[bomp] Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay

["Perry L. Adler" <PerryAdler@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

    I saw Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis a couple of nights ago. I
wondered which of these two-of-the-biggest-egos-in-the-world would let the
other headline. Jerry Lee went on first, and after performing a version of
"Lucille" CLAIMED he didn't know Little Richard was on the bill. Richard later
said Jerry Lee "played so beautifully".

    And he did, though without using his feet at all. He did a mostly rocking
set of standards rock, pop and country; his singing was good even though his
speaking voice was quite hoarse. The main musical drawback was a curious
tendency to stop songs abruptly. And Jerry Lee looked scarily old and bloated
(he's a couple of years shy of 70).

    Little Richard is 70 and could still pass for thirtysomething (I was in
the second row). His voice was as strong as ever, his band (much younger than
Lewis') was excellent, and unlike the last time I saw him, his shtick was
entertaining, not overbearing. So I was able to forgive the usual flaws (some
songs missing verses, "Old Time Rock and Roll") and enjoy a good selection of
his hits. (Though he keeps teasing for "Long Tall Sally", then blurts out one
thrash-speed verse and leaves the stage...)

    See these guys while you still can. I hope that wasn't my last time.

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