Review Centre: 2000s Era Musicians & Bands

"Rating 5/6 : Very Enjoyable Absolute Mayhem The Horse & Chains, Bushey on Saturday 30 September 2023 It's a rare thing to go into a local pub and hear a keyboard player who has been described as a musical "genius" by none other than David Bowie. This is no tall story either. The musician Billy Ritchie was the first player in rock music to give keyboards a prominent role -- and that was before Keith Emerson (ELP) and Rick Wakeman came on the scene. Billy told me that he remained good friends with the Thin White Duke until his death in 2016. Lanark-born Mr Ritchie now provides the skilful and fancy keyboards and records backing tracks for his latest incarnation Mayhem with talented female singer Carol Leslie. Carol is a really strong vocalist with a gutsy style. This dynamic duo started their first set at the cosy Sebright Arms with Elvis's late sixties' classic Suspicious Minds. The second song was a surprise -- Kirsty MacColl's comedy number There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears His Elvis. It was a perfect choice after the first song. Carol and Billy select their material wisely and give their audience something very different from the predictable Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl and I Saw Her Standing There, churned out by so many pub bands. So it was great to hear Georgio Moroder and Phil Oakey's electro smash Together In Electric Dreams, Matchbox's catchy rocker Rockabilly Rebel, Starship's uplifting We Built This City (on which Billy demonstrated his keyboard dexterity) and Solomon Burke's gospel-ish Cry To Me. And that was just the first half. Carol is happy to tackle songs usually associated with male vocalists and she started part two with a raucous version of Bryan Adams' rocker Summer Of 69. If you have never seen Mayhem, ask Billy to perform Light My Fire, the Doors rock classic from 1967. This was a sheer musical masterclass as he re-created both vocally and instrumentally this great song. Billy has a rich, tuneful voice and this was a stunning performance. Other highlights in the second half included Journey's rock anthem Don't Stop Believing, Carol's gritty interpretation if Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman and a fine performance of Bon Jovi's Living On A Prayer A total of 24 songs and I cannot wait to see this duo again. My only concern is their name. I think many club and pubgoers might think Mayhem are a heavy metal band rather than an all-round, top class duo. COLIN FENN, DJ, Freelance Journalist Colin Fenn, DJ - Freelance Journalist, Thursday 5 October 2023"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"They were amazing, They were awesome the lead singers were incredible. I would hire them... They nailed the songs. "

Reply by Red Stone
Thank you for your kind words, we are glad you enjoyed your selves…

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Matt (Sax) and Kieran (Bongos) were incredible last night. Their performance made my wife’s 40th a night she will never forget. Would book them again without hesitation, in fact I’m trying to think of a reason we can have another party to get them along."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Professional, timely. Nailed the track first time. Will continue to work with Keith, no doubt about it. I suggest you do the same : ) "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Blummin' marvellous!! Lovely guys, great music and you did us super proud with our Green Day first dance. my only regret is not interacting with you more, which was entirely my own doing. our guests loved you, I'm just sorry it was so hot! Hope to see you again soon! fabulous! Thanks again! xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"With an extensive song list and a natural instinct for reading the room, Ken engages audiences of all ages. A consistently outstanding performer - and one we recommend without hesitation."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"From the first communication with them until the end, they were very professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. On the actual night, their performance was outstanding, so many of my guests commented on how good they were. My whole experience with the band was amazing and I would definitely use them again. Thanks W!RED for making my night, I will remember forever 😊"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Bro was playing some really good bangers from the beginning. Made the whole meal more pleasant! I would 100% come back just to listen to him"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excelente musica para relajarse mientras estás en casa, en tu trabajo o haciendo alguna actividad "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I heard Blush at an event and I knew I had to have them. The first show they did for me was at the Melbourne Grand Prix - my clients were extremely impressed. They wanted them to fly to Sydney the next month for their own event. I now use them every year for my major events."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"THANK YOU for the wonderful performance you put in last saturday night (21/08). The whole night went with a bang. We've had nothing but raving reports & it's all due to you lot. You all worked really hard & were absolutely fantastic ( & I'm sure exhausted to)! We couldn't have asked for any more. SO A BIG BIG THANK YOU LADS. Will definitely see you again in the future (Dad's 60th next year, thinking of a big surprise party), so I'm holding on to your no. Yours faithfully Lady D. L. Kader & Miss H Dunlop "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi, we just wanted to say you did a marvellous job on Saturday, you made a sensational evening perfect. Next time we have a party, The Night Hours will be top of our list. Many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Paul was very accommodating and resourceful. The exchange ahead of the event was easy and friendly. Paul come to our place with all his equipments for different sound levels. In addition to the songs we agreed on, he also knew all the music that our guests requested on the spot! His music was a big hit with eveyrone. His voice lovely of course. Everyone had a delightful time. We look forward to having Paul join us next celebration! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It was a privilege to have you join us tonight and for you to provide such inspiring music. We enjoyed breaking bread with all of you as well. Hope you can return in the near future. Chuck"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"many thanks to The Night Hours for stepping in with only two days notice. the band are a very polished, and treated all aspects of the evening very professionally. with music from the60's to up to date, they are a must for any event many thanks, Hereford Railway Club"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: