16-February-2026
The Chapel
San Francisco, USA

Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge record launch
Excellent show, close up and personal with 350 others at The Chapel. Van in good spirits and voice. Song selection entirely from the new album (except Help Me/Gloria). All U.S. musicians, from the group that played on the new album. None of the guest stars except Mitch Woods. Highlights for me were Ain't That A Shame, with a real gospel flair this time, and Rock Me Baby, with some Big Joe Turner verses mixed in. Van needed to read lyrics for his recent material, so off came the sunglasses for a while. 
-Art Siegel

 

Setlist (Thanks Art) 
Kidney Stew Blues 
Snatch It Back and Hold It 
Deep Blue Sea 
(Go to the) High Place in Your Mind 
Ain't That a Shame 
Play the Honky Tonks 
Madame Butterfly Blues (band intro) 
When it's Love Time 
Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge 
Social Climbing Scene 
I'm Ready 

Can't Help Myself 
You're The One 
Rock Me Baby/Cherry Red 
Help Me 
Gloria

 

Big Hand For The Band!
Anthony Paule (Guitar)
Bobby Ruggiero (Drums)
David Hayes (Bass)
John Allair (Organ)
Mitch Woods (Electric Piano)
Omega Rae (Vocals)
Larry Batiste (Vocals)