Ronnie Lane – one for the road memorial concert DVD Review

Ronnie Lane one for the road memorial concert dVD Review

I recently learned about this concert and couldn’t wait to have a watch so downloaded it on Amazon and purchased the dvd. It took place on 8th April 2004 with almost two years of planning going into it. Various artists came together to perform to a sell-out venue and pay tribute to Ronnie Lane who co-wrote many Mod anthems such as “Itchycoo Park, All Or Nothing, Here Comes The Nice, My Mind’s Eye” and many more.

Ronnie Lane had a hugely influential career in two of Britain’s most iconic bands, firstly The Small Faces and then The Faces. He split from The Faces at the height of their popularity in 1973 to begin a career as a solo artist which then led to the formation of another band named Slim Chance. Lane tragically died in 1997, aged only 51 from pneumonia, in the final stages of multiple sclerosis. He is considered one of the most influential song-writers of a generation and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame In 2012 for his contributions to both ‘Small Faces’ and ‘Faces’

Things start out with Compere, organiser, original Mod and founder of ‘ Wapping Wharf’ John Hellier welcoming over 5,500 fans from across the world to The Royal Albert Hall. John Also Read Out Written Tributes And Apologies From Sir Paul McCartney And Eric Clapton, Who Were Unable To Participate Due To Other Commitments.

The concert included various artists covering music from Lane’s diverse and extensive career. It’s three-and-a-half hours of foot tapping greatness performed by bands and artists such as Slim Chance (Ronnie’s band after The Faces split), The Jones Gang, Steve Ellis, Mick Jones, Glen Matlock, Sam Brown (daughter of rock ‘n’ roller Joe Brown), Ronnie Wood, Paul Weller, Pete Townshend, Ocean Colour Scene, Steve Ellis, Steve Diggle, Midge Ure, Dennis Greaves, Deborah Bonham Band, Joe Marriott and Chris Farlowe.

The performances that stood out for me came from Pete Townshend and Slim Chance performing ‘Stone’ a song Ronnie wrote about the beginning of the world, the outgoing nature of the world, creation and the evolution of consciousness. Pete Townshend tells us that the song was recorded at his house before he goes onto perform the song in an emotional yet exhilarating fashion. Ronnie Wood joins him on stage with scorching guitar solos making the performance a rare treat seeing both Townshend and wood on stage together.

Another highlight is got to be Paul Weller’s performance along side Slim Chance with his version of ‘poacher’. Obviously anything Weller touches turns to gold and his performance was nothing more than gold standard. You could of easily mistaken it for one of his own songs because he really made it his own.

Last but not least the legendary Chris Farlowe, belted out ‘All Or Nothing’ alongside The Jones Gang to finish of the night. John Hellier along with Stan Lane (Ronnie’s Brother) the concerts guest of honour came back on stage with a short message for all those who turned out. However more prominent was Stan looking upwards towards the sky saying “ Is that alright Ronnie’, clearly satisfied that the night was a fitting tribute to his brother. It’s my opinion that everyone who performed did so with pure admiration and love for ‘The Three piece’ known as Ronnie Lane.

Obviously I am aware this DVD has been out for some time having been released in 2014, the great thing about running Mods Of Your Generation is learning new things everyday, watching this dvd has definitely been on of those times. I’m grateful to be in a position to be able to share my thoughts on it. The DVD can be purchased on Amazon and digitally on Amazon Prime Video and I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it already. Massive kudos to John Hellier for putting the event together and all those who took part.