Tonight, the Wolverhampton Civic Hall plays host to the legendary Bonnie Raitt, whom at the age of 75 shows no sign of slowing down. With 17 albums and a touring schedule that would frighten any young artist, this multi-nominated and award-winning sassy lady, even a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, sounded as good as ever, as she treated the Wolverhampton audience to a sometimes very informal, top quality, riveting performance. The thing with a Raitt concert is that she loves to cover other artists tunes even if she has not recorded them herself, very unusual but refreshing, and tonight actually playing nine, not that she had any complaint from the audience.

Amongst the set is of course, the Allen Shamblin and Mike Reid penned, ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’. A classic tune with Raitt performing it sat on a stool at the front of the stage, made the hairs stand up, and the sound, which was spot on, let you feel the emotion of this much covered number. Another highlight was a terrific version of Annie Lennox’s ‘Little Bird’, which showcased her very adaptable vocal range. And as part of her encore, a reggae flavoured version of ‘Right Down The Line’, written by Gerry Rafferty, you can’t pigeon hole Ms Raitt! As for her guitar playing, impeccable, as always.

When an artist as renowned as Bonnie Raitt reaches a certain age, the one question that always comes up is whether they’ve thought about retiring. Well, why should she? She is as good as she ever was, as attested by the rapturous reception of the Civic Hall attendees tonight. Long live queen Raitt.

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe