After the gig ...

A big thank you to Charlotte who gave us an excellent 45 minutes of song. Her choice was wide, re-arranged and very interesting. There was everything from contemporary pop to Dolly Parton and Michael Jackson. If you see her name, go see her, you have to be good to entertain a Wilko crowd!

What can you say about Wilko? Our American cousins over use the word awesome, but I don't - so, this gig was awesome! Wilko, Norman and Monti were on the top form and cheered throughout the gig by a very "up for it" audience. As ever it was non-stop, frantic rock punctuated by the captivating antics of Wilko. If I was a Guardian newspaper reviewer, I'd give 9.5 out of 10. [Leave something to go for next time]

 We did our first show with the Wilko Johnson Band in April 2007 and this is what we said when the after the gig ....

It's fair to say that we were unsure what to expect. Before the gig, Wilko and Norman where very laidback and relaxed. They were very easy to cater for and work with. In fact they were quite quiet, so I wondered ......

The Scandalous Bachelors opened the show and I had forgotten. Yes, I had forgotten just how good these lads are - can there be a better blues and R&B band based in the Northeast? Even before they took to the stage, they looked brilliant in their snazzy suits. On stage they grafted and their hard work and enjoyment was infectious and the whole place was jumping - one excellent opening act.

A short break then the 'quiet' Wilko Johnson climbs on to the stage.

Bang! they were straight in .... up and running. Wilko was like a man possessed. He has an amazing stage presence and wow what a sound from these three guys. With loads of light and shade we were taken on an incredible musical journey. This was an exciting gig with musicianship of the highest order. If the very enthusiastic audience were a touch reserved about letting it all hang out, the barn-storming classic Woolley Bulley did the trick. With three encore's and everyone bopping, Wilko left Sunderland and left us all wanting lots more.