I first saw Marc as part of the duo Soft Cell at Kirklevington Country Club in 1982. Kirklevington Country Club (The Kirk) was a legendary venue in North Yorkshire which played host to Jimi Hendrix, Clapton, Joe Cocker, and many other bands in the late 60s. By the early 80s it was a very trendy night club. I went a couple of times, once to see Soft Cell and another to see Geno Washington.
The Soft Cell gig was great, coming not long after their number one hit with “Tainted Love”. The gig was sold out, but I went down with a couple of mates, and managed to blag our way in, can’t quite remember how. The place was ram packed and Soft Cell were excellent. You could sense then what a talent in the making Marc was. They had just released coach “Say Hello Wave Goodbye”. Their set was short, but spot on, wonderful atmosphere, and Marc was every bit a star. I remember manager Stevo standing in the crowd, watching his proteges from the dancefloor. A very special night. The next time I saw Marc was at Newcastle Mayfair. By now he had gone solo, was dressed heavily in leather and very much the melodramatic torch singer. Impressive stuff. That was in 1985.
It was many years before I saw Marc Almond perform again. The next occasion was a few years ago in the magnificent surroundings of York Minster at a Jethro Tull Christmas concert. Marc was a surprise special guest. He played a lovely rendition of “Bedsitter”, the aforementioned “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and, revealing that he was a long time Jethro Tull fan, duetted with Iain Anderson and the band on “The Witch’s Promise”. Magical.
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
From the Glasshouse website, advertising his appearance: “Captivating. Emotional. A journey through musical brilliance. Whether with his rich solo catalogue or during his time with the iconic Soft Cell, Marc Almond has always possessed a gift for introducing songs – some lesser known, others a little forgotten by time – to new audiences. 2024 marks the anniversary of Marc Almond’s 45th year in music and a career of breath-taking diversity that’s taken in chart topping pop, cutting-edge electronica, torch songs, orchestral ballads, French chansons, historical song-cycles, jazz, flamenco, Russian folk and much more. In the spirit of the new album, ‘I’m Not Anyone’ (out July 2024) the concert tour will consist only of cover songs.”
So, we were going to be in for a treat. Mark has a diverse and eclectic taste in music, and I felt sure that he would deliver for us some wonderful uplifting and challenging songs to match his intriguing, sometimes dark, emotional, and soulful voice, performance, and character. And I was not wrong. His set comprised some of my favourite songs, each of which brought back their own special memories.
Support was from Alex Lipinski. We arrived just as he was closing his set. He certainly warmed up the crowd for the main act. Now over to Marc Almond and his songs.
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
“Elusive Butterfly”, I love this song both by Val Doonican (yes honestly) and the original version by Bob Lind. “Dream Lover”, I had the Bobby Darin single when I was a kid in the 60s and played and played it. Another magical choice. “How Can I Be Sure” made famous by the late great David Cassidy, I recall seeing David at a crazy concert at Newcastle City Hall where the ladies screamed throughout the song (my wife and I screamed with them). What a surprise. Then “The London Boys” by David Bowie, can it get any better? And yet it does. “If You Go Away”, from the original French by Jacques Brel. Yet another classic. “The Days of Pearly Spencer” by David McWilliams, who I once saw at the City Hall supporting 10 cc. Another favourite song of mine.
More of my favourite songs follow. “Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart” on which Marc duetted with Gene Pitney (who sang the original). “Tainted Love” as heart stopping as ever. The original was by Gloria Jones who became Marc Bolan’s backing singer and then partner and sadly drove the car during the accident in which he sadly died. Dusty Springfield’s “I Close My Eyes and Count to 10”. Marc, you are one of the few individuals who can do this song justice. And indeed you did.
Oh, and I forgot to mention “Sebastian” my favourite Steve Harley song, which Marc sung in memory of the recently passed Steve. I saw Steve close the show with that song so many times. So touching. So poignant. Another Jacques Brel song “Jacky” made famous by the enigmatic and velvet voice of Scott Walker. All great choices, Marc. Thank you for sharing your songbook with us. Dark, passion, emotion, touching deep down into your (and our) soul(s).
