Once upon a time, The Yardbirds launched the careers of famed guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Today, The Yardbirds stand alone on the merits of their ability to entertain without having a world-famous guitar slinger as a star attraction.

     The classic rock quintet, plus spare percussionist, delivered a lengthy blistering set at the Sellersville Theater on Tuesday, July 18, 2006. The beautifully refurbished theater is located north of Philadelphia in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. The intimate stage setting offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy performances in an ideal environment.

     The Yardbirds, 2006 style, launched headlong into an intense concert after a simple introduction; "From London, Five Live Yardbirds". Original members Chris Dreja on guitar and Jim McCarty on drums were joined by bassist John Idan on lead vocals, Billy Boy Miskimmin on harp, and featured a young new lead guitarist Ben King. Dish handled percussion accompaniment.

     The Sellersville audience were treated to a healthy dose of classic Yardbirds as well as five recent compositions off their 2003 studio album, Birdland. A terse version of "Train Kept A Rollin'" got the evening off to an exceedingly strong start.

     "Don't Tell Me 'Bout The News", "Crying Out For Love", "My Blind Life", "Mr. Saboteur", and "Mystery Of Being" were live cuts all drawn from the outstanding Birdland album. McCarty sang lead vocals on a former Box of Frogs tune, "Back Where I Started".

Sellersville setlist: Train Kept A Rollin' * Don't Tell Me 'Bout The News * Drinking Muddy Water * Crying Out For Love * Heart Full Of Soul * My Blind Life * The Nazz Are Blue * Mister, You're A Better Man Than I * Mr. Saboteur * Shapes Of Things * Mystery Of Being * Rack My Mind * Over Under Sideways Down * Back Where I Started * For Your Love * Still I'm Mad > Dazed And Confused * Encore: I'm A Man * Happenings Ten Years Ago

RockonTour   Issue #59
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Getting their Rave on
The Yardbirds take flight at Sellersville with stellar performance

by Timothy Tilghman