If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes after a stadium show, when the stage lights are extinguished and the rock stars are whisked away in their blacked out limos, there are only a handful of people who really know the truth. And one of them is ex Black Sabbath, Freddie Mercury and Troggs musician Jo Burt who is appearing in Mells in November.
Burt spent much of his early career in the late 70s and throughout the 80s and 90s touring the globe with some of the biggest names in music, and recording in some of the best studios the world had to offer. His is a unique and fascinating insight into the heady days of rock & roll, now long gone.
And now he’s telling some of those stories in his ‘Acoustic by Candlelight’ event at St Andrew’s Church, Mells on Friday, 15th November.
The last decade or so has seen Burt forging his own solo career. With three studio albums under his belt and a fourth on the way, he has a vast array of material of his own. The ‘Acoustic by Candlelight’ show features a selection of these tracks – written and performed in his trademark uplifting style – together with his own versions of some of the biggest chart hits that shaped his career.
He is outstanding live, playing festivals and venues around the UK, Europe and North America; including a slot at Glastonbury in 2017.
Burt also spent much of the last four years on the road with Deborah Bonham, sister of the late John Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame; and has backed Zeppelin front man Robert Plant in a number of guest appearances.
Jo’s songwriting style is based on his background of rock, with a southern-style influence and a very English ‘Beatles-esque’ twist. He is an hypnotic performer, drawing in his listeners with tales from his recording and touring past, and telling riveting stories through his songs themselves. His warm and enthusiastic approach never fails to endear him to his audience and Burt continues to electrify with the mixture of honesty, intensity and humour that he brings to each performance.
The ‘Acoustic by Candlelight’ show features the two backing vocalists from Burt’s full band, Antonia and Kathy. With just one guitar and three voices, the music element of the show very much focuses on harmony, with the added bonus of one or two percussive instruments thrown in – and the occasional appearance of a mandolin.
Jo Burt Acoustic by Candlelight takes place at St Andrew’s Church, New Street, Mells BA11 3PW on Friday, 15th November at 7.30pm (doors 6.45pm). Tickets £12 in advance (includes first drink) from the Cheese & Grain in Frome; Mells Village Shop or online at skiddle.com (search Jo Burt). Tickets on the door £15. Advance booking is advised. For more information on Jo Burt, including music and video links, see joburt.co.uk.
Photo: Adrian Mitchell
