Goodbye, Bo.
Bo Diddley's May 11, 2007, concert in Kansas City was one of his last public appearances. I didn't attend the benefit concert at the Gem Theater, but a couple people who were there regaled me with stories of the legend's boorish behavior and erratic performance. He suffered a debilitating stroke two days later. That stands in sharp contrast to the glowing reviews of his September 2006 show at a poorly attended blues festival at a local racetrack. I last saw him play about fifteen years ago at the Kansas City Blues & Jazz Festival. His well-documented anger was evident, but he constructively channeled that emotion into an electrifying set. Diddley died today. I know I'm not alone in thinking that "Mona" is among the 20th century's greatest recordings. My copy of a Chess hits collection has been in constant rotation for years.
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Kansas City Click: One For the Team, Frightened Rabbit and French Kicks play a Monday night show at the Record Bar. The club's owners must be thanking the rock gods for art students.
1 comment:
No you are not alone with your omment about 'Mona'. But I would add numerous other Diddley songs to my list, including some obscure ditties like 'Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut'. What a groove that song has.
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