The Ventnor Winter Gardens has a great lineup of gigs over the coming season (details of which we’ll be bringing you over the next week) and it continues tomorrow night when Dr Feelgood play The Gardens with support from locals, The Bohemian Blues Band.
Those of us of a certain age will remember Dr FG, but for you youngsters who have no idea who they are, here’s some things to help you along (thanks to Timothy for sending through).
Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970’s Dr Feelgood has become one of the most popular live rhythm and blues acts in the world.
The raw and uncompromising style that made them so popular resulted in the band achieving a number one chart position with the album “Stupidity” – a testament to their dynamic stage show.
Dr Feelgood have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many countries including “Milk & Alcohol”, “Down at the Doctors”, “Roxette”, “She’s a wind up” and “See you later Alligator”. The last album to feature Lee Brilleaux, “Down at the Doctors”, was recorded live on Canvey Island at the band’s own music bar just two months before he died.
Lee’s final wish was for the band to carry on and so it was decided to continue. The current line-up of the band is led by their drummer Kevin Morris, and features Steve Walwyn on lead guitar, Phil Mitchell on bass and charismatic vocalist, Robert Kane, formerly of “The Animals II”. May 2000 saw the UK release on EMI Records of “Chess Masters”, the band’s own tribute to the Chess brothers and the influential record label which was the home of the finest blues artists.
The band still undertakes a full touring schedule and has completed tours of most European and Scandinavian countries, a full summer of festivals and a triumphant return to Japan. 2007 sees Dr Feelgood maintaining their hectic touring schedule across the globe, still thrilling the crowds with the vitality of their explosive live show.
Supporting the Feelgoods are local blues outfit THE BOHEMIAN BLUES BAND. Fronted by ‘Mad’ Maff Dodge the band deliver Maximum R&B with a strong set of blues covers plus their own material.
Tickets, priced £12advance / £14 on the door, are available from Ventnor Winter Gardens box office: 01983 857581
Doors 7.30pm, first band on stage at 8.30pm
