Born On Blowout. Billy Iuso celebrated his 50th birthday among family, friends and some of New Orleans’ finest at legendary Tipitina’s on January 25, 2019.
Iuso performed two special sets, one with the Restless Natives (Brayden Iuso/drums, Bill Richards/bass) and The 1969 set. The 1969 set was a diverse throw down featuring Billy (vocals/guitar), Russell Batiste (drums), Reggie Scanlan (bass), Johnny Vidacovich (drums), Mike Doussan (guitar/vocals), Brian Stoltz (guitar/vocals), Papa Mali (guitar/ vocals), Eddie Christmas (drums), Michael Burkart (keys/vocals), Michael “Fou” Fouquier (drums), Sage Rouge (sax) and more. A medley of Cissy Strut/It’s Your Thing (The Meters/ Isley Brothers) opened a heavy arsenal including: Hang’ Em High (Booker T & The MG’s), I Want You, She’s So Heavy (Beatles), Dazed and Confused (Led Zeppelin), St Stephen (Grateful Dead), Whipping Post (Allman Brothers) and a big encore of Wanna Take You Higher (Sly & The Family Stone).
The freedom rock was definitely turned up to 11. Here’s to many decades more Billy. How bout all them hard working pro’s at Tip’s and great to see the return of bananas.
All photos by Michael Alford.
