Concert Review
Tommy James And The Shondells
Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY
Friday July 16, 2021
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Tommy James has been playing shows since the 1960’s and even he felt this show was extra special as it marked his first coming out of the pandemic. He last played a show in February 2020. He stayed true to himself by sticking to many of the songs he is known for.
Kicking things off with “Draggin’ The Line”, the lone solo song that peaked at number 4 for James in 1971, set the show in motion. It is amazing how many songs James was involved in that had chart success including two chart-toppers in “Crimson And Clover” and “Hanky Panky”. “Crystal Blue Persuasion” would go on to reach number 2 in 1969.
Another testament to James’ legacy is over 300 artists have recorded songs that James either recorded or had a hand in writing. Tiffany’s version of “I Think We’re Alone Now” was number one for two weeks before being knocked off by Billy Idol’s version of “Mony Many” oddly enough.
Overall James and his band put on a solid performance leaving the Batavia Downs crowd thoroughly satisfied once again.
Set List
Draggin’ The Line
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Say I Am
Gettin’ Together/It’s Only Love
I Walk The Line (small snippett)
I Think We’re Alone Now (acoustic)
Ball Of Fire
Tighter, Tighter
Crimson And Clover
Hanky Panky
I Think We’re Alone Now (electric)
Do Something To Me
Mony Mony/I Feel So Good
Encore
Sweet Cherry Wine
Mirage
Mony Mony (reprise)
