Another band I never got to see in back in the day. However Fairground Attraction reformed for one tour, so I figured it was time to put matters right and go to see the band. After all their smash hit “Perfect” is pretty great.
The Glasshouse website advertised the event thus: “Authentic. Enchanting. Captivating melodies and a timeless charm. Experience the long-awaited reunion of Fairground Attraction on their 14-date UK tour. After 35 years, all four original members unite to captivate audiences with their timeless hits.”
“There is no other band like Fairground Attraction – their use of the guitarrón (a large, Mexican acoustic bass), played by Simon Edwards, gives the bottom end of their records a warmth and character that combines with drummer Roy Dodds, Mark Nevin and Eddi Reader to create a charming acoustic antidote to all that is modern and digital.”
“I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be back together, making music again. I think we had all given up hope that it would ever happen a long time ago. It is almost spooky, as though we are ghosts, who have come back to life, but something happens between us when we play together; time evaporates, and it could all have been yesterday.” Mark Nevin
Well, I greatly enjoyed the event. The Glasshouse was quite full and the music excellent. Although I only knew one song, that is of course, “Perfect” it was a really good evening of entertainment. I have tickets to see Eddi Reader in the New Year at Sunderland Fire Station and look forward to that. Should be good.
Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Jan for manipulating the site. Apologies for the brevity of the review and those that follow but I really do need to work hard to catch up.
Setlist: (something like) A Hundred Years of Heartache; A Smile in a Whisper; Miracles; Hey Little Brother; The Simple Truth / The Wind Knows My Name; The Moon Is Mine; Sing Anyway; Comedy Waltz; Gatecrashing Heaven; Find My Love; Last Night (Was A Sweet One); Learning to Swim; Whispers; Sun And Moon; What’s Wrong With the World; Moon on the Rain; Clare; Fairground Attraction; Perfect; Beautiful Happening.
Encore: Allelujah; Walking After Midnight; Fear Is the Enemy of Love.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by TerriersFan on November 20, 2024 at 7:48 pm
I’ve never seen them either, Peter, although I used to have an Eddi Reader solo CD.
Perhaps I should keep an eye open for them should they tour again.
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on November 23, 2024 at 4:44 pm
It was fun and better than I expected Roger Best wishes Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on November 21, 2024 at 11:38 am
Thanks for another nice review, Peter. I have never seen Fairground Attraction either, but always like them and I really like Eddi Reader. Your review prompted me to check and she’s playing in Limerick in March. Will definitely go to that concert.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the evening, and the photos gave a nice sense of the occasion too.
Posted by vintagerock on November 21, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Yes Ciaran they were highly enjoyable. Yes I would recommend Eddi Reader in concert (even though I have yet to see her solo). She should be good Peter