Big Names Gather for Albert Lee’s 70th Birthday
Albert Lee will be joined by a host of big-name guests to mark his 70th birthday at two shows next month.
The events, on March 1 and 2, are set to feature different line-ups on each night, with co-stars including Gary Brooker, Dave Edmunds, Andy Fairweather Low, Joe Brown, Chas And Dave, Gary US Bonds, Marty Wilde, Bruce Welch, Chris Farlowe, Brian Bennett, Shakin’ Stevens, Ralph McTell and the Robert Wells Trio.
The first show, at London’s Cadogan Hall, will be hosted by ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, the second will be presented by Mike Read. Advance tickets have already sold out, but more will be put on sale just before the shows take place.
In addition, Lee releases a new album, Frettening Behaviour, on March 3 and a single, Spellbound, on the same day, and will embark on a UK tour on March 7 with country rockers Hogan’s Heroes.
Meanwhile, many big names – including some who can’t attend the celebrations – have paid tribute to veteran Lee in words.
Eric Clapton: “He’s the greatest guitarist in the world. He’s the ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary, his ear is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level. When he gets into his stride, I can’t even keep up with him.”
Joe Bonamassa: “You don’t become Albert Lee by sheer hype alone – he’s a master of his craft. A real treasure.”
Emmylou Harris: “When Saint Peter asks me to chronicle my time down here on earth, I’ll be able to say (with pride if that’s allowed) that for a while I played rhythm guitar in a band with Albert Lee.”
Jools Holland: “Great musicians can make you want to dance, they can make you cry and they can make you sort of fall in love. Albert does that with his playing – but he can boogie as well, and that’s the hardest thing to do. One without the other is kind of alright, but if you have the two together, it’s unbelievable and very very rare – and that’s what Albert has.”
Vince Gill: “One of the finest guitar players who ever walked this earth.”
Ralph McTell: “Humility and talent, in equal measure. It’s a rare combination. He’s quite obviously a musical genius.”
James Burton: “I’ll let Albert do the fast playing, and I just hang in there. It doesn’t matter what guitar he plays. It’s magic.”
Andy Fairweather Low: “At my age I’m the full-back who wants to be the centre-forward – but in Albert’s case I’ll be the full-back. I might even be the goalkeeper.”
Dave Edmunds: “If I could be born again as anyone other than myself, it would be as Albert Lee.”