The Wellmont

OK.

As a member of the last website “fanclub”, I hate to come out swinging here as my new intro to all you guys, but…

Went to the Wellmont last night.

I don’t know who you people saw last night, but the Buick 6 I saw left me longing for Doug from Note One.

I’ve seen them all, and I mean them all. Albert King, BB King, Buddy Guy, EC, Garcia, Keith and Woody (a pair that Doug and Chet were so flatteringly compared to in a review and you won’t see that with Chet and Eric), Lanois, Nils and on and on. I put Doug with those guys as a Journeyman and Guitar Player-both in the Studio and on the Road. I’ve been On The Road for 30 years.

While it’s nice to see Chet stretch his wings a bit more (and I’m guessing that need was part of Doug’s beef…), this guy Eric-(Iggy Pop and Bowie?)-is NO DOUG. Maybe you should take a hint from the fact he’s from New York! I also didn’t hear any Hubert Sumlin (The Wolf’s Guitar Player) or Django influnce from him.

The Blues (‘cept for Chet stepping up to try and close the gaps) have been sucked right out of the Music. I was left musically drained by the end of the show.

Let’s not forget what Doug did in his 8 years with Lu, being given free reign to weave his gorgeous Blues/Country Tinged solos and riffs through Lu’s lyrics. I don’t think this guy has what it takes to do that.

People who go see “The Dead” with Warren Haynes are seeing a different energy, but as great as Warren is, he ain’t no Jerry.

I know you want to be Politically Correct where Eric is concerned, but C’MON! He can’t shine Dougs shoes.

“Blue” was the Vocal Highlight, and while B6 was rocking, change is not always for the better, even if it has to be. It was a great show. Eric, however, left me less than impressed.

To read what people are saying about this guy (people who never heard Jimi’s “Angel” before last night-NEED I SAY MORE?) is not something I’m going to give credence to. They are obviously lacking in their experience and musical range required to comment at all.

I think Lu should have spent a little more time searching for her new guitar player. This guy may bring new energy, as you guys are insisting. OK. You had to replace Doug. I don’t think you did a good job.

You should have had Lanois sit in with the band, temporarily, until she found someone more suitable. U2 and Emmy Lou Harris, Willie Nelson’s “Teatro” and more, Lanois could have made me not miss Doug. You want to put Iggy Pop and Bowie’s guitar player up against those three Entities as relevant to Lu’s music? The Music that Doug left his indelible stamp on?

Lu’s happy? Bet she would have been happier if Doug had stayed.

It’s gonna’ take A LOT of new material to make me forget Doug, let alone not miss him.

“New and Improved and Fine-Tuned B6”???? C’mon Tom…