Zoots - Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury, 23/5/2019

  by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 14 / 6 / 2019

intro

Nick Dent-Robinson finds infectious the enthusiasm and energy of 60’s covers band the Zoots at the Arlington Arts Centre in Newbury.

I usually have reservations about tribute bands – so it was with mixed feelings that I went to see ‘Sounds of the Sixties with the Zoots’ at Newbury's Arlington Arts Centre – a recent stop on the band's current UK tour. However the effect this young band has on their mixed age, capacity audience is impressive. By the time they'd finished their opening Beatles medley, big numbers of the crowd were singing along and Mexican-waving with huge enthusiasm. The Zoots always claim to be “just about fun” and this is clearly very true! Their choreographed stage moves which recall so many 1960s bands, the authentic period costumes plus a superb slideshow backdrop all enhance the atmosphere. But it is the sheer, irrepressible enthusiasm of the Zoots which is so infectious. The band covered a huge range of material - from the Kinks to the Searchers, the Hollies to Tamla Motown and the Rolling Stones with frequent switches of instrument, different vocal techniques and even their sound engineer grabbing the mike to deliver the Monkees' ‘I'm a Believer’. What is impressive is that the Zoots make no serious attempt to slavishly recreate original tracks. They focus instead on creating an atmosphere which simply puts huge smiles on the faces of all in the auditorium, whether young or ancient enough to recall the original versions of each number! ‘My Generation’, the Who classic, even saw lead guitarist Jamie Goddard smashing his guitar in Pete Townshend mode! The evening included a technically impressive ‘Sgt Pepper’ medley and another wide variety of classic and iconic hits....pop, rock, soul, surf, blues were all there and the audience were constantly roaring approval and dancing, singing, waving and just having a brilliant time. Some older family members told me they had brought younger people along just to show them why 60’s music was and is so popular. The Zoots certainly made the case for them. There was a long standing ovation at the end with a full five minutes of solid cheering. And nobody had taken the Zoots to their hearts more than the many teenagers and millennials in the crowd!

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