Savoy Brown

From the south-west district of London, Battersea, Savoy Brown have been kicking and stomping since 1965. They’ve undergone uncountable line-up changes, seemingly a revolving door of personnel. The one mainstay has been Kim Simmonds, the founding member and guitarist cum lead vocalist. Their 1967 debut, Shake Down, was a collection of covers of American blues artists including BB King, John Lee Hooker and Willie Dixon, who provided inspiration throughout the tortuous lifetime of Savoy Brown. They were signed with the iconic Decca label, and found a fan base over the Atlantic in the States through extensive touring and a solid backing from their label. They reached a high at number 34 in the US charts with their 1972 album, Hellbound Train.

Lately they’ve been tearing around Europe in the latest three-piece incarnation and are set to return to their old stomping grounds in the US to rattle out their vital psychedelic blues. Kim Simmons is now old as buggery at 66. He’s shed his youthful mane of blond hair but he still flaunts his Gibson flying V with gusto.

Since we had seen Savoy Brown several years ago, I was expecting to see a really fun show with some great blues music...and we were not disappointed at all! Kim Simmonds and the current guys touring with him gave us a great show. Kim was celebrating Savoy Browns 50th year as a band. They played some great new music, and of course some of the old tried and true standby's that a fan would hope to hear. The music set was great, the venue small and intimate, and I would recommend anyone considering going to see this band do so. I promise you will have a fun and memorable experience!

Oh man, it had been nearly 50 years since I've seen Savoy Brown. Much older now, I see why Ken Simmonds was in the class of the great guitarist of the '60s and '70s. His performance was impecable with the soulful sound coming sweetly out his guitars, and tied with great artist in their three peice blues band: I was in heaven. A must see.

Great Show! The interaction between band and audience in Shank Hall gives you an up close and personal experience. I've made Savoy Brown shows 14 yrs in a row and tell you Savoy Brown Boogies Always!