*** 1/2 out of 4 stars
Incredible show Saturday night at the Sellersville Theater- Ricky Nelson Remembered, a tribute to the late, great teen idol, performed by his twin sons, Gunnar and Matthew. Live music, home movies, video clips and inside stories made this show unique, and more than just a cover band event.
Nelson are 50, the rock band of the early 90s, the duo with flowing long blonde hair back then. They had one really successful album called "After The Rain" which produced the hit single "Love and Affection". Along with their band, the sons do a tribute show to their dad's music, touring thur-out the country. They stopped in Sellersville Pa. for the second time in less than nine months.
The theater was crowded, if not sold-out then close to it. Interesting crowd. We were seated near the stage. In front of us were a bunch of older "groupies". They had to be in their 70s, at least. Ricky Nelson fans, yet swooning over the younger Nelsons. Anyway, the audience were mostly middle-aged to seniors.
Nelson gave two 50-minute sets each, each bursting with energy and rock n' roll. A three-piece rock-a-billy type band, similar to Ricky Nelson's early days. Video clips of Ricky's history reminded everyone of his importance in rock n' roll. The twins' harmonies were spot-on all night. They sound like their father yet have their own style. They interacted well with the fans, and repeated how much they love the venue.
It was the 4th show of the last 6 nights, but you couldn't tell any wear or tear. The sons enjoy doing what they are doing, and admit that their father's music is bigger than all attempting. Still, they do a helluva job doing jusitce to songs thta sound so good.
Songs we all know, fan or not, such as "Travelin" Man", "Hello Mary Lou", and "It's Late" blended well with other classics like "Poor Little Fool" and "Lonesome Town." I loved their version of the Bobby Darin hit "Dream Lover" which Ricky sang on Saturday Night Live and wanted to re-release as a single. For one reason or another it never saw the light of day.
The music was great but so were the stories. My favorite was the story of missing a movie. The twins were ten and ready to see an afternoon movie. A fan walked up to their famous father outside a convenience store and asked for an autograph. What followed upset the kids but proved to be a valuable life-long lesson.
Ricky not only gave the fan an autograph, he spent a good 25 minutes with the guy. They missed the movie. Ricky knelt down and explained to the twins, " That fan has wanted to meet me for a long time. It may the only chance he has. Always treat others with kindness. That guy puts food on our table."
The sons not only adhere to their dad's philosophy, they live it.
After the show ended, Both Gunnar and Matthew stood in the lobby, meeting fans, taking pictures, signing stuff, whatever they wanted. Mostly they shared memories and stories, and really appreciated the fans. I never saw celebrities who treated their fans with the utmost respect and kindness they offered everyone last night.
More on the show itself. "Garden Party" and it's backstory, highlighted Act II. Nelson gave us a taste of their future direction by doing a really nice recent song they wrote, very country-ish, which seems like the direction they are headed.
The stories were amazing. The twins thought they had a normal childhood. Who doesn't have a neighbor who stop[s over every morning for breakfast, an uncle affectionately called "Uncle George". Turned out it was George Harrison of the Beatles. Not only were Ozzie and Harriet their grandparents, Mark Harmon is their uncle. And stars like Dylan, Mama Cass and the Pointer Sisters frequently came to visit.
The guys admit to being spoiled as kids, and never thought anything of their dad's fame, but, like him, they turned out to be shy, under-assuming, nice people.
All in all it was a fun time. And Nelson announced they are hoping to come back to Sellersville in December, bringing their Christmas show to town.
Before the show we ate at the Washington House, just down the block form the theater. Excellent food and atmosphere. Everything was so convenient, being so close to each other. Parking was free and no problem to find.
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