and pop stars are asked to perform with the band, and it is easy to see why it is the Ultimate All-Star Band.
Given that Spike has worked and toured with some of the biggest iconic artists in music history, he is able to call upon a multitude of stars to perform at an SAS Band show.
When a client approaches Spike to book The SAS Band, the line-up of guest artists is determined in accordance with the client's requirements, the venue, the genre, the potential audience, the budget, etc, and so each show is therefore unique.
Each guest artist/vocalist performs 2 - 3 of their own greatest hits and perhaps covers of their favourite songs by other artists, and they also join the other guest artists to sing songs from their extensive back-catalogue The show finale consists of the entire line-up of guest artists performing with the SAS Band, which makes for a truly spectacular end to the show.
Corporate clients who have asked Spike to put something together for their special event, wedding, party, etc, include Phil Collins, Queen, Rod Stewart, Bob Geldof and The Rolling Stones.
Check out The SAS Band official website for further information and details on how you can book The SAS Band for your own special event:
http://www.sasband.com/index.php
So by now you will see why we were so privileged and thrilled to welcome the world-class supremely multi-talented SAS Band to Sturminster Newton, and why it really was a uniquely special night, a night that will always be remembered.
The SAS Band at The Exchange
As I've said before, the purpose of my blogs is not to review music or gigs, but simply to talk from the heart about the bands/artists/gigs/festivals/venues/music/PAs, etc that I love so much to hopefully spread the word to those who may not be aware of them, or simply to share my passion with fellow fans.
Although I have struggled to find suitable fitting words to do The SAS Band's show at The Exchange justice, I guess all I can do is speak from my heart. Plus, I found at the end of the evening that I'd taken over 500 photographs - I had no idea I'd taken so many - I clearly didn't want to miss a single amazing second! They do say that a picture is worth a thousand words so hopefully my photographs will help to demonstrate what I cannot put into words.......
Although I have struggled to find suitable fitting words to do The SAS Band's show at The Exchange justice, I guess all I can do is speak from my heart. Plus, I found at the end of the evening that I'd taken over 500 photographs - I had no idea I'd taken so many - I clearly didn't want to miss a single amazing second! They do say that a picture is worth a thousand words so hopefully my photographs will help to demonstrate what I cannot put into words.......
The stage set-up looked incredibly impressive with Spike on keyboards (of course), a percussionist, drummer, bass player, lead guitarist and brass section.
The FABBA Girls
Spike explained that unfortunately, Patti Rousso was unable to make the journey from Florida for the show, understandable given the weather situation at the time, and so in her place were The FABBA Girls; Susie Webb and Zoe Nicholas.
I've seen ABBA tribute artists before and I am a huge long-time fan of ABBA so I was looking forward to seeing the FABBA Girls. They are cited as 'quite simply the best ABBA tribute band in the business' and they do not disappoint!
The FABBA Girls have polished vocals and harmonies and certainly did the iconic ABBA songs justice.
However, equally as entertaining was their cheeky brand of humour which led to plenty of 'laugh out loud' moments from their interactions with 'Benny' and 'Bjorn' AKA Spike and Jamie.
The FABBA Girls opened their set with 'Waterloo', an instant crowd-pleaser, and a great way to start the evening. Up next was 'Mamma Mia', followed by a cracking performance of 'Does Your Mother Know' with Jamie Moses on lead vocals. The set ended with 'Dancing Queen', by the end of which, the audience were well-and-truly engaged and ready to rock!
Links:
I've seen ABBA tribute artists before and I am a huge long-time fan of ABBA so I was looking forward to seeing the FABBA Girls. They are cited as 'quite simply the best ABBA tribute band in the business' and they do not disappoint!
The FABBA Girls have polished vocals and harmonies and certainly did the iconic ABBA songs justice.
However, equally as entertaining was their cheeky brand of humour which led to plenty of 'laugh out loud' moments from their interactions with 'Benny' and 'Bjorn' AKA Spike and Jamie.
The FABBA Girls opened their set with 'Waterloo', an instant crowd-pleaser, and a great way to start the evening. Up next was 'Mamma Mia', followed by a cracking performance of 'Does Your Mother Know' with Jamie Moses on lead vocals. The set ended with 'Dancing Queen', by the end of which, the audience were well-and-truly engaged and ready to rock!
Links:
The SAS Band
The next performance was an SAS Band performance, with Jamie Moses on lead vocals, singing 'Disco Inferno' (The Trammps). I'd only seen Jamie sing tex-mex country style with Los Pacaminos previously, but his versatile voice with that beautiful warm tone was perfected adapted to disco/soul.
Jamie is an accomplished guitarist/musician/vocalist who also currently plays and tours with Los Pacaminos and has previously performed with Queen and Sir Tom Jones for many years.
