As the title suggests, this was a greatest hits tour. I have seen 10cc many times in the past. I think the first time was at Sunderland Locarno when “Rubber Bullets” was in the chart. I then saw the original lineup several times at Newcastle City Hall. The tour when “I’m Not in Love” was top of the chart sticks in my memory as a particularly excellent concert.
That was, of course, the original lineup of Eric Stewart, Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. I then saw the later lineup during the period that they hit the chart with “Dreadlock Holiday”. I have not seen them since. So this was me reuniting myself with my old memories of excellent past concerts and the new version of the band fronted by Graham Gouldman.
The website of The Glasshouse proclaimed: “50 years on from their debut album, art pop and soft rock legends 10cc are back on tour. Their live shows are a hit Parade of sing-along classics like “I’m Not in Love,” “Rubber Bullets” and “The Things We Do For Love” that capture the band’s witty lyrics and innovative studio wizardry.”
“Having sold over 15 million albums in the UK alone, 10cc have eleven Top 10 hits to their name, including three No 1 singles – Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and the ubiquitous I’m Not In Love – along with Donna (No 2), Art For Art’s Sake and Good Morning Judge (both reaching 5), The Things We Do For Love and I’m Mandy Fly Me (6), and The Wall Street Shuffle (10).”
The new band is led by Graham Gouldman, and also features Rick Fenn (lead guitar, bass), Paul Burgess (drums) – both of whom have been with 10cc since the early years; alongside Keith Hayman (keyboards, guitars, bass,) and Iain Hornal (keyboards).
The concert was in two parts with a short interval. I was accompanied by Jackie and Elaine and we all greatly enjoyed our nostalgic trip through the many, fantastic hits of this classic rock/pop band. Many thanks to Jackie for the excellent photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site.
Particular favourite songs were, for me: “Rubber Bullets” (which closed the evening), a wonderful a cappella version of “Donna”, “I’m Mandy Fly Me” and (of course) “I’m Not in love”. All of which took me back many years to many, many happy memories. At one point a wonderful image of Kevin Godley appeared on the screen. Almost spooky! Excellent.
Setlist: The Second Sitting for the Last Supper; Art for Art’s Sake; Life Is a Minestrone; Good Morning Judge; The Dean and I; Old Wild Men; Clockwork Creep; Feel the Benefit; The Wall Street Shuffle; Floating in Heaven; The Things We Do for Love; Say the Word; Silly Love; I’m Mandy Fly Me; I’m Not in Love; Dreadlock Holiday.
Encore: Donna; Rubber Bullets
Yes you know the song, don’t you?
From Happening Next: “Look at the Guinness Book Of Hit Singles and you could be forgiven for thinking SMOKIE’s success story was a 1970s phenomenon. After all, 11 of their 14 British hits came in that eventful musical decade. However, their massive success story has continued to flourish around the globe including Scandinavia, South Africa, Germany and even China. Smokie are a band which has sold out tours and gained platinum records in four decades – 70s, 80s, 90s and the present day. A quick recap then on past glories. Smokie first got together at school in Yorkshire in the late 60s. After going through various names and styles, they signed with Mickie Most’s then ultra-hot RAK label and found themselves chartbound. Songs like ‘If You Think You Know How To Love Me’, ‘Don’t Play Your Rock’n’Roll To Me’, ‘It’s Your Life’ and ‘Oh Carol’ (all Top 10 entries) became radio staples and gave Smokie their ticket to travel the world.”
“Smokie continue to be one of the most successful bands in the world today. Recent global events, as well as the devastating news of the passing of Terry Uttley have seen the line-up of today having to change and develop with the addition of Pete Lincoln, formerly of The Sweet on lead vocals, and rhythm Guitar and Luke Bullard, son of Martin Bullard stepping into Terry’s shoes on bass and backing vocals, the legacy of Smokie that was founded by Terry will live on and Smokie look forward to seeing you all on their continuing journey.”
