Concert Review
Ricky Nelson Remembered
Starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Wednesday March 11, 2020
Avalon Ballroom
Fallsview Casino
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
With all that is going on all over the world, The Nelson Brothers, Matthew and Gunnar put on a fantastic 75-minute show that not only celebrated their dad Rick Nelson it also took you away from all that was going on. It was the perfect escape if only for a short part of the day. As stated by Gunnar, “Keep calm, everything will blow over, it always does.” With those encouraging words the brothers took us back in time by honoring their Dad, a true pioneer.
Having seen the show in year’s past, it was good to see how the boys updated things. Sure they still played the main songs that were a must play like opener “Stood Up” and gem “Garden Party” but the stories behind many of the songs and all the connections to the family were very interesting to say the least. You definitely left the show learning a few things.
The band currently consists of guitarist Brian Peters, bassist Tommy Vee (the son of the late Bobby Vee) who played both bass guitar as well as stand-up bass and drummer Noah Levy. Not only did the band do a great job performing the songs, they also have a combined resume that encompasses many amazing artists in which they have played or performed with. A very well rounded and well seasoned band.
They even treated the fans to “A Thousand Wild Horses” a song only currently available on YouTube which should see the light of day on the next studio release.
The show ended with the Nelson’s playing and singing background to a video of their dad singing the old Bobby Darin classic “Dream Lover”. A very fitting way to end the show.
While we go through another uncertain and crazy time, this may be the last concert review for a while. I’m glad it was a show like this which sums up what we should be worrying about today, tomorrow and the future, family. Family and taking care of our loved ones should always remain the number one priority. Be safe everyone til we meet again!
(Note: They were scheduled to play shows right through till Sunday but with the current situation the shows were curtailed until a later time following the Friday afternoon gig.)
Set List
Stood Up
Poor Little Fool
Believe What You Say
It’s Late
Teenage Idol
It’s Up To You
Lonesome Town
Fools Rush In
My Babe
Travelin’ Man
Hello Mary Lou
She Belongs To Me
Something You Can’t Buy
A Thousand Wild Horses
Garden Party
Dream Lover