It was fantastic to see The SAS Band perform a number without a guest vocalist to showcase their exceptional talent and demonstrate the high calibre of these established musicians. Unsurprisingly, 'Disco Inferno' was met with rapturous applause.
Links:
http://www.jamiemoses.com/
https://www.lospacaminos.com/
http://www.sasband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Jamieandthefalcons/
The next performance was an SAS Band performance, with Jamie Moses on lead vocals, singing 'Disco Inferno' (The Trammps). I'd only seen Jamie sing tex-mex country style with Los Pacaminos previously, but his versatile voice with that beautiful warm tone was perfected adapted to disco/soul.
Jamie is an accomplished guitarist/musician/vocalist who also currently plays and tours with Los Pacaminos and has previously performed with Queen and Sir Tom Jones for many years.
It was fantastic to see The SAS Band perform a number without a guest vocalist to showcase their exceptional talent and demonstrate the high calibre of these established musicians. Unsurprisingly, 'Disco Inferno' was met with rapturous applause.
Links:
http://www.jamiemoses.com/
https://www.lospacaminos.com/
http://www.sasband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Jamieandthefalcons/
Ryan Molloy
Spike took centre stage again to introduce the next artist - Ryan Molloy.
Ryan Molloy is an actor and singer and was the original Frankie Valli in the West End production of hit musical 'Jersey Boys', which he also played on Broadway.
Ryan received an Olivier nomination for 'best actor' and won the 'What's On Stage' peoples choice award for best actor in a musical.
Despite the fact we were clearly in the presence of musical theatre royalty, admittedly I didn't know a great deal about Ryan Molloy before his appearance with The SAS Band but wow, his performance blew me, and each and every member of the audience, away! Ryan's previous impressive experience in theatre obviously explains his incredible stage presence but actually, he unequivocally has music in his soul and performance in his DNA.
Ryan's set opener was 'Let's Hang On', followed by 'Don't Stop Me Now, then 'Beggin', 'Kiss' and finishing with global smash hit for Frankie Valli; 'Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You', one of my all-time favourite songs!
It was simply a stunning performance and Ryan's set was met with rapturous cheers and applause. Ryan charmed every member of the audience. If I got the opportunity to see Ryan Molloy perform live again, I would be there in a heartbeat. He was a brilliant choice of vocalist with the brilliant SAS Band.
Links:
Website: http://ryanmolloy.com/
Twitter: @TheRyanMolloy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryan-Molloy-43064681315/?ref=ts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RyanMolloyOfficial
Spike took centre stage again to introduce the next artist - Ryan Molloy.
Ryan Molloy is an actor and singer and was the original Frankie Valli in the West End production of hit musical 'Jersey Boys', which he also played on Broadway.
Ryan received an Olivier nomination for 'best actor' and won the 'What's On Stage' peoples choice award for best actor in a musical.
Despite the fact we were clearly in the presence of musical theatre royalty, admittedly I didn't know a great deal about Ryan Molloy before his appearance with The SAS Band but wow, his performance blew me, and each and every member of the audience, away! Ryan's previous impressive experience in theatre obviously explains his incredible stage presence but actually, he unequivocally has music in his soul and performance in his DNA.
Ryan's set opener was 'Let's Hang On', followed by 'Don't Stop Me Now, then 'Beggin', 'Kiss' and finishing with global smash hit for Frankie Valli; 'Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You', one of my all-time favourite songs!
Ryan's performance was one of the most energetic, endearing, and captivating performances I have ever seen - it was literally impossible to take my eyes off of him! A couple of times Ryan ditched the confines of the stage to go into the audience and dance with some lucky audience members , but while on stage, he used every inch of it for his exuberant performance, interacting with the band members, particularly Jamie on lead guitar.
It was simply a stunning performance and Ryan's set was met with rapturous cheers and applause. Ryan charmed every member of the audience. If I got the opportunity to see Ryan Molloy perform live again, I would be there in a heartbeat. He was a brilliant choice of vocalist with the brilliant SAS Band.
Links:
Website: http://ryanmolloy.com/
Twitter: @TheRyanMolloy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ryan-Molloy-43064681315/?ref=ts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RyanMolloyOfficial
Tom Robinson
Tom Robinson was Spike's next introduction to the stage.
Right from the start Tom's set was lively and full of energy and passion, and the audience responded with admiration and affection.
Tom opened his set with 'Glad To Be Gay' and from that moment on, absolutely had the audience in the palms of his hands with his fabulous set as he then sang 'War Baby'.
