The Classic Rock Show: Keeping the Music We Love Alive
The way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The Classic Rock Show personifies the deep affection that we all have for the genre. Playing gigs across the globe, I was lucky enough to see them on my doorstep.
Keeping Music Alive with CRS
Key Information about The Classic Rock Show
- The Classic Rock Show plays tours at the start of each year, starting in the UK, before working their way across Europe and America.
- They celebrate the bygone era of rock music, including artists such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Bad Company, Pat Benetar and more.
- You can watch The Classic Rock Show on YouTube or follow them across social media channels.
Live Music Done Right
I’ve been following The Classic Rock Show (CRS) since 2018, when one of their YouTube videos was served to me on my suggested feed. Since then, I have been in awe of what these talented musicians can do. Taking the very best ’60s, 70’s and ’80s rock music and playing it worldwide.
What do CRS do so well? On stage, they recreate faithful replicas of the songs that we know and love. It’d be easy to improvise a guitar solo here and there, or not include a full three-part harmony. However, CRS’s attention to detail is admirable.
These eight musicians know their stuff; there isn’t a wrong note or a mistake in sight. Moreover, the authenticity is unmatched. Playing some ZZ Top? Break out the Les Pauls. What about some Status Quo? It’s time for the Telecasters. You get the idea.
Who’s in The Classic Rock Show?
- James Cole – Musical Director, Guitar and Vocals
- Wayne Banks – Bass Guitar and Vocals
- Pete Thorn – Lead Guitar and Vocals
- Jesse Smith – Lead Guitar and Vocals
- Henry Burnett – Keys and Vocals
- Jess Harwood – Vocals and Keys
- Rudy Cardenas – Vocals
- Tim Brown – Drums
Forgotten Favourites
What songs can you expect? The usual suspects such as AC/DC, Free, Deep Purple and Whitesnake are regular attendeed in every setlist. However, it’s refreshing to see some brave choices that go down equally well.
There really is something for everyone. Having just seen CRS in Harrogate, England, it was great to hear Turn It On Again by Genesis, contrasted wonderfully by Rush’s Tom Sawyer.
There are elements of their shows that are pure, unadulterated Classic Rock. Then again, when CRS closes with Free Bird or Dancing In The Dark, they have everyone up on their feet in each respective venue.
Building a Fanbase
If selling out an entire UK Tour wasn’t enough, there are other ways to get your CRS fix. Vocalist Jess Harwood often vlogs behind-the-scenes sections of the CRS tours, which is a great watch for fellow music fans or general followers of the band.
Furthermore, you can join a non-official Facebook Group, For The Love Of The Classic Rock Show. This near 4,000 member strong group highlights clips and photos from gigs throughout the tour.
What I also like is that most of the CRS band are active outside of this band. Such as with Pete Thorn, who also tours with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Or maybe Wayne Banks on the bass, who is a bass player for hire, and has played with the likes of ’70s rock heroes, Saxon.
Signatures
CRS are kind enough to offer a meet and greet, free of charge, after each of their gigs. Having seen them a handful of times, I thought that this time I should get something as a physical memento. Luckily for me, the generous Mr Thorne was kind enough to give me a few picks. Plus, a signature from each member of the band on the back of one of my pickguards.
From ink signatures to signature gear. There is a fortune’s worth of gear used on stage every night. A lot of that comes from Pete Thorn’s signature lineup of amps and guitars.
Where Musical Director and Guitarist James Cole will use Fender and Gibson appropriate guitars, Pete Thorn will use his own Suhr equivalent models. How cool is that? On this tour, he even had the chance to stretch the legs of his new IR Loader, which really packed a punch.
Videos
Further Information:
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