Blog Post

Jeff Beck Tribute - The Astor Theatre, Deal Sunday 2nd April 2023

Laura DQ • Apr 15, 2023

Live Review

Whilst Rod Stewart and Johnny Depp are notable by their absence at this particular tribute, Canterbury man Dudley Ross has done an admirable job of putting together a smaller scale celebration of guitarist and innovator Jeff Beck. It’s the first night of six consecutive shows and, stripped of big names and spectacle, the focus is solely on the music. And what incredible music. Though barely even scratching the surface of Beck’s vast catalogue across 20 songs, the diversity of the featured instrumentals is quite startling. It’s a true guitar showcase, vocals kept to a minimum, the spotlight on a rotating line up of special guests, all incredibly talented yet bewilderingly under the radar. 

Ross himself is endearingly modest and his love for Beck’s music shines throughout, as does his clear admiration for the musicians he shares the stage with. Joined by Christian Mendoza for the relaxed reggae groove of opener ‘Behind the Veil’, the two guitarists breathe new life into this deep cut. Mendoza also provides the only vocals of the evening, and, despite claiming he can’t sing like Rod Stewart, gives a rendition of ‘People Get Ready’ that almost leaves you wishing for some more singalong moments.

We’re first introduced to Phil Hilborne and Jack Willson through the wonderful twin guitar sound of ‘Too Much To Lose’. Hilborne later tackles the beautiful ‘Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers’, making his guitar weep with all the passion of Beck. Willson is on stage for much of the evening, doubling up with various players and seemingly loving every minute. Whether he’s embracing the irresistible funk of ‘Come Dancing’ with Mendoza or adding guitar flash to the futuristic sounding ‘Star Cycle’ with Ross, he can do it all. 

No tribute to Jeff Beck could reasonably ignore ‘Beck’s Bolero’; something of a signature tune and his first solo recording. Quite rightfully described as a ‘very tasty’ guitarist by Ross, it’s Tom Jones’ guitarist Scott McKeon who tears through the track with real style. He returns later for the moody ‘Brush With the Blues’ with Ross, which builds to an impressive crescendo. His take on the bludgeoning ‘Led Boots’ is also memorable, the relentless thump of the riff perfectly rendered.  


Jack Griffiths too, is something of a revelation, a young guitarist whose take on ‘Sleepwalk’ is just beautiful. As with Jeff’s version, it’s a trip back to the 50s and sounds like something Marty McFly might have heard at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance. In contrast, ‘Big Block’ is a powerful rocker with big chords and an addictive hook. It’s quite astounding to hear the many sides of Jeff juxtaposed in this way, and really serves to justify his status as one of the true guitar greats. 

It’s impossible not to feel emotional as Dudley Ross delicately plays ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ while pictures of Jeff are projected at the back of the stage. A song he claims nobody else wanted to do, he need not have worried; it’s a moving tribute to a Beck’s life and legacy and I’m not sure anyone could have performed it better. The energy lifts for ‘Going Down’, Mendoza back on the microphone and all six featured guitarists united for this jubilant finale. It may not be the Albert Hall, but this modest audience is on it’s feet. Let’s hope this isn’t the last we hear from Ross and friends, who are respectfully and quite brilliantly keeping Jeff Beck’s music alive.
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