A quarter of a century is a long time between gigs, but happily Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck appeared live together this past week when His Blondness made a surprise appearance at Beck's El Rey Theater performance in Los Angeles. The pair performed “People Get Ready" and “I Ain't Superstitious" for the lucky audience. Originally good mates in the original Jeff Beck Group, the pair haven't appeared live together since the '80s. The uninitiated are encouraged to check out 1969's Beck-Ola to hear one of the greatest groups that might have been. Fate worked out differently and Stewart and chum Ronnie Wood left to join The Faces and the rest is scotch doused history. This reunion is another positive sign that Rod isn't quite ready for Las Vegas entombment (though he must stop with the cover tune albums) along with the quite public courting of The Black Keys he's been doing in Rolling Stone's “Smoking Section" column in the past year or so. Now, that's a pairing that might produce a little fire, eh?
Here's a smattering of choice moments from Beck and Stewart, beginning with their El Rey performance followed by the pair back in the day.
Ragged but oh-so-right, here's blondie and the boys going home with a boisterous shout.
The JBG actually got to this one a full year before Led Zeppelin. The audio here is taken from a Fillmore West gig from July, 1968.
One of Jeff Beck's most striking traits is his ability to hold one rapt while playing really s-l-o-w. His patience becomes our patience and we gladly saunter where he leads. Here's a choice example from the 2006 Udo Music Festival in Japan that Mingus would probably dig.
Back to The Faces with one of the least subtle invitations to bunk down ever composed. Still, you just gotta go upstairs and read their tarot cards when they ask so enthusiastically.
Though remarkably '80s, this clip from the Arsenio Hall Show represents one of Beck's most smoking hot live combos in action. This band did a series of rare double bills with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble that still lingers strongly in the memories of those fortunate enough to have caught them.
Older gals who like young meat have this moptop to thank for their anthem. The performance is preceded by some clowning between Rod and the TV host that illustrates Stewart's Oliver Twist-esque boyish appeal. Nice outfit, too.
Next, a scorcher from the recently released This WeekLive At Ronnie Scott's CD/DVD.
Remember when you could dance to rock 'n' roll? This band had serious hips 'n' dips, particularly on this salute to agricultural. At least that's what we think this is about
Taken from The Secret Policeman's Ball in 1981, here's Beck with his fellow Yardbirds alumni tearing up some quality modern blues.
We shuffle off to Buffalo with The Faces final 1974 concert and their spirited walks through Elmore James and Sam Cooke. May y'all find opportunities to shake a tail feather this weekend.
And don't forget, you can eyeball video sweetness 24/7 with JamBase TV.
