Joe Cocker - Hard Knocks tour
The 60-year-old native of the English steel town of Sheffield performed at Prague's O2 Arena on 18. At the stroke of nine o'clock, the singer's typical silhouette appeared on the screen behind the stage and a six-piece band - rhythm guitar, two keyboards, guitar and saxophone - came on. The drama of the evening includes songs from the new album Hard Knocks, which are applauded by the audience. But the real enthusiasm and ovations come only with the tried and tested cover versions, which are given a kind of extra dimension by Cocker's unmistakable rasp and, with a few exceptions, transformed into works of their own. Preston's "You are so Beautiful" or Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City" are proof that Joe Cocker can perfectly capitalize on his skills and make the most of a good foundation. Less convincing are the arrangements of Lennon's "Come Together" or McCartney's "She Came in through the Bathroom Window". A classic is Lennon and McCartney's almost epic treatment of "With a Little Help from my Friends", which, with ample help from the frivolously swaying and superbly singing backing vocalists, slowly leads the concert into two encores.
About 9,000 viewers get 100 minutes of honest music with a touch of nostalgia. Joe, who performs in black pinstriped pants and a black shirt that he rolls up his sleeves to near the end, wins sympathy by, among other things, not moderating the show at all, except for the band's performance, and his final exclamation that he'll be back again doesn't sound like an empty rehearsed line. Those in the back may regret the absence of a large screen projection, because the visible commitment and tension with which Joe Cocker handles the whole evening is exemplary. A spare but impressive set, good sound that is only slightly lacking in pitch in the first half, convincing performances from the musicians and vocalists, and the personality of Joe Cocker to boot, it's a mix that just works.