Big screen hero hits high note singing the blues
Jan 19 2007
By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail
SYLVESTER Stallone may have snubbed the Midlands by not attending Wednesday's regional premiere of Rocky Balboa in Birmingham, but fellow Hollywood action hero Steven Seagal made all the right moves at the intimate Robin 2 in Bilston.
The 55-year-old star of smash hit films like Hard To Kill and Under Siege thrilled fans with two music shows at the venue which holds just 700 people.
Ignoring two showbiz sayings - white men can't sing the blues and actors never make successful musicians - he and his five man band and two backing singers, drawn mainly from Memphis, Tennessee, launched into 80 minutes of authentic sounding deep south blues.
Wearing a green jacket, blue jeans and loose-fitting sleeveless red shirt which helped disguise an expanding waistline, the Hollywood hardman and martial arts expert quickly had the capacity crowd warming to him.
His deep voice suited the soulful songs which honoured America's Delta Blues legends, while his guitar playing was solid rather than flashy.
Recounting tales from Louisiana and quipping that "I've cut off my ponytail but it will grow back in a minute", Seagal seemed at home on the stage as much as he does on the screen.
Some fans had been waiting outside the Robin since 9am, six hours before the venue opened, just for the chance to get an autograph.
One of the few lucky enough to meet the reclusive star was 32-year-old Calvin Hodgetts, a cleaning contractor from Wednesfield.
"I've always been a big fan and I just couldn't believe he was coming to Bilston," Calvin said.
"I saw him arrive in a vehicle with tinted windows so I waited to see if he would come out to meet fans."
Seagal eventually made an appearance and despite being flanked by bodyguards signed autographs and agreed to have ..his picture taken with Calvin.
For yesterday's matinee show there was a wide age range audience.
Sue Walters, aged 56, from Stourbridge, and her pal, 60-year-old Chris Shelley, from Wolverhampton, said they had bought tickets because they were curious about a Hollywood star visiting Bilston.
"I really enjoyed the show, he's shown he's not just an actor," said Chris after the gig.
"It was great entertainment and he's going to make a lot of friends playing small venues like this," added Sue.
Mother-of-two Charlotte Smith, aged 27, from Dudley, found herself dancing along in front of the stage.
"It was just amazing actually seeing him here. He's so tall and strong looking, and he has a kind face. He's lovely.
"I've been a fan ever since I was really young and as well as seeing his films I've got the two albums he's made."
Seagal returns to the Robin 2 on March 13 for the final show of his tour.
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Jan 19 2007
By Andy Coleman, Birmingham Mail
SYLVESTER Stallone may have snubbed the Midlands by not attending Wednesday's regional premiere of Rocky Balboa in Birmingham, but fellow Hollywood action hero Steven Seagal made all the right moves at the intimate Robin 2 in Bilston.
The 55-year-old star of smash hit films like Hard To Kill and Under Siege thrilled fans with two music shows at the venue which holds just 700 people.
Ignoring two showbiz sayings - white men can't sing the blues and actors never make successful musicians - he and his five man band and two backing singers, drawn mainly from Memphis, Tennessee, launched into 80 minutes of authentic sounding deep south blues.
Wearing a green jacket, blue jeans and loose-fitting sleeveless red shirt which helped disguise an expanding waistline, the Hollywood hardman and martial arts expert quickly had the capacity crowd warming to him.
His deep voice suited the soulful songs which honoured America's Delta Blues legends, while his guitar playing was solid rather than flashy.
Recounting tales from Louisiana and quipping that "I've cut off my ponytail but it will grow back in a minute", Seagal seemed at home on the stage as much as he does on the screen.
Some fans had been waiting outside the Robin since 9am, six hours before the venue opened, just for the chance to get an autograph.
One of the few lucky enough to meet the reclusive star was 32-year-old Calvin Hodgetts, a cleaning contractor from Wednesfield.
"I've always been a big fan and I just couldn't believe he was coming to Bilston," Calvin said.
"I saw him arrive in a vehicle with tinted windows so I waited to see if he would come out to meet fans."
Seagal eventually made an appearance and despite being flanked by bodyguards signed autographs and agreed to have ..his picture taken with Calvin.
For yesterday's matinee show there was a wide age range audience.
Sue Walters, aged 56, from Stourbridge, and her pal, 60-year-old Chris Shelley, from Wolverhampton, said they had bought tickets because they were curious about a Hollywood star visiting Bilston.
"I really enjoyed the show, he's shown he's not just an actor," said Chris after the gig.
"It was great entertainment and he's going to make a lot of friends playing small venues like this," added Sue.
Mother-of-two Charlotte Smith, aged 27, from Dudley, found herself dancing along in front of the stage.
"It was just amazing actually seeing him here. He's so tall and strong looking, and he has a kind face. He's lovely.
"I've been a fan ever since I was really young and as well as seeing his films I've got the two albums he's made."
Seagal returns to the Robin 2 on March 13 for the final show of his tour.
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