NRBQ has been described (for years) as the “best bar band in the world.” Critics and their hard core fans loved them but they never broke it big. The death of their long time drummer Tom Ardolino last week reminded me of just how great the classic NRBQ line-up (from 1974–1994) was. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys three times and each time was mind-blowing.

My first NRBQ experience was at the old Cotton Club in Midtown Atlanta some time in the early 80’s. They played until 3 or 4 in the morning and blew the roof off the place!

The next time I saw them was at my dad’s college reunion at Princeton in 1990. My dad’s class had a big band playing which did not interest me so I wandered over to the class of 85’s tent (my class BTW) and who do I see setting up but NRBQ. I stuck around for the whole set (free beer didn’t hurt) and those Princeton kids danced their butts off under a big outdoor tent.

The last time I saw NRBQ was at a New Years Eve show at Boz Scaggs’ club Slim’s in San Francisco in 1991 or 92. This time NRBQ had their horn section which gave them even more oomph. By the end of the night the waitresses and bartenders were dancing on the bar (really).

Their albums are good but you really had to see these guys live. Check the clip below:

http://youtu.be/Msg3YBR07D0