The second time that "4 Bills And A Ben" had ventured to this large venue in South London, but the first time in their configuration with Jeff Rich and John 'Rhino' Edwards. The Worcester Park Club is the perfect 4 Bills venue - large enough to hold a good crowd, but intimate enough to create a great atmosphere and allow appreciation of the professionalism displayed by this band.

The band took stage at about 9.30pm, utilising all the available space with Rich's kit, keyboard and room to manoeuvre for Johnny Warman (lead vocals), Steve Byrd (lead guitar), Rhino Edwards (bass and vocals) and Andy Hamilton (saxophone). The familiar blend of rock 'n' roll and soul numbers offered by the Bills soon got the crowd going and the whole place was buzzing within a few songs. Warman is the ideal frontman, milking the audience for all they're worth and feeding from their enjoyment and adulation. Rhino was in flippant mood and clearly enjoyed every minute, even if it took half the set to get his guitar in tune. Jeff Rich always give 100% and this gig was no exception - his solid rhythm provides the backbone to which the Bills attach themselves and he never fails to impress. Seeing both him and Rhino playing in this environment is a privilege for Quo fans, not only to see them up close but also to see them display a musical prowess that their life with Quo rarely lets them fully utilise. As 11 o'clock loomed large, the 4 Bills left the stage but there was always going to be an encore and another ten minutes or so flowed easily. The hot and sweaty crowd has been wringed out by Warman and the lasting image is one of many smiling faces after a good night of quality music, performed by true professionals.

A great night and hopefully soon to be followed by another 4 Bills gig in October. Any Quo fan should go and see 4 Bills if they get the chance, they are superb and a great night is assured.

Review and photo by Dr Lee Hawkins lee_hawkins@bigfoot.com