Walter Trout Band + Mitch Laddie Band @ Sage Gateshead. November 11

(Review by Russell)

A dream double bill – US blues-rcck guitar giant Walter Trout supported by local hero blues-rock guitar sensation Mitch Laddie. Contrary to some media reports Trout’s European tour had not been cancelled and Hall Two at Sage Gateshead was busy, the crowded main floor all standing.

Trout, a long time mate of Laddie, made a welcome return to Tyneside. His gigs at Riverside on Melbourne Street, Newcastle are the stuff of legend. Subsequent gigs at other venues have earned the former Bluesbreaker a loyal following in the north east.

As the band took to the stage at Sage Gateshead – Walter Trout (guitar, harmonica & vocals), Sammy Avila (Hammond organ & vocals), Rick Knapp (electric bass) & Michael Leasure (drums) + Andrew Elt (electric bass & vocals) – many in the auditorium stood shocked at the frail figure of Walter Trout. Illness had taken its toll, the XL-size American reduced to a ghostly skeletal frame. Trusty Strat in hand, Trout looked drawn, tired. Would this be a desperately sad occasion? No fear!

Hey, swanky joint you’ve got here. Let’s see if we can take it down a notch or two! said Trout of Sage Gateshead. The band played straight through – ninety minutes – in typical Walter Trout Band fashion. Relentless, high volume, high intensity blues-rock of the highest order. Recently hospitalised, diagnosed with liver damage and other ailments, Trout spoke openly with black humour about his current state of health. He said: I’m sixty two years old. The first sixty years were a f****** breeze. The last two years have been s*** . There isn’t anyone in the rudest of health who could hold a candle to Trout’s blues guitar playing (except, perhaps, Mitch Laddie!) To hear the man play, as if possessed, giving it everything, truly was one of those I was there occasions.

The new CD – a tribute to Luther Allison – featured, as did tunes from his extensive Provogue label recording career. The band’s long term stability ensured the tightest of performances. Hammond organist Sammy Avila rocked out all night long, bassist Rick Knapp exuded authority and drummer Michael Leasure slayed ‘em all. Trout took time out, sitting, then leaning against his guitar amp, clearly tired but enjoying every single second of the gig. Knapp swapped his bass for one number to play fantastic guitar, urged to ever greater heights by the appreciative Trout. A rare treat and a mark of Trout’s generosity of spirit occurred when his tour manager of ten years – Andrew Elt – joined the party to play bass on the number! He could play but there was more to come. Picking up the mic, Elt strutted Rock God-like, screaming a vocal as close to Robert Plant as you’re likely to hear. It just so happens that in his spare time Elt fronts a Led Zeppelin tribute band! Michael Leasure grabbed the spotlight with a powerhouse drum solo, Trout again digging it.

This Sage Gateshead show was a gig and a half, memorable in so many ways, none more so than when Mitch Laddie joined Trout for a blues jam. Walter Trout may not be in the best of health but he possesses great spirit and communicated his love of the blues to a packed auditorium. He went out on Goin’ Down, revitalised, playing the blues. The best of luck to you, Walter. See you next time at Sage Gateshead.          

Earlier, young gun Laddie, from Stanley, County Durham – Mitch Laddie (guitar & vocals), Rhian Wilkinson (electric bass) & Matt Connor (drums) – brought a large following with him and his trio hit the ground running. Showman Laddie’s superb technique stripped paint from the walls with quick-fire blues licks. Material from the latest CD – Burning Bridges – and back catalogue numbers ensured his forty minutes support slot flew by. Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues and Buddy Miles’ Them Changes received rapturous applause. Laddie’s bass and drums pairing – Rhian Wilkinson and Matt Connor – were with him every step of the way. Laddie is destined for the top and these guys are sure to go along for the ride.

Russell.