Doug and the Slugs
written by Scotty Evil
When something is 40 years in the making, it pretty much already qualifies as legendary. So it’s no surprise that coming together for an anniversary show at the equally legendary Commodore Ballroom would bump it up to epic.
Bordering on abusing the word, legendary blues man Jim Byrnes led off the performances. He took the throne at centre stage, fondly calling the night “Geezerpalooza” then launched into standard after standard interspersed with originals. His fans were loud and proud right from the beginning and hung on every word between songs. The compositions were loose but his band took his cues seamlessly when he wanted a solo from either guitar (Paul Pigat) or keys (Simon Kendall of Doug and the Slugs). Rob Becker on bass and Chris Nordquist on drums rounded things out.
The crowd was left buzzing between sets but it was clear who they were really here to see. The original Doug and the Slugs lineup came out to low blue lights, with Ted Okos filling the vocal void left by Doug Bennett. Having done so since 2009, Okos embodied the quirky spirit and energy of the late band leader and was on point in tone and execution.
Doug and the Slugs cycled through their hits from an extensive setlist, the crowd singing along pretty much the entire show including a call and answer in “Love Shines”. Ted Okos made the rounds across the stage with original members John Burton and Richard Bryan Baker on guitar, Steve Bosley on bass and Wally Watson on drums. Simon Kendall came out from behind the keys wielding a keytar.
Naturally there was a slightly solemn pause to reflect on Doug Bennett and the legacy that 40 years of Slugs carries. Not to mention the fact that this was likely close to 46 shows for them at the Commodore.
One would expect some cameos and they did appear for a few tunes in the form of Darryl Havers, Linda Kidder and Saffron Henderson.
Huge hits “Too Bad” and the doo-wop vibe of “Real Enough” wound the crowd up even more for a quick encore that started with a cover of “Wooly Bully” and ended with a huge bow on stage from the band. Fans were grinning from ear to ear, sporting their Doug and the Slugs 40th anniversary tour shirts.
Legendary.
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written by Scotty Evil