On the Highway to Hell...

When we were walking towards O Curro da Parra, we heard a band belting out 

Sweet Home Alabama

Where the skies are blue

Sweet Home Alabama

Lord, I'm coming home to you!

and they sounded quite good. I said let's see if they're still playing when we finish.

I must admit that while I was enjoying the meal, I had all but forgotten about the band, but when we stepped out of the restaurant, we heard faint strains of some guitar music from somewhere. Hey, they're still playing!

We walked as quickly as our digestive system would allow us, following the sounds of music. We didn't have far to go. There was a healthy crowd and it was a free open-air concert. I wasn't sure if they were contracted by a bar or not, but most of the people were just standing around the band and I couldn't see beyond them as it was quite packed.

The axeman

They were a really good cover band, playing music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. A bit of The Beatles, The Stones, AC/DC... There were two drummers, but not playing at the same time. I hadn't noticed it that night, but looking at the photos, I saw that one of the drummers - probably the original one, from his age and style - had what looked like remnants of a plaster on his right arm. I don't know how he could still hit it so hard... I used to play the drums, too, so I know how it is.

Introducing... a surprise guest!

He introduced a surprise guest, a lady friend. She introduced herself as an Irish living in the Canary Islands! I wonder where!

Belting it out...

Axeman could sing, too

Livin' easy, lovin' free...

We're on the highway to hell!!!! Highway to hell!!!

Well, she was a prime example of why one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. She sure packed some lungs, this Irish lass. Highway to hell, no less. Boy, could she sing. She had the crowds (of all ages, by the way) going like crazy. Unfortunately, she only sang just that one song. "More! More! More!" from the crowds couldn't bring her back. I guess she had the chance to rehearse only one song with the band.

The Look

Encore! Encore! Encore!

They played a few more songs without Janis Joplin (haha, my nickname for her), the crowd lapped it all up and wouldn't let them go. I don't remember how many encores they did, but they had to stop some time. I suppose there must be a local law prohibiting loud noises after a certain hour. It was, after all, a residential zone (I think).

What a fun evening!