Focus Newcastle City Hall 1974
Support from Blue 
Focus were back at Newcastle City Hall in 1974, a year after their last gig at that venue. They had a new album out at the time, which was called “Hamburger Concerto” and a single “Harem Scarem” was released from the album. Their set at the time featured tracks from the new album and old favourites such as “Sylvia” and “Hocus Pocus”. This was another good gig, with amazing performances by Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman. I blogged about Focus quite a bit yesterday, so today I will focus (no pun intended 🙂 ) on the great support act Blue. Before Blue were a boy band, there was this outfit from the early 70s. Blue were fronted by ex-Marmalade guitarist Hughie Nicholson. Nicholson was a member of Marmalade between 1971 and 1973, writing their hits, “Cousin Norman”, “Back On The Road”, and “Radancer” before forming Blue in 1973. 
Blue’s most well known number is probably “Gonna Capture Your Heart”, but my favourite is “Little Jody”, which is a great song and got a lot of airplay at the time, although it didn’t chart. The late, great Jimmy McCulloch was also a member of Blue for a short period of time; however, by the time of this gig in 1974, Jimmy had left to join Paul McCartney and Wings. Blue made some good music, blending pop with soft rock, and some strong melodies. I still have their first album, which is a classic and gets played every now and then. It was to be a couple of years before I saw Focus again, by which time Jan Akkerman had left the band.
25 Nov
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Kevin Sharp on July 29, 2022 at 8:24 pm
I was there with my mate Pete Slater (we were both 16 years old). Great gig & l agree Blue were a great support-it was a pity they never really caught on. Hamburger Concerto is still an album l play regularly (La Cathedrale de Strasbourg is genius). All time greats
Posted by vintagerock on July 30, 2022 at 9:47 am
Yes Kevin. Focus were, and still are, a great band. And Blue were a band that should have made it. Best wishes Peter
Posted by Steve Peart on February 4, 2024 at 1:55 pm
I was there in the circle, having travelled up on the train from Darlington. Focus were magnificent as was the featured new album Hamburger Concerto. I enjoyed Blue too and still have the giveaway blue floppy single of Sad Sunday which they gave away on the night.
Focus are still excellent today with originals Thijs van Leer and Pierre van der Linden still in the band.
Posted by vintagerock on February 4, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Hi Steve thanks for sharing. Yes Focus were excellent then and still are today. Happy days Peter
Posted by Kevin Sharp on June 3, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Brilliant gig, and yes, Blue were fantastic that night. Focus were everything l expected, brilliant, innovative, and eccentric. Love them still. Been playing Hocus Pocus, Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto tonight.