A Weekend with the Jukes

MAGGIEPOWELL.NET – NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2004 – BY MAGGIE POWELL

The first weekend in November saw Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes re-visit the Hyde Park club, in Osnabrück, for a never-been-done-before weekend package that meant a full-band performance on the Saturday night followed by an acoustic set from Southside Johnny and Bobby Bandiera on the Sunday night; the latter took place in the smaller, more intimate setting of the nearby Lagerhalle.

Joining the band for these shows was special guest, Soozie Tyrell, whose violin skills have earned her enviable gigs with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Without a doubt, Soozie’s presence brought a totally new dimension to the wall of sound normally associated with the Jukes and it was the most incredible experience to see her duelling with Bobby Bandiera’s nifty fret board work as well as with Joey Stann’s saxophone expertise during the course of the performance.

Continue reading

I remember last night (Osnabrück)

SAT 8 NOVEMBER: HYDE PARK, OSNABRUCK

Osnabruck is another very old town, with a medieval Rathaus (town hall); a medieval Cathedral with a quiet, shaded little river running behind it, and another medieval church, now Lutheran, that has some great carvings and gargoyles on it. There’s also an amazing contemporary building by Daniel Liebeskind, all stainless steel angles and shards of glass, which houses the Felix Nussbaum art collection. Of course, it was closed, but I got to walk around the outside which bears a neon sign saying “I am a stranger everywhere”. Well, I know how that feels…

The very wonderful Kool Klaus of this website has arranged a special Jukesfans’ deal with the Ibis hotel in Osnabruck – but I can’t find any of my fellow fans, though I know they’re here, somewhere. Consequently, I make Marjan, Evelien, Cécile and Maurice late getting to the show – sorry, everyone.

Continue reading

Coming Back - To Germany!

– BY MAGGIE POWELL -

Apart from the few shows the Jukes did with Bon Jovi in 2001, it has been almost eleven years since the band last performed in Germany – scary stuff if you think about the way in which the world has changed since then. And before anyone starts getting the impression that the band boycotted Germany or anything, there are a lot of commercial reasons that make it very difficult for overseas artists to perform in Germany – further information available from Hans Eichel’s office!

However, since everything comes to they who wait, or words to that effect, the Jukes’ German fans’ patience was finally rewarded on October 25, 2003 when the band played at the Hyde Park club in Osnabrück. Never heard of the place? Well, picture the scene: Somewhere on the north side of Osnabrück just off the A1 (Bremen/Dortmund) there is a piece of waste ground cum car-park with a building on it that looks a little like the Stone Pony – different colours on the walls mind you, but nevertheless, similar in structure. In addition, a weird and wonderful looking Hendrix-esque creation, seemingly made out of scrap metal and complete with guitar, welcomes you to the club. (Apparently the owner is a Jukes’ fan and it was mainly thanks to him that this exclusive German show became part of the 2003 tour schedule.)

Continue reading