A Monday night in a small Dorset town it may have been, but when Tom subsequently performed 'I Predict A Riot', there nearly was one!!! This number was met with massive audience approval. Check out a video interview below, filmed the morning after The SAS Band's performance at The Exchange, in which Spike Edney renames 'Sturminster Newton' 'Rockminster Party Town' - this beautifully and perfectly sums up the tone and atmosphere of the evening from start to finish - oh yes, Sturminster Newton audiences know how to rock!!!
Below is the interview between Spike Edney, Fish, Toyah, Tom Robinson & Susie Webb.
https://youtu.be/cf5azmXXT2Q
See this video for Tom's brilliant performance of 'I Predict A Riot'
https://youtu.be/tPRSXrSbW9g
Tom completed his set with '2-4-6-8 Motorway' which again was met with rapturous approval from the audience.
I'd seen Tom Robinson perform at Rewind North this year to over 10,000 people. He was of course incredibly well received but for me, a gig is ALWAYS better in intimate venues and I enjoyed this performance a million times more than at Rewind.
Links:
Website: http://www.tomrobinson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomrobinsonmusic
Twitter: @freshnet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bothways
Toyah
Next up, Spike introduced Toyah to the stage.
I've seen Toyah at numerous previous retro festivals and she has also appeared at The Exchange reasonably recently with her own show. Each performance by Toyah is as flawlessly brilliant as the next and this was no exception; Toyah exploded onto the stage as her usual powerhouse of energy and dance. The set was opened with her big smash 1980s hits 'I Wanna Be Free' and 'It's A Mystery'.
Toyah then performed one of her favourite rock songs from the 1980s; 'Sweet Child Of Mine', a massive hit of Guns N' Roses in the 1980s and to end her set, she explained with affection how David Bowie had changed her life, and paid tribute to him with an impassioned performance of 'Suffragette City'.
Links:
Website: https://toyahwillcox.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyahofficial/
Twitter: @ToyahOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU33vofYDXxr270AOKMH-Xw
Fish
Tom Robinson was Spike's next introduction to the stage.Right from the start Tom's set was lively and full of energy and passion, and the audience responded with admiration and affection.
Tom opened his set with 'Glad To Be Gay' and from that moment on, absolutely had the audience in the palms of his hands with his fabulous set as he then sang 'War Baby'.
A Monday night in a small Dorset town it may have been, but when Tom subsequently performed 'I Predict A Riot', there nearly was one!!! This number was met with massive audience approval. Check out a video interview below, filmed the morning after The SAS Band's performance at The Exchange, in which Spike Edney renames 'Sturminster Newton' 'Rockminster Party Town' - this beautifully and perfectly sums up the tone and atmosphere of the evening from start to finish - oh yes, Sturminster Newton audiences know how to rock!!!
Below is the interview between Spike Edney, Fish, Toyah, Tom Robinson & Susie Webb.
https://youtu.be/cf5azmXXT2Q
See this video for Tom's brilliant performance of 'I Predict A Riot'
https://youtu.be/tPRSXrSbW9g
Tom completed his set with '2-4-6-8 Motorway' which again was met with rapturous approval from the audience.
I'd seen Tom Robinson perform at Rewind North this year to over 10,000 people. He was of course incredibly well received but for me, a gig is ALWAYS better in intimate venues and I enjoyed this performance a million times more than at Rewind.
Links:
Website: http://www.tomrobinson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomrobinsonmusic
Twitter: @freshnet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bothways
Toyah
Next up, Spike introduced Toyah to the stage.
I've seen Toyah at numerous previous retro festivals and she has also appeared at The Exchange reasonably recently with her own show. Each performance by Toyah is as flawlessly brilliant as the next and this was no exception; Toyah exploded onto the stage as her usual powerhouse of energy and dance. The set was opened with her big smash 1980s hits 'I Wanna Be Free' and 'It's A Mystery'.
Toyah then performed one of her favourite rock songs from the 1980s; 'Sweet Child Of Mine', a massive hit of Guns N' Roses in the 1980s and to end her set, she explained with affection how David Bowie had changed her life, and paid tribute to him with an impassioned performance of 'Suffragette City'.
Links:
Website: https://toyahwillcox.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toyahofficial/
Twitter: @ToyahOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU33vofYDXxr270AOKMH-Xw
Fish
Spike introduced the next artist to sing with The SAS Band; Fish, former vocalist with Marillion, who most people will remember from their big hits of the 1980s, including 'Lavender'.
Fish won the hearts of the audience immediately with his entertaining chat and engaging humour and he then opened his set with Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' followed by 'What Do You Want The Girl To Do'. Much to the audience's delight (including me!), Fish then performed smash 1980s hit 'Kayleigh', followed by the surprising addition of 'That's Amore', and concluding with 'Alabama'.
As with all the artists on the night, the charming interaction between Fish and the SAS Band members, most notably with Jamie and Spike during his set, added to the appeal of the performances.
