Matthew and Gunnar Nelson introduced their father’s music and reminiscences again to Niagara Falls on Wednesday, October 14, with Ricky Nelson Remembered on the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview On line casino Resort.
The present was the primary of eight performances over 5 days, operating by October 18. It additionally marked the dual brothers’ sixth go to to the intimate theatre, having beforehand carried out there in 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023. The Avalon Theatre holds a particular place within the brothers’ hearts, they usually have known as it their favorite place to carry out Ricky Nelson Remembered.
Ricky Nelson Remembered is greater than only a live performance. It’s a multimedia tribute to their father, Ricky Nelson, one in all rock and roll’s first teen idols. Via music, outdated household photographs, video clips and private tales, Matthew and Gunnar took the viewers on a visit by their household’s wealthy historical past.
All through the afternoon, the brothers shared tales about rising up within the well-known Nelson household. Their father first discovered fame on the tv sequence The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which starred their grandparents, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. Ricky later grew to become a serious recording star with an extended record of hits.
The present opened with “Stood Up,” adopted by early favourites “Poor Little Idiot,” “My Babe” and “Imagine What You Say.” The brothers stored the hits coming with “It’s Late,” “Teenage Idol” and “It’s As much as You.”
One of many good issues in regards to the present was listening to the tales behind the music. Matthew and Gunnar spoke about their father and household between songs, including a private contact that made the afternoon really feel like greater than a typical tribute live performance.
The setlist included a lot of Ricky’s best-known songs, together with “Lonesome City,” “Fools Rush In,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Howdy Mary Lou.” There have been additionally a couple of lesser-known tracks, akin to “Sweeter Than You,” “Simple to Be Free” and “Love Is Somethin’ You Can’t Purchase.”
The brothers additionally took time to have a good time their very own music profession. Followers of their rock band Nelson had been handled to their 1990 chart-topping hit “(Can’t Reside With out Your) Love and Affection.” It was a pleasant reminder that the brothers have loved loads of success in their very own proper.
Becoming a member of Matthew and Gunnar onstage had been drummer David Keith and Brian C. Peters, who dealt with pedal metal, baritone and electrical guitar. The metal guitar was an essential a part of Ricky Nelson’s later country-rock sound, and its inclusion helped convey that a part of his music to life.
One other spotlight was “Backyard Social gathering,” one in all Ricky’s largest later hits. Launched in 1972, the tune was written after he obtained a poor response whereas performing newer materials at a rock and roll revival live performance. Its message about staying true to your self stays simply as significant at this time.
The Nelson brothers saved one of many afternoon’s most touching moments for the very finish.
For his or her ultimate tune, they carried out Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover” whereas video footage of their father performed behind them. The brothers sang together with Ricky on the display, making a particular second that introduced the previous and current collectively. It was a becoming technique to finish a present devoted to conserving their father’s music alive.
What makes Ricky Nelson Remembered particular is the non-public connection Matthew and Gunnar convey to the stage. They’re not merely performing their father’s hits. They’re sharing tales about somebody they beloved and giving followers a better take a look at the person behind the music.
With its mixture of basic songs, household reminiscences and uncommon footage, the present gives one thing for longtime Ricky Nelson followers and people discovering his music for the primary time.
Extra performances of Ricky Nelson Remembered proceed on the Avalon Theatre by Sunday, October 18, 2026. The remaining exhibits are Saturday, October 17, at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, at 3 p.m. and seven p.m. Tickets may be bought by the Fallsview On line casino Resort web site.
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All photographs by Joel Naphin
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