Thanks to Elaine for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site. Another entry complete. Many more to catch up on. Until tomorrow, or maybe the next day. Time will tell.
Setlist: I’m the Light; Gone With The Wind (Is My Love); Elusive Butterfly; Trouble of the World; A Woman’s Story; The Heel; The Boss Is Dead; Yesterday When I Was Young; What Makes a Man; I Have Lived; Terrapin; Dream Lover; One Night of Sin; How Can I Be Sure; The London Boys; Stardom Road; If You Go Away; Sebastian; The House Is Haunted; The Days of Pearly Spencer; Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart; Tainted Love; Jacky; I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten; I’m Not Anyone
Every year Ian Anderson (who is now to all effects 
After a short taxi ride to Durham station, Elaine, Jan and I joined a train to York. We then had a short walk over the cobbled streets of this lovely city to arrive at The Minster where an extremely long queue of attendees weaved its way around the historic cathedral. We soon found our way to the accessible entrance and, beating the massive queue, made our way into the building. Jan and I had seats close to the front, while Elaine should have been seated quite a few rows behind us. However, and quite fortuitously, her seat had been removed to allow space for the sound desk. The extremely helpful staff at the Minster quickly located her right next to ourselves. I purchased a Jethro Tull Christmas concerts T-shirt on our way into the venue.
I have seen Jethro Tull many times over the years since 1971 at Sunderland Empire, and they are always fantastic in performance, however these Christmas concerts are very special indeed. The lineup of the band has changed many times and is now essentially Ian Anderson with a group of ever-changing musicians, some of whom have accompanied him for several years, some joining more recently. The current line-up is: Ian Anderson – vocals, flute, acoustic and electric guitar, other instruments (the only original member); bass player David Goodier and keyboard player John O’Hara who have both been with Ian since 2007; drummer Scott Hammond who joined the band in 2017 and recent recruit guitarist Joe Parrish who joined in 2020.
Master of ceremonies for the evening was a clergyman named George who was parading around the building resplendent in top hat, frockcoat, cod – please complete with flashing lights, twirling a lovely silver headed cane. He was happy to pose for a picture. Throughout the performance he was dancing and tripping around the Minster across the stage and into the audience. The concert started with a blessing from the Minster cleric and a very fitting performance of “God bless ye merry gentlemen” performed by Jethro Tull, largely instrumental, with Ian taking the lead on flute.
The first guest was a very welcome surprise, none other than 
The final set concluded with more Christmas songs, Loyd rejoining for a 1977 punk classic (which to my shame I did not recognise) and “I believe in Father Christmas” in memory of the sadly missed Greg Lake who had been a guest at a previous Ian Anderson Christmas concert. A very fitting lovely tribute. Marc rejoined to sing the Soft Cell classic “Say Hello, Wave Goodbye” which brought back memories of seeing them in Kirklevington country club (the Kirk) and which was apparently a favourite haunt of his in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Marc was also a secret progressive rock fan when at school so he led Jethro Tull in a rocking rendition of their hit single “The Witch’s Promise”. Fantastic
The end was, as expected, “Aqualung”, followed by “Locomotive Breath” with Marc back to assist with the vocals on a great rendition of the latter Jethro Tull song. And then we made our way out of the Minster into the cold York evening, down to the Tap public house in the station. After a swift drink and a sandwich purchased from the Sainsbury’s Direct in the station, we were back on the train to Durham and then in our taxi home. I was in my bed for 1 AM tired but in the knowledge I had experienced something very special.
Many thanks to Jan for the photographs, Elaine for joining us for the evening and Chris for assisting with the post. A good time was had by all. Apologies for any errors which are entirely my own!
The Soft Cell gig was great, coming not long after their number one hit with Tainted Love. The gig was sold out, but I went down with a couple of mates, and managed to blag our way in, can’t quite remember how. The place was ram packed and Soft Cell were great. They had just released Say Hello Wave Goodbye. Their set was short, but spot on, great atmosphere, and Marc Almond was every bit a star. I remember manager Stevo standing in the crowd, watching his proteges from the dancefloor. A very special night. The next time I saw Marc was at Newcastle Mayfair. By now he had gone solo, was dressed heavily in leather and very much the melodramatic torch singer. Impressive stuff.
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