THE VENTURES SUMMER TOUR OF JAPAN, 2018 report and photos by Dave Towers As I take my seat at walked on and waved my first show on a to the audience. Then Ventures Japan tour I the applause began as am wondering whether they started Walk Don't this show will be as Run to spectacular good as last year. This lighting effects that summer my trepidation enhanced the entire was increased further show. There was a lot because of the of movement around introduction of Luke the stage throughout by Griffin following the all band members, retirement of Gerry which was new to me, McGee, the last and much bowing in original group member. unison to the audience I had read all the which, again, I had not negative publicity: no original members, not the seen before and was good to see. real Ventures, a tribute band - all implying that it Luke Griffin surprised me when he played two can't be very good. Would the promoters buy it? numbers on lead guitar as did Ian Spalding, and Would the people turn out to watch it? Well, I there is no doubt that they are both superb needn't have worried. Perhaps it was because my musicians. Bob Spalding put in a faultless expectations were not particularly high, but I performance on lead guitar playing to his was stunned at the quality of this show. In a strengths. Everyone would be aware that Bob word: Class. Two hours flew by. From the was standing in the shoes of Nokie Edwards and photographs of the band I had seen on social Gerry McGee, which are big shoes to fill. I was media earlier in the year from the USA, I had impressed. been impressed by their smart new appearance – all black with a coloured tie. I had said before travelling to Japan that if the show was anywhere near as good as the presentation then all would be well. And it was. The band walked onto a darkened open stage, the safety curtain was raised and their shadows appeared on the grey back-curtain as they Leon Taylor Leon's performance was probably the best I have seen from him, the bass tattoo with Luke was extended and brilliantly executed. I had seen Ian Spalding Luke Griffin Bob Spalding Hallmark guitars at the Ventures Fanfest last The Ventures in Japan 2018 year and the year before and Unless otherwise stated I had dismissed them as yet Bob played lead on a Fender another Mosrite copy, but I Jazzmaster, Ian played liked them - particularly rhythm on a Fender with the look and sound of Jazzmaster, Luke played a Luke's pale blue bass with Fender Precision bass, Leon its single pick up and two played DW drums. knobs, just what I like - 1st set: WDR Medley simple, but effective. (Walk Don't Run - Perfidia - When Luke stepped Lullaby Of The Leaves) / forward to say a couple of Here We Go Again / Ame sentences in Japanese there No Midosuji / Mr Moto / was a big reaction from the Dark Eyes (Luke on lead, audience. But the biggest reaction by far was Ian on bass) / I Feel Fine (Luke on lead, Ian on when Bob and Ian disappeared from the bass) / introductions / Pipeline (Ian on lead, darkened stage at the end of Hawaii 5-0 and Luke on bass) / Tequila / Futari No Ginza / reappeared under spotlights from opposite sides Apache / Night In F Minor / Detour (Ian on lead, of the auditorium as Diamond Head began. It Luke on bass) / Wipe Out was electric. I didn't even know what was going on. They both did a walkabout among the 2nd set: (for much of this set Hallmark guitars audience - this was a very visual show. and bass were used) Nokie Medley (Surf Rider - A lot of work and planning went into this very Bulldog - Instant Guitars - Journey To The impressive show and it was no surprise to me Stars) this medley was played to a video that The Ventures had already been booked for featuring Nokie / Big Surf / Kyoto Bojo / Kyoto next year's tour. Despite all the negative No Koi (Bob on sitar) / Vladivostok (Bob on publicity you would have to go a long way sitar) / Yozora No hoshi / The Savage / Namida before you found an instrumental show of this No Guitar / Cruel Sea / Slaughter On 10th quality enhanced, as it was, by spectacular Avenue / Hawaii 5-0 / Diamond Head (during lighting effects and quality sound. So if it's near this number Bob and Ian went walkabout among you anytime, then go and see it. the audience) / Caravan .