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For Fun on Forty Second Street: “B.B. Kings Blues Club and Grill”



As popular as B.B. Kings Blues Club and Grill is I have never been there until recently. There were many times I wanted to go like when MaryMary was playing there but one thing or another didn’t work out. I was more surprised than anybody when the event that finally lured me to this venue was a cover band I had never heard of before, The Rolling Tones. The Rolling Tones are a cover band performing the legendary hits created by their idol The Rolling Stones.

Before we continue on though I have to make a confession. I am not a Rolling Stones fan. They are before my time. I am sure I would recognize a song or two but I definitely wasn’t going to be singing along like it was my job. Thankfully it wasn’t.







B.B. Kings it turns out is a pretty cool venue. For this performance we were downstairs and happen to score the last couple of seats along the two sided, lounge like couch with spaces that are on either side of the stage. We were on stage left closest to the band and also the speakers. I knew my migraine brain would hate me for it but I was not about to stand during the ninety minute set.



The seats did have tables so that was great for ordering drinks. You were also able to order food from Lucille’s Grill, the Grill portion of B.B. Kings. It looked good to me from what I saw around me but my group had already eaten (see previous blog).

From the moment I sat down and laid my eyes on the lead singer during the band’s sound check I was memorized. I kept having flashbacks of Michael C. Hall on Broadway in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2014/11/for-many-transitions-of-michael-c-hall.html). It was something about both men’s energy, fierceness, and talent that I was picking up on, it was also what held my interest.

The band mates have further honored their namesakes by selecting stage names mirroring the original members. There is Thick Jagger, Beef Richards, Pick Taylor, Chill Wyman, Barley Watts, and Sheena Turner. They have been together since 2006 with their newest member, Ruby Tuesday, joining last year.








The show was impressive. They didn’t even stop for a breath but continued on to do their entire set all at once. The crowd was the oddest mix of people I have ever seen gathered all together but I suppose that’s a compliment to the band. Their passion is strong enough to reach a big community. I certainly enjoyed watching the dancing while checking back in on the band every few minutes. I was able to appreciate the music moving along to the beat.

My migraine brain didn’t mind until the last few minutes when I could no longer take the bass, beat, high volume, nor the two glasses of wine I had. But I was leaving as the show ended so I was glad I didn’t miss anything.

Overall it was a great night. I had a great meal, checked out a N.Y.C hotspot and band, and shared many laughs. It was just want I needed to end that week.

Thinking about this experience made me realize I had never seen a cover band before. It also made me think about Bon Jovi.

I have seen Bon Jovi live in concert numerous times. Naturally they were and are one of the best performers around, even without Richie Sambora who had recently departed from the group.

I haven’t yet seen their cover band, Livin’ on a Prayer perform, but I hear they are amazing. If they are half as good as The Rolling Tones I know I will have a good time.

For More Information:

http://www.bbkingblues.com/

http://therollingtones.com/

http://www.livinonaprayer.org/




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