TCN’s Dave Gasson gives us a closer look at Pula’s musical events this past weekend.
On Sunday evening, Pula arena was treated to another concert by a Rock and Roll legend; this time it was Zucchero. The Italian King of Blues, often referred to as the “Father of the Italian blues”, made his welcome and eagerly awaited return as part of his “Black Cat” tour.
As the expectant crowds queued patiently to enter the amphitheatre, it was Mel C aka Sporty Spice, who, as a special guest of Zucchero, entertained the growing audience.
With a mixture of old, new and one or two Spice-y songs, Mel C soon had the sell out crowd clapping, singing and tapping their feet. She sang a selection from her 2017 “Version of Me” tour as well as others from her several solo albums.
With the arena now full and the crowd whistling and shouting his name, it was time for the much anticipated arrival on stage of Italy’s hottest blues singer, Zucchero. For some, it was clear that you are never to young to see your first Rock and Roll star and who better to initiate her in to great music and stage performances than the King of Blues?
Over the last three decades, the multi award winning singer/song writer has sold over 50 million records and he delighted the audience in Pula with his old favourites “Diamante”, “Il Volo” and “Baila” as well as songs from his last album “Black Cat”.
He has worked, recorded and performed with many of the worlds finest musicians and his biggest hit in the UK was one such collaboration when he joined up with Paul Young to record “Senza Una Donna”.
Other musicians that Zucchero Fornaciari, has worked with include Sting, John Lee Hooker, Luciano Pavarotti, The Scorpions, B. B. King, Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bono and Joe Cocker and throughout his career, he can easily be recognised by his trade mark top hat.
The legendary Brian Auger was on keyboards and the English Jazz/rock and blues keyboardist gave a great performance. Over the years he has toured and performed with several other great artists including Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Boy Williamson and Led Zeppelin. His #5 hit in the UK back in 1968 was ”Wheels on Fire”, a Bob Dylan song, which was the theme tune for the classic ”Absolutely Fabulous”.
Zucchero and his band entranced the audience with their soul/rock and blues repertoire. The stage set was large and elaborate. A platform was set up to accommodate the saxophonist, trombonist and trumpeter which looked down on Zucchero who was on the mic at the center of the stage. The capacity crowd were in full voice throughout the concert.
The music continues and up next it is festival time! Grace Jones is opening the Dimensions Festival on the 30th of August, 2017 and Dizzee Rascal will be opening the Outlook Festival on the 6th of September, 2017. Still to look forward to in Zagreb later in the year are Bryan Adams on the 9th of November, 2017 and Beth Hart on the 10th of November at the Boogaloo Club. For more info, click here.
