Rockers of all ages dusted off their black Levis and grooved the night away as two great musicians belted out hit after hit at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands last night.About 5000 people filtered in to be entertained by rock legends George Thorogood, 61, and Joe Cocker, 66 on the second to last show of their Hard Knocks Tour.
Thorogood was pleased to be back on stage at the venue for the first time in New Plymouth in 30 years. "It's great to be here in New Plymouth, the world's best kept secret," he said.He impressed the crowd with his crafty moves and catchy riffs including Bad To The Bone and One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.Jo Hamer, who had travelled from Foxton to see Thorogood, said she had been a fan for years."It was well worth the trip," she said.By 8.30pm a black clad Cocker swaggered on stage and wooed the crowd with his gravelly voice and trademark gesticulating.
Well known hits including Feelin' Alright, You Are So Beautiful and a very suitable Summer In The City got the crowd to their feet early. His final crowd pleaser was A Little Help From My Friends.Venue manager Adrienne Kensington said about 5000 tickets were sold including a sold out Gold area.
"There would have been a lot of walk up sales during the day."
Wellington achieved an audience of 2000 and Dunedin had 2800, so she was quite pleased with last nights crowd.There were supposed to be two supporting acts before Thorogood but they never showed."I was told there was two and I'm waiting but it's not happening," Ms Kensington said.Emergency services had a very quite night with ambulance reporting no injuries and police making no arrests.
In a remarkable turn of events, Joe and George bid farewell to the Bowl with a sense of satisfaction and contentment. The night was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness, but they had persevered and emerged victorious, ready to take on the world.
The Bowl, a renowned competition that drew participants from far and wide, was known for its intense challenges and demanding nature. It tested not only physical prowess but also mental agility, pushing contestants to their limits. Joe and George, two close friends with an unyielding spirit, had trained relentlessly for months, honing their skills and perfecting their strategies.
The journey leading up to the Bowl had been arduous, marked by countless hours of practice and sacrifice. They had poured their heart and soul into their preparations, leaving no stone unturned. Their determination had often been tested, and doubts had occasionally crept into their minds, but they had always found the strength to push through.
As the day of the competition arrived, Joe and George felt a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through their veins. The atmosphere at the Bowl was electric, with a palpable sense of competition in the air. They looked around and saw their fellow contestants, each one brimming with confidence and ambition. It was a daunting sight, but Joe and George refused to let it intimidate them.
The challenges unfolded one by one, testing the limits of their endurance, skill, and teamwork. Each obstacle presented its own unique set of difficulties, requiring them to think on their feet and adapt swiftly. It was a true test of their mettle, pushing them to the edge of their abilities. But Joe and George, fueled by their unwavering determination, faced each challenge head-on.
Through moments of triumph and setbacks, they supported and encouraged each other, forming an unbreakable bond. Their teamwork was impeccable, a synchrony that seemed almost effortless. They communicated seamlessly, anticipating each other's moves and filling in the gaps. It was a testament to the power of friendship and shared goals.
And then, the final challenge arrived. It was the ultimate test, a grueling trial that would determine the winners of the Bowl. The tension was palpable as Joe and George stood side by side, ready to conquer whatever lay ahead. With every ounce of strength and skill they possessed, they overcame the obstacles, leaving the audience in awe.
As the dust settled and the results were announced, Joe and George found themselves standing on the winner's podium. Their faces were etched with exhaustion, yet radiating joy and satisfaction. They had done it. Against all odds, they had emerged victorious, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for years to come.
The Bowl had tested their limits, pushing them to their breaking point, but it had also shaped them into stronger individuals. Joe and George had discovered their true potential, realizing that they were capable of achieving greatness when they put their hearts and minds into it.
Leaving the Bowl that day, they carried with them a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that they were capable of overcoming any challenge. They had proven to themselves and the world that with dedication, perseverance, and unwavering friendship, they could conquer the impossible.
Joe and George left the Bowl feeling alright, knowing that their journey had only just begun. They were ready to embrace new adventures, armed with the lessons they had learned and the unyielding spirit that had carried them through. The future was bright, and they were determined to make every moment count.
