Live at Montreux Casino

by Greg PratoAfter John Belushi's death in 1982, many assumed that they had heard the last of the Blues Brothers. While it seemed that way during the period immediately following Belushi's passing, by the end of the decade, most of the group (including such notables as Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Steve "The Colonel" Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Lou "Blue Lou" Marini, Tom "Bones" Malone, and Alan "Mr. Fabulous" Rubin) was raring to go once more. One major hurdle remained, however -- who would supply the vocals? With Belushi obviously out of the running, Dan Aykroyd decided for one reason or another not to partake when the group landed a one-off gig at the Montreux Casino on July 12, 1989. Hence, replacement frontmen were lined up -- Eddie Floyd (best known for the hit "Knock On Wood") and Larry Thurston (who previously was a vocalist in Matt "Guitar" Murphy's band). Additionally, a set list was compiled of such favorites as "Soul Man" and "Sweet Home Chicago," as well as a handful of tracks never performed before by the band. And while there's no denying the greatness of the players (anytime two original members of the legendary Booker T. & the MG's are present, how bad could it be?), the whole attraction of the Blues Brothers was having Belushi and Aykroyd doing their shtick at the front of the stage. Not horrible, but what's the point without Elwood and Jake?