Ike Turner RIP

There's a report from the US (now sadly confirmed) that Ike Turner has died at the age of 76. It marks the end of a man who can truly be termed a legend. It seems hard to believe that this blues and rock genius, who performed with such brilliance at the Jazz Cafe only a few months ago (check out my review on April 23, 2007), could have passed away. But we all have to go some time, and we can only be grateful for the pleasure he has given us over the years. From Rocket 88, way back in 1950, through the Ike and Tina years (soured by stories of abuse and drug taking) to his later years performing with his Kings of Rhythm, Ike has been a pioneer of rock, soul and blues. His performance at Ronnie Scott's a few years back was one of the most exciting I have ever seen, and the Jazz Cafe show was almost as good. Ike was a true original. Ruthless, arrogant, maybe abusive, he may have been, but he was a great musician and one of the true greats of rock and roll. RIP Ike. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article3043088.ece?CMP=KNC-LBN&HBX_PK=ike+turner+dead&HBX_OU=50