DVD review: JEFF BECK – Live At The Hollywood Bowl

JEFF BECK - Live At The Hollywood Bowl

Eagle Vision [Release date 06.10.17] Also available: CD/DVD, Bluray

When I saw Jeff Beck in Birmingham in 2014 I was somewhat underwhelmed.  In spite of an audience of a certain age hanging on every note the performance came across as perfunctory and lack lustre .  He also said even less than Joe Bonamassa.

The gig at Hollywood Bowl in August 2016, celebrating 50 years of his career, was always going to stand a better chance not least because Beck had to interact with several luminaries.  But it’s as much about these artists as Jeff.

The set-list is fairly predictable and covers early sorties in the Yardbirds and with Rod Stewart.  It is the core mid-seventies to mid-eighties material that really stands out – ‘Freeway Jam’ and ‘You Never Know’ (with Jan Hammer) reminding us that this was the decade when Beck’s best recorded work was done.  ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers’ as ever remains a highlight.

Becks pays his dues to the blues with the Beth Hart voiced ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ and the Buddy Guy showcase ‘Let Me Love You’.  But the cabaret really starts with Billy F.Gibbons singing ‘Rough Boy’ and Steven Tyler’s appearance for a Yardbirds’ double-whammy.  At least Tyler injects some animation to the proceedings.

The contemporary is reflected in opener ‘The Revolution Will Be Televised’ from Beck’s latest studio album, with Rosie Bones looking like she’s just serviced Jeff’s hot rod, whilst the assembled ensemble pitch in for the finale of ‘Purple Rain’ a tribute to the then recently departed Prince.

For Beck completists, one to collect, but nothing really earth shaking here for the doubters.  And, yes, he also said even less than Joe Bonamassa.  ***

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

Archive reviews
DVD review (Live In Tokyo, 2014)
Gig review (May 2014)


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 25 February 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 27 February 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 4 March 2024

COLLATERAL Glass Sky (Big Shot Records)
THE ZUTONS Pauline (ICEPOP)
THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS Rise Above It All (Mascot)
MATT PEARCE & THE MUTINY From Here To The Moon (indie)
THE BLACK VULTURES Never Say (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 4 March 2024

09:00-12:00 LEE AARON Tattoo Me (Metalville)
12:00-13:00 THE END MACHINE The Quantum Phase (Frontiers)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALL POSTS, DVD REVIEWS and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply