B.B. & Q. Band made magic in P60

In 1979, Jacques Petrus picked musicians from Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens for a new disco band, The B. B. & Q. Band. In 1986, that adventure ended, but lead singer Kevin Robinson brought the band back together to relive those times. But is the band still 'on the beat' in 2024? In P60, we heard living proof.

The crowd joyfully danced during DJ Orlando's opening act. Hits from Luther Vandross, Kurtis Blow and other hitmakers echoed through the venue at a rapid pace. The DJ effortlessly connected with the audience and the party began long before The B. B. & Q. Band took the stage. Once warmed up with ‘A Love Bizarre’, the U.S. band began their magical journey.

"Wave your hands from side to side!", echoed a voice in P60. The band immediately started at full strength - funky guitar riffs shot through the hall while singer Kevin greeted the audience and danced across the stage. The singer was a striking figure, wearing a yellow outfit with a black circus jacket and all sorts of funky accessories for Amsterdam. It fit perfectly.

At the start of ‘Starlette’, a collective gasp of recognition was heard throughout the P60. The evening was all about nostalgia and The B. B. & Q. Band did everything to take their audience back in time. With ‘Ricochet’ and ‘Mistakes’, the band opened the concert very strongly with loud cheers from the crowd as confirmation.

“We are glad to be back here! You guys know how to party, I remember that.” Keyboardist Lenny Underwood also has fond memories of Amsterdam. “We remember that night, I still have a video of it on my iPad,” he said laughingly. It was this constant connection with the audience that made the evening feel intimate and personal.

The band surprised by playing not only their own songs but also tracks from Ohio Players, Sly & The Family Stone and Prince. Especially ‘Purple Rain’ was performed masterfully by the band, including the passionate guitar play Prince was known for. The covers were rock solid and the audience enjoyed every moment.

The B. B. & Q. Band seamlessly linked hits together. ‘Imagination’, ‘Main Attraction’, ‘Dreamer’, and ‘Genie’ passed by at a rapid pace. During that last track specifically the hall swooned back to 1985, and the chorus “Your wish is my command” echoed through the entire venue. A beautiful moment that also visibly moved the band.

All band members have been playing for at least 20 years as was evident in the quality of their show. Bassist Tony Bridges added extra funky bass to the songs and keyboardist Lenny Underwood, formerly of Unlimited Touch, brought out a keytar that he even played behind his back. “Y’all making us work hard!”, sighed Lenny with a big smile.

When the band finally closed the evening off with the mega-hit ‘On The Beat’, the party in Amstelveen was complete. Singer Kevin thanked the fans and also the DJs who kept their music alive. The musicians had given their all and P60 experienced a unique magical time travel that would not be forgotten anytime soon.

Written for publication in Maxazine:

B. B. & Q. Band bracht magie naar de P60 (Dutch)