The show that rocks !
The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Clash, Oasis, Blur, Bowie, Depeche Mode, U2, Queen, Coldplay… You name it !
The atmosphere of the show « UK on the Rocks » may remind you at times of the great 2009 movie «The boat that rocked » that told the crazy story of the Caroline pirate radio in the UK in the 60s. And this is no surprise as this stunning show that has been running in France for ten years is dedicated to British rock’n’roll.
« UK on the Rocks » definitely celebrates rock in a thrilling journey that takes audiences back to the early 1960s – at a time when rock ’n’ roll started producing icons known all over the world – through the 2010s… The show aims at immersing the audience in a 2-hour radio broadcast featuring around 25 songs and is led by Laurent Charliot, a Frenchman who is a rock specialist and author of several books all related to rock’n’roll. “ I grew up with New York punk rock and bands like the Ramones, New York Dolls, and Blondie — and then I moved on to British rock. I’m passionate about music from the 1960s right up to today.” says Laurent.
On stage, Laurent, with his vintage microphone, plays the role of a radio host of a programme called UK on the Rocks while the band performs live rock covers that encompass decades of rock’n’roll. Standing in a corner of the stage, in his radio booth, as a talented speaker, Laurent comments on each track, holding up the record sleeve while sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Every song is a well-known classic, from the 1960s to the present days, from The Kinks to Muse, featuring classics by The Rolling Stones, The Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, U2, The Clash, The Police, The Cure, Oasis, and Blur… You name it !
Rock ensemble + Symphonic Orchestra
What if hits from legendary bands are arranged in a symphonic style ? Last but not least, the live performance has recently become even more vibrant: in addition to its eight rock musicians, the show now features 50 musicians from the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire (Western France National Philharmonic Orchestra), performing alongside the rock band.
Believe me, if you dream of a mesmerizing journey through the rock music legacy, this is not to be missed ! UK on the Rocks is nothing but a stunning immersive journey through your memories and a unique rock time machine that is a delight for your ears ! So, if you want to be as astounded as I was, you’d better book now ! (As for me, I have seen the show four times so far and I must confess I have just booked a 5th one scheduled in January 2027 ! ) As Freddy Mercury said : « The show must go on… »
www.britishrocksymphonique.com/
Did you know ? : When one of the most iconic Rolling Stones’ hits, « Paint it, black », was released by the Rolling Stones in the mid-60s, the title included a comma that would stir huge controversy in the USA over its racial interpretation. “Paint it” “comma” “black” was interpreted across the Atlantic as meaning “paint it, Black man.” In the midst of the civil rights struggle, the Black community understandably took offense. For their part, the Stones obviously denied any form of racism and explained that the song was simply about a man going through deep depression. I guess the comma was later removed, slightly changing the title to « Paint it black ». (And this is just one of the many anecdotes you discover while watching « UK on the Rocks ».)
By: Cyriaque Griffon
Photographers: Michael Foucault & Jean-Marie Le Tardier