The Fabulous Thunderbirds at The Mean Fiddler, London, 2007

I was lucky to discover the blues shortly before it had a resurgence in the late 80’s and early 90’s. During this period us Brits were able to see visiting top American bands brought over by promoters at places like the 100 Club. I was able to see some of my musical heroes like wonderfully named Anson Funderburgh. However, the UK scene declined and appearances by America’s best blues bands faded , even though they would still regularly tour other parts of Europe and Scandinavia. We’ve since decided we don’t need Europe either, oh well.

So it was with fizzing excitement that on July 20th 2007 I and some friends went to see The Fabulous Thunderbirds at the long since closed Mean Fiddler on Charing Cross Road. (On a positive note The Outernet has opened nearby. We wait to see what impact it makes and whether it can fill the void left by The Borderline and The Mean Fiddler and smaller venues like the minuscule 12 Bar Club). The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as for so many blues fans, are one of my greatest musical influences. It is impossible to overstate the influence Kim Wilson has had on my harmonica playing and approach to music.

Not normally one for crowds, I had to be at the front of the stage for this one. Armed with a little Canon G5 I captured some moments from what was a thrilling evening of music. To be this close to one’s heroes, to experience their craft close up and feel the energy is a precious thing. As the crowd had dispersed into the night after the show, I was lucky to get back stage and spend some time with the band. I had met Kim on a few occasions and he helped me get backstage that night. We sat on a sofa in the tiny and grubby dressing room now packed with fawning musos (like me) and he mentioned about recording together sometime. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

After Jimmie Vaughan left the group in 1990 the T’Birds went through, and continues to go through periodically, new incarnations, particularly with different guitarists. On this evening the line-up included the mighty Kirk Fletcher and Nick Curran. Nick sadly died on October 6th 2012 of cancer aged only 35. In my humble opinion, his death was the greatest loss for the future of the blues the genre. Nick was insanely talented. Not only a gifted guitarist who combined technique with superb feel, he had a once in a generation voice - akin to Little Richard. Oh, he also played drums. Sadly this would be the one and only time I saw Nick Curran play live. But this was a special evening indeed and I had the privilege to meet him afterwards. I can’t remember what we chatted about, but I do remember how friendly and humble he was.

I’m so glad I took my camera and stood up front that evening to capture some of the gig. I recently came across the photos on a back-up hard drive and with the 10th Anniversary of Nick Curran’s death on the 6th of this month I thought it was a good time to share them.

We miss you Nick.

Gear
A little Canon G5