Another exciting concert at the local venue, The Fire Station. This place is getting more and more significant acts to come to Sunderland which is good news for the city and me as the venue is very close to my home. The tour advert proclaims: “Two of this generation’s best singer-songwriters come together for a live celebration of the late legendary country star, Patsy Cline. Singer Patsy Cline paved the way for a thousand imitations – bridging pop and country with her unforgettable voice and star quality.
In this special performance, modern-day icons John Grant and Richard Hawley pay tribute by taking on her repertoire. Known for his searing wit, tenderness and commanding stage presence, singer-songwriter John Grant lends his enchanting vocals to proceedings, while Richard Hawley and his band bring their sumptuous live sound.
Drawing from a songbook full of classics like ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ and ‘Crazy’, you’ll hear the crème de la crème of country pop from some of the finest performers around. With songs spanning romance, heartbreak and drama – with a good dollop of joy – this is set to be a real sonic and visual feast. Cowboy boots optional.” (Drat I forgot to wear my cowboy boots: and I have a pair in the cupboard!)
This was an eclectic mix of artists and music. I am a big fan of Richard Hawley having seen him perform at the same venue a few months ago. I have heard of John Grant but I can’t claim to know much about the man or his music. And of course, I am very aware of the legacy of the legendary Patsy Cline and her country songs, many of which are tinged with sadness.
The venue was full as is often the case these days, and John Grant took centre stage with Richard Hawley and his band providing the music. Richard played some tremendous twangy, rock ‘n’ roll guitar; reminding me a little of Dick Dale and his surf guitar.
John Grant is a truly entertaining front man and did justice to Patsy Cline’s wonderful repertoire. I recognised many of the songs including the well-known “Crazy” which John reminded us was written by Willie Nelson. I had somehow forgotten that fact, but it jogged my memory of witnessing the great Willie perform the song. He also did a heartrending version of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart”. I also recognised quite a few of the songs, in particular “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “I Fall to Pieces”. Richard was very much the consummate side kick, effortlessly providing superb guitar accompaniment to the songs. A lovely evening with two true artists in a venue which is rapidly becoming extremely popular.
Setlist: (something like this): These Crazy Arms; Never No More; Walking After Midnight; There He Goes; Just Out Of Reach; Loose Talk; I Fall to Pieces; Yes, I Understand; Heartaches; Strange; Sweet Dreams (Of You); You’re Stronger Than Me; So Wrong; Your Cheatin’ Heart; Leavin’ On Your Mind; Crazy; Seven Lonely Days; Blue Moon Of Kentucky.
Encore: Paint the Moon; If I Could Only Stay Asleep.
Now this guy is a bit of an enigma. I guess you would say he has a very dedicated cult following. And rightly so. However, everyone I told I was going to see 
The last time I saw Richard Hawley was probably over 10 years ago when he was the support act for one of my personal heroes (and his apparently), Nancy Sinatra at the Sage Gateshead. I have missed the last few times he has been in the north-east and I thought it was about time that I picked up on him again, particularly when the show was local and in such an intimate, new, lovely, purpose-built concert venue. We arrived in time to catch the support act 
“Uk progressive folk singer-songwriter & guitarist. And using the words of others: 
But there is much, much more to this guy than a simple 50s/60s influenced singer. Sure you can hear those influences now and then, but Hawley has his own style transcends easy description and blends rockabilly, 60s music and blues, with more modern sounds. 
Now with collaborators like that, you really can’t go wrong, can you? The only song I really know is “Tonight the Streets Are Ours “, but the rest of the set is excellent. Hawley has surrounded himself with an excellent band including a second guitarist who complements Richard’s own style and a great blues harp player who emerges from the side of the stage at various times to add his rasping harmonica. Some of the songs are quite dark and the lighting in the venue is set up well to emphasise this. My carer for the evening, Jackie, sees some of Nick Cave in Hawley. I don’t disagree. Hawley, like his support act, is a true northern guy, wearing his Sheffield style and accent proudly on his chest.
On the way out I buy some merchandise which is also quite individual and quirky. As you can see, I get a tea towel, a couple of badges and a natty little musical box which, when turned, plays a Richard Hawley tune (you can choose which one). No programme or T-shirt for this guy. Too conventional, I guess! A great show by a wonderful artist whose cult following is no doubt growing and at one stage we may see him break through to the mainstream. But maybe Richard Hawley is just fine the way with things the way they are.
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