The band that formed some 37 years ago in Melbourne, Australia, is still touring and going strong, despite the fact that they are touring without any original members. This fact did not matter to the sold out crowd at the Bears Den on New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls, NY, last Saturday night. They had an overwhelming reception throughout the 13 song performance. The band now consists of Wayne Nelson on lead vocals and bass, Greg Hind on rhythm guitar, Chris Marion on keyboards, Rich Herring on lead guitar and Mel Watts on drums.
The band was very commercially successful in the late 1970s and early 1980s by having top 10 hits for six (6) consecutive years. Nelson, who is the longest tenured member (since 1980), had a pleasing demeanor and kept the crowd entertained all night with his bass playing, top notch vocals and jokes between songs. He warned the crowd in the front row that they would have DNA souvenirs at the beginning of the set. He also made a comment before “Happy Anniversary,” that if you never heard this song, you haven’t been to the grocery store in the last 10 years!
Wayne wasn’t the only one cracking jokes as guitarist, and Billy Duffy look alike (The Cult), Greg Hind said before “Take it Easy on Me,” that “this is our latest hit… from 1983,” which drew lots of laughter. Keyboardist Chris Marion enjoyed some solos as he stepped out from behind the keyboards and slapped on a keytar for “Happy Anniversary,” Reminiscing” and “Lonesome Loser.”
Yes, it was an older clientele that witnessed the current version of the Little River Band but the band delivered what the fans wanted. They stuck to the hits, made the crowd feel like an essential part of the show, and spread some humor throughout. A lot of younger bands can still learn a thing or two from the current version of the Little River Band.
Set List:
It’s a Long Way There
Man on Your Mind
Happy Anniversary
Take it Easy on Me
The Other Guy
Reminiscing
Statue of Liberty
Outback
Help is on it’s Way
Night Owl
Cool Change
Lady
Lonesome Loser
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show!~
