Wilco Johnson at the Parr Hall Warrington Review
Wilco Johnson
Parr Hall, Warrington
6 October 2016
Reviewed by Jan Mellor
Walking into the Parr Hall, I was met with merchandise (t-shirts, bob hats and fleeces) of the striking features of Wilko Johnson but I was greeted with “you should hear the support – they’re really good”. I could hear the support – a three piece energetic young male band by the name of Aaron Keylock. Their sound was brash, ‘grungy’ and raw – to which the already crowded audience responded to enthusiastically. The band would be supporting Wilko throughout his short UK tour which started here at Warrington tonight – the 6th October – a great start for them I think.
Well onto the main band – Wilko Johnson used to be one of the principle members of the band Dr. Feelgood – way back in the 70’s and 80’s and his hard glare and strutting movements on stage made him famous throughout the rock/punk generation. As he walked on stage it was very apparent that although he was now of pensionable age – he hadn’t lost those traits and immediately ‘owned’ the theatre. Mixing the set with old and new the song choices were impeccable and the crowd responded with jumps and shouts of glee. It is undeniable that the skills of the band – especially – I must add – of Norman on bass who, having worked with Wilko for over 30 years (having previously worked together with Ian Dury and the Blockheads), was phenomenal and was so ‘tight’ with Wilko’s guitar playing – it was boarding on genius. The set although predominantly Wilko’s solo material did thrill the crowds with the Feelgood epics – ‘Roxanne’, ‘She done it right’ and of course the hit ‘Back in the night’! Their encore of ‘Johnny be good’ with solos’ from all three members was one of the best I have ever heard. The band came on and did 1½ hours of pure decent music and the crowd loved it.
I would definitely recommend seeing this band – especially if you liked the music of the 70s/80’s that included Dr. Feelgood or if you like great guitar music. The ticket prices were reasonable for the talent you were to see (£25) and both the support and main band were very entertaining. My husband left the theatre saying “That was the best gig I have seen for 5 years! “Testament in itself!
Rating: 5/5 
For more information and tour dates click here.
For more information about shows at the Parr Hall visit www.pyramidparrhall.com.
Pyramid & Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL | 01925 442884
