ON THE ROAD WITH “THE DOCTOR”
February 20, 2003 I flew to the Portland, Oregon in search of “Ash.” Searched at airport security like a common criminal, I was finally permitted to fly the friendly skies. Arriving in Portland around noon I picked up the rental car and headed for the hotel, got my chocolate chip cookie and headed for Springfield, Oregon. Along the 2 hour drive I listened to 92.3, Classic Rock. On the radio I heard the promotional spots for Wishbone Ash, “Wishbone Ash playing at the Aladdin Theater, February 21, Portland, Oregon”. I listened to at least 5 radio spots and Savoy Brown was only mentioned once. I thought this was odd! Not only was Wishbone mentioned first before Savoy Brown, they did not mention Savoy Brown and they were the “Main Attraction?” We know better, right? I was not surprised with the outcome of the ads since we know the high caliber of music Wishbone Ash plays!
I Arrived in Springfield around 5:00 PM and searched for a “Cold One!” Went to a local brewpub where I was delighted to find a typical European cuisine, Fish & Chips and Ice Cold Ale (not that warm ale from across the pond). Anyway, now my food appetite is satisfied I am ready for some Rock N’ Roll by my favorite band, Wishbone Ash! I asked the restaurant hostess for a phone book so I could find how to get to the Fox Fire Club. She said, “you don’t need a phone book, I was just their last night!” Ca- Ching! So with her map I was able to go right to the Fox Fire Club. It was now 6:00 PM and I pulled into the clubs parking lot and looked up at the logo sign “Savoy Brown – Canceled”! Well as long as Wishbone plays – Sala Vi I thought to myself. So I walked into the bar/restaurant and saw it was almost empty. I thought this doesn’t look good. I spoke with a very attractive waitress and said I just drove down from Portland to see Wishbone Ash. She said it was just canceled the day before. No reason given. She did buy me a “Cold One” so it was not a total loss. I support Women’s Lib!
Well back to Portland. Tuned into 92.3 and continued hearing ads for Wishbone Ash at the Aladdin Theater in Portland, so I knew there was still hope. Friendly reminder: Please call the clubs to confirm concert before you drive, fly or boat to see them! I was able to catch a great Blues show at a local bar in Portland called “The Candlelight.” Thursday night around midnight and the place was packed! I thought to myself, don’t these people have jobs? Back to the hotel to wait another day to see Wishbone! The next day I checked out downtown Portland and later in the evening met up with friends and had a nice bottle of wine and meal at 750ml wine bar.
It’s now almost 8:00 PM and showtime! So I follow my friends to the concert and proceeded to the ticket counter. This is odd, no one here? I went in the front door only to be informed “Sold Out!” What could I do but laugh. Knowing the tragic events that just took place in Warwick, RI. I knew my chances of getting in a sold out concert would be slim to none! But hey, what did I have to loose in trying? I asked to see the manager. He came over and I explained who I was and gave him one of my cards and basically said I was going to surprise Andy Powell with Birthday Greetings! I explained that I could not call ahead and spoil the surprise. I said I usually get on the guest list, but I wanted to buy a ticket and support the clubs who booked Wishbone Ash so in the future Wishbone would be considered again. So Tom Sessa, manager of Aladdin, said he’d make an exception but I would have to stand since all of the seats were taken. I asked, “Who sits at a Wishbone Ash Concert?” I thanked him and proceeded into the show.
Wishbone was just into their first
song. The setting was an old Egyptian style theatre. The sound and lighting
were excellent! Wishbone was in fantastic form. Every member as tight as ever!
Bob Skeat was grinning from ear to ear having a great time and keeping the
rhythm on track. Ray Weston adorned in dark sun glasses was totally in control
not missing a beat. The drum solo was most welcomed by the fans. Ben Granfelt
was playing lead on several tracks and incorporating his personal touches that
were accepted by everyone. Andy Powell was having a good time and holding the
vocals incredibly well. The rapport that Andy & Ben have is genuine! They
compliment each other incredibly well. Between the vocals and guitar playing it
was hard to tell were one began and the other left off. The results were the
“Living Proof” when the fans jumped to their feet on several tracks. The song
list was great. Not only because several were my favorites (King Will Come,
Phoenix, Throw Down The Sword, Hard Times, Bad Weather Blues, Ballad of the
Beacon, and Blowin’ Free) a lot of the tunes were reflective of the “Hard Time”
we are living in at the present. And the inspiration of the new track “Faith,
Hope & Love” was very tastefully done and moved the crowd. When Wishbone
finished their song list the crowd was frantic. They would not sit down or be
quiet until Wishbone would come back on stage. So they came back and opened
with “Ballad of the Beacon” then Blowin’ Free with Bad Weather Blues then back
to Blowin’ Free. OUTSTANDING ENCORE!
After the concert band members came out and greeted fans, signed autographs and mingled with the crowd. I had the pleasure of speaking with Pauline Powell that evening to top off the events and also witnessed a very humorous exchange of words between her and the Aladdin’s security guard. Evidently Pauline was trying to get back stage to see Andy after the concert but was refused by security. He thought a typical groupie was trying to get full access. Being very persistent, she did manage to get backstage. I was not sure whether her diligence or natural charm won the security guard over. In either case, she did succeed.
If this wasn’t enough excitement for one year, I was able to see the band at my own house in Boise, Idaho. The timing and highway intersected perfectly. We all had a great meal and conversation before Wishbone went on to play in Hailey, Idaho at Bruce Willis’ Club, The Mint. Rumor had it Bruce was going to get on stage and play the harmonica with Wishbone Ash. But, David Letterman called in sick and had Bruce Willis sit in for him on his Late Night Talk Show. This was a first for Bruce and Dave is hardly ever sick. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. There is always next year and the fans on the West Coast look forward to another Wishbone Ash Concert. Tom Sessa @ the Aladdin Theater came up to me after the show and said, ”We would love to book these guys again!!! Be sure to let them know!” I said Done! tom@aladdin-theater.com
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