GRAFTON, IL- The Little River Band took to the stage in a venue that most people associate with the town of Grafton's monthly flea market at what has for some time been known as the Loading Dock. The show was one of approximately 80 per year that the group performs across the country. Not bad for a band that came out of Australia in the 1970's now has over 40 years of playing music and personnel changes that replaced all of the founding members.
Between 1975 and 1983, the Little River Band was creating one hit after another, with 13 Top 40 singles including ‘Reminiscing,’ ‘Lonesome Loser,’ ‘The Other Guy’ and ‘The Night Owls.’ Four albums they released from 1977 to 1981 were certified either gold or platinum. Their 1982 ‘Greatest Hits’ sold more than two million copies.
Bassist Wayne Nelson, who joined in 1980, has been fronting this version of the band for over a decade directed the group through an hour and a half show of soft rock nostalgia. He supplied vocals in the 80's on two LRB hits, ‘Take it Easy on Me‘ and ‘The Night Owls.’ Nelson is the only remaining direct link to the original LRB but the band still pleased the crowd with hit after hit.
Drinks flowed and couples danced under cover of a building with a boat building history that includes more than a thousand WW I lifeboats. The group played the hits, 'Reminiscing,' 'Cool Change,' 'Lonesome Loser,' 'The Night Owls,' 'Happy Anniversary' and more from their extensive catalog. Hits that have insured the group’s legacy for the past four decades despite the legal challenges of former members that have wanted to use the Little River Band name after they left the group.
With a nod to modern times, as fans used phones to photograph and video the show, Nelson shot images of the crowd to post on the band's Facebook page. The band also took time to meet with fans after the show, shaking hands and signing band merchandise. Something that a lot of bands just don't or won't do unless you pay for the ability to do so. Kudos to the band for thinking of and paying back those that bought and remember their hits.
The Loading Dock is upping its status as a venue and will have some large and well know acts in the near future. Hint - It's likely that the Devil is coming to Grafton, looking for a soul to steal!