Caught Live (4): The Move ft. Bev Bevan & Trevor Burton @ The Robin 05/06/14

The Move during their final appearance at The Robin 2 (Photos courtesy of Tony Smith)

#716: Hello ... Hello ... my old friends ... It's great to see you once again! The Move rolled back the years last night as they returned to their Midlands homeland and final gig at The Robin 2 in Bilston (Thursday 5th June) for the latest show of their final UK tour. And the band that eventually gave birth to our beloved ELO did not disappoint the healthy attendance with a performance that had everyone in raptures, both for the music and also for the memories of life on the road by Bev Bevan as well as the comedic anecdotes and recollections of a certain Trevor Burton on top form.

Great support from PRoM on the night

But first mention must be made of the superb support act who were PRoM a.k.a. Peoples Republic of Mercia by their full name. The Birmingham based band very much impressed with a Rhythm 'n' Blues tinged set very reminiscent of Dr. Feelgood and Wilko Johnson which ticked all the right boxes. Check out their two EP's and their official web site at: www.promercia.co.uk

Rockin' The Robin: Co-founders of  The Move: Trev & Bev with Phil Tree

Bev, Phil and Tony in perfect unison

Phil and Tony complete this final line-up of The Move

And what of The Move on this their final Midlands date? The familiar quartet of Bev, Trev, Phil Tree and Tony Kelsey displayed the fruit of a multi-date tour. The vocals, percussion and guitar craft were the tightest that I've ever witnessed with this incarnation of the band as they delivered another strong set of those Move songs we all know and love. Most of the hits were there, a miss and the odd cover. Once again the superb songs of Roy Wood were given the live treatment they deserve. "Mercury Blues" and "Something Else" were outstanding as were Trevor's wonderful, often comical introductions to each song and his fantastic personalised tribute to old friend Jimi Hendrix with "Hey Joe". This was a concert that was a real honour to attend with the lead vocals of Trevor and Phil perfectly backed by Abby, Tony and Joy throughout. And Bev 'Basher' Bevan had a real thrash too circumnavigating his kit with his world class prowess. Rhythm duo Phil and Tony on bass and guitars are the genuine article too and their contribution on the night was also faultless. The band nailed the classics all through the night with "Night Of Fear", "Wild Tiger Woman" and "Do Ya" particularly impressing. The reaction of the audience is always the barometer of a gig hence so the rapturous applause and hollering both before and after the encores of "Blackberry Way" and "Gimme Some Lovin'" said it all!

Piece Of My Heart: Movette Abby Brant backed by the classy backing vocals of Joy Strachan-Brain

The addition of Abby Brant has been a masterstroke on this tour. Her accomplished keyboards and wonderful voice were given the perfect platform with her stunning rendition of the Erma Franklin classic "Piece Of My Heart" during the show. It was great to see Joy Strachan-Brain from Quill guesting and adding her own sublime vocals on a memorable night for all.

Set list: "I Can Hear The Grass Grow" ~ "Fire Brigade" ~ "Something Else" ~ "Flowers In The Rain" ~ "Night Of Fear" ~ "Hello Suzie" ~ "Piece Of My Heart" ~ "Goin’ Back" ~ "Wild Tiger Woman" ~ "Brontosaurus" ~ "Mercury Blues" ~ "Do Ya" ~ "Wild Thing" ~ "Hey Joe" ~ "California Man" ~ "Blackberry Way" ~ "Gimme Some Lovin'"

The Move were: Bev Bevan (Drums) ~ Trevor Burton (Guitars/Vox) ~ Phil Tree (Bass/Vox) ~ Tony Kelsey (Guitars/Backing Vox) ~ Abby Brant (Keyboards/Vox) ~ Joy Strachan-Brain (Backing Vox)

Find out more about the band via their official website at: www.themove-live.com

Encore: Surely a good a proper farewell concert is the best way to say a final "Goodbye"

An Appeal to The Move and their Management

Yes, the final line-up of The Move did not see the participation of Roy Wood or Ace Kefford and we all still mourn the loss of Carl Wayne. But The Move did do justice to their live legacy and impressive hit roster. For me, the passing of The Move into the history books is a sad affair with the current tour ending in August, away from their musical home. ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) believes that there should be a much more fitting finale to this magnificent and iconic band. This is an open and honest appeal to the band and their management to arrange a fitting farewell gig for the band in their Birmingham birthplace where both The Move and their fans can celebrate the band and also draw a line under it in the best possible manner. KJS@ELOBF

ELO Beatles Forever (ELOBF) recommends The Move ft. Bev Bevan & Trevor Burton to those enlightened folks who enjoy the music of ELO/Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, 'Brum Beat', The Beatles and related artistes.

Until next "Time" in the ELO (and related) Universe ... KJS ... 07-June-2014