SalfordOnline
Your local community website
   Review: The Johnny Cash Story- The Lowry, Salford
Music/Lyrics: Johnny Cash
Performer: Roger Dean Reviewer: Zara Ellis The Public Reviews Rating: Four and a half out of Five. It has been nine years since the death of the ‘man in black’ and Johnny Cash is still encouraging audiences from all over the world. The ‘Ring of Fire’ was definitely set alight this evening at the Lowry in Salford Quays in The Johnny Cash Story. Roger Dean plays the man in black’s turbulent and heart warming life, detailing Cash’s career from his birth in 1932 to his death in 2003. The show opened to the audience in darkness where only a short audio excerpt from Cash set the tribute mood of the evening. The stage appeared deliberately bare which ensured that the audience’s attention would not be distracted from Dean. Dean was predictably dressed in black, and his band ‘The Lazy Boys’ following suit. Hits of the evening included I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Delilah’s Gone, Bird On A Wire, Five Feet High and Rising and 24 minutes. The self biographical show meticulously discusses Cash’s life starting with his early big break from Sam Phillips at Sun Records, right through to his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin in his later life. Johnny Cash got a lot of his ideas for his songs from events in his life, like his two marriages, his addiction to amphetamines and tranquilisers, and his tragic but failed suicide attempt. Inspiration for lyrics allowed Cash to create the material like ‘I Walk the Line’ that is still listen to decades after it was initially released in 1956. Cash’s life appeared to decline rapidly when his wife June Carter passed away in May 2003 which ultimately added to demise of cash himself. It is said that Cash never really accepted his wife’s death and due to poor health died a mere four months later. The overall feel of the evening was pleasurable. Dean’s obvious passion for Cash easily transcends to the audience and allows a two way appreciation of the legend himself. Dean has been playing Cash since he initially debuted on BBC Cardiff on a show named ‘All Your Own’ when he was just 14. His career includes studying music and drama, entertaining on cruise ships and later becoming cruise director for several cruise companies. Dean professes that since 2004 he wanted to pay homage to his boyhood music hero Johnny Cash, permitting that he wouldn’t be a stars in your eyes tribute. Fortunately Dean encompasses Cash’s spirit and talent, without trying to be an exact replica of the man himself and he does it with appealing humour, wit and precision. From the perspective of a newcomer to Johnny Cash’s music this show was extremely enjoyable and educational. I thought that Dean’s portrayal of Cash was touching and realistic and he demonstrated that he is a very talented standalone performer as well. I would recommend the Johnny Cash Story to anyone who appreciates a fantastic story, an unforgettable lyricist and an entertaining performance combined. Johnny Cash has significantly contributed towards the music industry and his music will always be recognised with great accolade.
Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
