“Ladies and Gentleman…the Second Greatest Rock’n’Roll Band in the World – The IORR Band!”

The Hope & Anchor, Upper Street, Islington 22.05.18

Wondering where to go next in your Rolling Stones rock’n’roll time machine? Will it be The Roundhouse in 1970? Madison Square Gardens ’72? El Mocamabo in ’77? Well tonight the IORR Band took a packed and sweaty basement all the way back to October 17 1973 and the Forest National Arena. Yes, its Brussells Affair, track by track, note by note.

And what a great job they made of it. No rehearsals and they only meet once a year. And the monitors weren’t working. Somehow these guys transcend the term ‘covers band’ through their love and commitment to these classic songs. DandelionPowerMan did a terrific job as a front man, ably supported by a rotating cast of musicians including guest harp (WildSlivovic), saxophone , keyboards, impeccable bass (Mr_dja)/drums (IrwinH) and a bewildering selection of guitarists (BluzDude, Roller99, Duke Richardson). Special mention to Mathjis who pulled off my favourite moment of the night when he did that Mick Taylor switching pickup thing on his Les Paul Sunburst on an ever accelerating Street Fighting Man that closed the set proper. Encores were not as per ‘73 but instead a rambunctious Let It Rock and then a real audience singlaong in Bye Bye Johnny.

Almost as good as the band was the crowd. I recognised ManOfWealthAndTaste , BarRoomQueen , SilverDagger, Beast and SomeTorontoGirl (thanks for the plectrum). And Steve. Where was PaulyWaul?

And I got a signed setlist – at last something that Matt Lee doesn’t have !

A great event in its own right and a perfect aperitif for tonight’s London Olympic gig – only with a much better setlist!

Photocredits: Dag Hakon Hellevik