The Nelson riddle NEVIN, TOPP

Press, 11 February 1981, Page 6

The Nelson riddle

NEVIN, TOPP

By

it is hard to . decide whether a crowd-of; between 7000 and 7500 at Queen Elizabeth II Park last' evening sat in reverence, respect, or wonder of the show given .by the legendary )■ American country and western finger, Willie. Nelson, and his band. Earlier in the everting Australian Crawl had opened the show, and got .a-'lukq.wainh; reception for thfeir : brand of rock ’n’ roll, except for their hits, : “Downhearted,” and “The-Boys Light Up.” ,tuSecond on the bill was_ another Australian group,'Little River Band, who got an excellent response for their diverse, style of sound, if in the end it imitates the Eagles, particularly on “Lonesome) Loser,” the latest, in a string | of hits. . < . I The use of two. Australian

bands to., open the Willie Nelson, show was not a good idea, particularly when there is good New Zealand talent around. The Australian Musicians’ Union does not encourage shows comprised entirely of overseas acts; and it was a pity that the New Zealand union could mot have made its feelings known on-the matter. • - Shortly after WiHie Nelson and his: band began to play, about 10.45 p.m., there was a big exodus of people, perhaps because they had specifically come to see Little River Band in action.. However, •• Nelson’s ■ music seemed tepid, and because the changing of stage gear took almost one hour and three-quarters, Willie Nelson 'was still playing after midnight. , . Occasionally’ NglSon’ and the band hit. y, right, both

on the slower, older numbers such as “Georgia,” “Stardust,” and “September Song,” but particularly on "Bloody , Mary . Morning,” which was chugging along like a locomotive and which was what die concert' needed. t The interesting performer was -Don ’Bowman, part of Willie. Nelson’S “family," who warmed up the crowd with a strange mixture of stand-up country and western' comic routines interspersed, .with songs dealing with sex and marijuana.'His style of humour was what the. Nelson section of the show, required. The concert did not finishi until after 12.30 p.m., and by that .'time the police had received iafiout 30, calls from residents in the vicinity of the stadium who complained aboiit the noise.