30th Anniversary: The Bowery Ballroom, NYC 11/20 & 21, 1999

It's pretty amazing when you think about it. 30 years is a long time for any relationship to survive, let alone a band. If you're lucky enough to have spent any time with the guys in NRBQ, you come to realize there is a synchronicty within its members, a brotherhood in love and music that will not be broken. There will be no comprising of creative integrity for a quick buck nor will the suits in the music business dictate demands to the NRBQ. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that their fans support them so vehemently. In a world full of 'boys bands' (and I'm not talking about our boys:-) and George Doubleya, NRBQ is life's breath of fresh air. Mmmm . . . breath deep!

When the official word of the anniversary show first made its way onto the nrbq mailing list, there had already been much speculation among the fans. I had initially heard about the idea a year or so back at Bodle Opera House in New York. It was after a great gig (except for Johnny D, Michelle and I getting lost and arriving late to the gig . . .online map service but I'll take the blame:-) at a cool little club. A bunch of old friends and extended family members were there and Terry was in a real joyful mood after the show. When the talk of an anniversary gig (tour?) surfaced, it sounded like an event I definitely wanted to be part of!

When the first show was announced, it sold out rather quickly. In fact, the Labyrynth team was able to quickly secure a second night of festivities to follow. There was a lot of discussion of the shows on the 'Q' list. International plans were being made so that fans from as far away as Japan and Europe would be able to join their American counterparts so we could all celebrate the joy of NRBQ.

'Q'list member, Harriet Glassman, planned a pre-show dinner party at a restaurant in the city. I wasn't able to attend but I heard it was really fun. You can check out the pictures here. The first night's show consisted of The Holy Modal Rounders, The Shaggs, John Sebastian and NRBQ. Many fans, including myself, were hoping that past members of NRBQ like Steve Ferguson, Frankie Gadler, Tom Staley and of course, Al Anderson, would be a part of the celebration but that was not to be. This was a celebration of NRBQ today.

The first night was excellent but as any diehard NRBQ fan will tell you, it's always those 'showcase' gigs that leave ya a little shortchanged. One of the highlights for me, aside from having Donn and the horns, was having the lovely and talented Kami Lyle on hand to add some beautiful touched to "Sail On" and of course "Birdman." Another treat was having the sweet Wiggin sisters (Dot, Betty and Mom) of the Shaggs peform. Check out my picture. Here's another. Oh, and I was totally jazzed to see my old friend Jake Jacobs sit in with the boys. Those of us that had planned on staying for the following night's performance knew that it was then that the real party was to begin, though.

The second night's schedule included the Shaggs, The Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Mashall Allen, and the 'Q'. The show itself was less crowded and the energy was just right for some kickass music. The band did not disappoint. I guess with the 'pressure' of the big anniversary show gone, the boys were able to loosen up and light the place up with the incredible sounds we've all come to know and love. The Arkestra was just awe inspiring. The energy that they put forth is really enough to make one burst out it tears just from the sheer beauty of the music. The show was just fantastic. It was great meeting 'Q' listers and moving to the groove of the'Q'! Let's do it again in 30!


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