See this footage of Fish's performance of Kayleigh:
https://youtu.be/s_O9yMGv4yc
In fact, you can see from Fish's own blog how much he enjoyed the show:
http://fishheads.club/2017/09/22/sas-band-sturminster-newton-portsmouth-guildhall/
As was becoming the norm, Fish's set was met with much applause and cheering.
Links:
Website: http://fish-thecompany.com/email.htm
Twitter: @FishDerekDick
FINAL SETFish won the hearts of the audience immediately with his entertaining chat and engaging humour and he then opened his set with Peter Gabriel's 'Sledgehammer' followed by 'What Do You Want The Girl To Do'. Much to the audience's delight (including me!), Fish then performed smash 1980s hit 'Kayleigh', followed by the surprising addition of 'That's Amore', and concluding with 'Alabama'.
As with all the artists on the night, the charming interaction between Fish and the SAS Band members, most notably with Jamie and Spike during his set, added to the appeal of the performances.
See this footage of Fish's performance of Kayleigh:
https://youtu.be/s_O9yMGv4yc
In fact, you can see from Fish's own blog how much he enjoyed the show:
http://fishheads.club/2017/09/22/sas-band-sturminster-newton-portsmouth-guildhall/
As was becoming the norm, Fish's set was met with much applause and cheering.
Links:
Website: http://fish-thecompany.com/email.htm
Twitter: @FishDerekDick
Jamie Moses & SAS Band - 29 Riffs
If anyone was in any doubt of the extent of Jamie Moses' talent as an accomplished guitarist, there would be no doubt following his performance of the 29 riffs. Audience members could only stare in admiration as Jamie took us through rock history with the 29 amazing guitar riffs.
Check out this footage of Jamie performing the 29 riffs at The Exchange:
https://www.facebook.com/john.young.353/videos/10214519822089401/
Additionally, below is footage of Jamie performing the 29 riffs at Portsmouth Guildhall the night after their show at The Exchange:
https://youtu.be/ApoWFwTpmzc
Tom Robinson
Every single artist and every single song/performance of the evening went down an absolute storm. Without question. But for me, the performance of the night went to Tom Robinson and his interpretation of Leonard Cohen's 'First We Take Manhattan'.
I had never heard the song before, not being a Leonard Cohen fan, but I loved Tom's performance instantly. Tom sang the song with a passion and conviction I've rarely seen in all the concerts I've attended, and I go to quite a few! It literally sent chills down my spine and I'm kicking myself that I did not video it as I'd love to see it again. This performance was utter class.
Ryan Molly
Spike introduced Ryan back to the stage and told the audience how Ryan was asked at very short notice to learn his final song for the show; on his way down to Dorset on the train if my memory serves correctly!
The song was 'Life On Mars'; another fitting tribute to the late great David Bowie. However, unsurprisingly, nobody would have known that Ryan had precious little time to prepare - it was another superb, outstanding performance from Ryan that enthralled the audience.
Finale
The final song of the evening saw all vocalists join The SAS Band on stage to sing 'With A Little Help From My Friends'.
The chemistry between The SAS Band and the vocalists was undeniable and the audience lapped up every single second of this final performance. I wonder if the musicians and vocalists realise how much of a joy it is for the audience members to see them having as much fun on stage ,as we are in the audience enjoying the performance?
It was absolutely a completely fitting song for the rousing finale of a remarkable unique show. Spike Edney, I salute you, you have put together a world-class band and the line-up for The Exchange was a genius selection of highly talented artists who complemented each other perfectly
I spoke to some audience members on their way home and they were all buzzing but also very emotional; both at the fact that a band of this calibre had performed at The Exchange, but also because the show completely exceeded their already-high expectations. Not only that, but the show started around 8.45pm and ended around 11.20pm - this has to be the best value evening of top-class musical entertainment EVER!
The extraordinary night that The SAS Band came to Sturminster Newton will be embedded in the memories of those in attendance for many weeks and months to come.
http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/review-spikes-star-band-exchange-463915
Sadly, The SAS Band do not perform/tour that often, presumably because of Spike's other commitments predominantly with Queen, but if you ever get to see an SAS Band show, book the tickets immediately; not only will they sell out quickly, but if you are a serious music fan, this is one show you just have to see!
Links:
The SAS Band:
SAS Band Website: http://www.sasband.com/
SAS Band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpikeEdneySASBand/
SAS Band Twitter: @SpikesSASBand
Spike Edney: https://shadesofnoirsite.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/an-appreciation-for-queens-spike-edney/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVgNS-GGPxksl8TSfeXpqIA
The Exchange:
Website: http://stur-exchange.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SturExchange/
Twitter: @ExchangeDorset
