The Boneshakers’ Fourth Annual Boxing Day Blues Party @ The Tyne Bar.

Russ Hird (guitar & vocals), Ronnie Semple (harmonica & vocals), John Morgan (electric bass) & Gordon Smiles (drums)

(Review by Russell).

The Bodega: a pint of Prince Bishop (the impeccable house beer at the Camra award-winning hostelry), a good crowd in for the match (a deserted nearby Wetherspoon’s wasn’t showing the match). Man Utd 3 The Toon 1. Kind of inevitable, little in the way of disgruntlement. Move on, as they say.

A walk along the Quayside, the Tyne in full food (albeit a millpond). Sage Gateshead slept, green and red lights dimmed. The Pitcher and Piano sparkled, bubbly at the ready, somewhat optimistically with not a reveller in sight (inside or out). Up ahead at the Ouseburn the Tyne Bar glowed invitingly. Would there be any room at the inn?

Walking through the door the place was as one would expect to find it…absolutely packed! The Boneshakers were in full flight knocking out rockin’ r ‘n’ b. A pint of Wylam’s Tankard, a precious standing space at the back of the room. The sound not the best, it never is, but no matter. It was loud enough, more than. A solid foundation (bass and drums), wailing harp, killer guitar licks, beer, women, song, more beer…Cheers!

One of several guest sitters-in, Steve Dixon got up, battered Strat in hand (just like Rory’s) and called Crossroads. It was worth the trek. voice and guitar the business. A Santa-fied encore a la Chuck Berry and that was it. The Boneshakers’ first ever gig took place in the very same pub, on the very same day exactly four years ago. Next year – December 26 – you can guess where they and their fans will be. 

Russell.