Published: Thursday, 4th June, 2009 9:40am

Blues Brothers roll into the Alhambra

Comments (0) | Print | Email

THOSE shady characters Jake and Elwood are about to roll into Dunfermline in their Bluesmobile on a mission when they bring "The Best Blues Brothers Show in the World ... Ever" to the Alhambra tomorrow night (Friday).

Even in the competitive world of tribute bands the duo have no qualms about claiming to be number one and have spent the past two decades on the road backing up the boast with classic blues and soul.

They even changed their names by deed poll to those of the characters played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the cult movie.

Jake, previously known as Bill Smith-Eccles, from Derbyshire, acted quickly after receiving a warning from solicitors in Los Angeles to stop using the names.

'I got the fax on the Saturday and I went to see my solicitor on the Monday. My wife didn"t find out about it for six months though,' said Jake.

'We were in the NatWest bank and she said, "Why does he keep calling you Jake, Bill?" I said "I"ll tell you when I get home". My name on my driving licence and passport is Joliet Jake Blues and I have sunglasses on in the licence photo. When "Elwood" joined I told him he should get his name changed too.'

The popularity and music of the film seems to be growing, almost 30 years since its release.

Last year they supported Gary Moore at a biker"s festival in Faro, Portugal and they"ve also been on the bill alongside the legendary Deep Purple.

'We"re just back from Israel where we went for the first time. We were on television and radio there and the reception was unbelievable,' said a slightly hoarse Jake.

'Poland is another place where it"s taken off for us in the last few years. The first time we played it was like in the film where they play in a theatre and everybody just sits and stares at them.

'They soon warmed to it though and the last time we were there they needed to put up barriers to keep the crowds back.'

Jake and Elwood had a once in a lifetime chance to appear with the original band from the movie when they attended one of their concerts in London.They were invited to join them on stage and Jake still keeps in touch with Steve Cropper and others in the band.

With great songs like "Everybody Needs Somebody", "Gimme Some Lovin", "Sweet Home Chicago", an impressive stage set and powerhouse backing from the Black Rhino Band, the show has fans of all ages dancing in the aisles.

'There are kids there about six, all dressed up in character and recently at Scarborough I spoke to a lady who was 92 who said she would be feeling it the next day because she"d been dancing away with the rest,' Jake said.

'I can"t wait to get back to Scotland and see Dunfermline. Not just to have a pint or two but hopefully to taste some of those lovely stovies you have up there!'

Tickets cost £19.50 and are available at the venue, via Ticketmaster and from Third Base Records.