More Info →Cock o' the Rock Hasn't Lost Touch

Description

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 15th November 1982.

"Last night I walked from the Joe Cocker concert in the Sports Stadium dazed and numb. I had just witnessed an unforgettable performance. After a fine 45 minute opening set from Hammond Gamble and Stuart Pierce, which was well received by the 3000-plus crowd, Cocker staggered out on to the stage amid roars of applause.

As always he appeared unmoved and uncertain -- confused and almost lost. There was nothing uncertain, however, about the voice or the flailing arms -- they were unmistakably Cocker. Head thrown back, the arms seemed to move almost involuntarily -- the fingers twitching spasmodically. From the opening track, Cocker had the crowd in his palm. The spirit was infectious, particularly in front of the stage where people waved their arms in the air and swayed to the music.

The opening bars of A whiter shade of pale immediately drew applause. The delivery was spine tingling. Despite the utter magnetism of Cocker, it was impossible not to be conscious of his five-piece band and two backing vocalists -- they were dynamic.

[The full article can be read on the newspaper microfilm held at the City Library.]

[Pictured] Joe Cocker ... 65 minutes of sheer magic."

Identification

Object type

Image

Archive

Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection

Relation

2017-20

Date

November 15, 1982

Digitisation ID

2021N_2017-20_038221_001

Format

B&W negative

Held In

Coolstore