Smokie’s current line – up: Steve Pinnell on drums; Mick McConnell on lead guitar; Pete Lincoln on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Martin Bullard on keyboards and Luke Bullard on bass guitar. Some of the band have been with Smokie from the 1990s, so I guess that means this grouping is pretty authentic. I last saw Pete Lincoln when he was the lead singer in a later version of The Sweet as mentioned above.
But before Smokie we were all treated to a short set by alternative/indie rock band
During the short interval I took the opportunity to purchase a “We sang Who the F**K is Alice with Smokie” T-shirt. Yes they really were selling them.
Setlist: (something like) I’ll Meet You at Midnight; It’s Your Life / Take Good Care of My Baby / Mexican Girl / For a Few Dollars More; (I Just) Died in Your Arms; Wild Wild Angels; Wild Horses; I Don’t Want to Talk About It; Have You Ever Seen the Rain?; Baby It’s You; Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Rose-a-Lee; Needles and Pins; Oh Carol.
Another chance to see a band that is now becoming one of my regular concert experiences. I have seen 
The Fire Station website announced the concert thus: “Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, having formed in 1967. During that time, the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance. This year’s Winter Tour will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts. Featuring founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals. Fairport will be joined on stage by former member Dave Mattacks on drums.”
Support came from the brilliant 
As we entered the venue I was pleased to meet up with several old friends who I have not seen for some time: three friends all called Ian who had come along together; Mike and Maureen; and Doug all said hello and we had a nice chat about old times. Jackie, Jan and I then headed for the merchandise stand where we were greeted by Dave Pegg who kindly signed programmes for me. Dave is, of course, the longest serving member of Fairport Convention having joined the band in 1970.
After buying drinks (mine was a Guinness) we entered the hall to watch aforementioned support act PlumHall who come with much critical acclaim and were introduced by Fairport violinist Ric Sanders. The plaudits include: 
As is usual for a Fairport concert, the support duo performed for around 30 minutes and then were joined by the main act who performed a song with PlumHall, who then left the stage and Fairport opened their first set with the familiar old to “Walk Awhile”. Next up was a song which I have not seen the band perform for some time, the excellent “Genesis Hall”. The first set concluded with another familiar favourite, “Sloth”.
During the interval I decided to partake in my current favourite tipple; a double espresso with a Jack Daniels shot. A lovely hit which kicked me into the second half of the show. As usual, the band told many comical stories to introduce their familiar, and some not so familiar, folkrock classics, closing with the traditional folk tale of the young “Matty Groves”. But we knew this would not be the end. Fairport returned, accompanied by PlumHall to perform the timeless singalong “Meet on the Ledge”. The female vocals provided by Michelle added to the authenticity of the song. Still magical after all these years.
Another great performance by the true purveyors of folkrock. Thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site.
Set Two: Don’t Reveal My Name; The Happy Man; Crazy Man Michael; The Year of Fifty Nine; I’m Already There; Polly on the Shore; Steampunkery; The Hiring Fair; Matty Groves.
I first saw Yes in 1969, supporting the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band before 
On entering The Glasshouse Jackie and I headed for the merchandise stand where I met up with two friends I had not seen for some time. A nice surprise. The evening was full of surprises; more of which later. I purchased a couple of programmes, a signed poster and a T-shirt. We then moved speedily to the bar and I treated myself to a bottle of Newcastle Brown ale, something I have not had for many years (no Guinness available). Jackie and I then took to our seats.
Having taken up our seats at the rear of the hall, I uncharacteristically decided to have a look through my programme. To my delight I noticed that the lead singer for the evening was 
The concert was in two parts: a set of Yes classics, and after a short interval, a full performance of Rick Wakeman’s orchestral extravaganza LP Journey to the Centre of the Earth. So, we were treated to a short run through of some of the greatest prog rock of the early 1970s including a couple of my favourite songs: “Roundabout” and “And You and I”. It seemed a strange idea to have a lady like Mollie fronting the band and in effect taking the role of Jon Anderson, but it worked well. Jon always had quite a high pitched vocal, so maybe it was an inevitable choice. Mollie has a strong, powerful vocal and danced a little, charismatic and mesmerising. The plaudits of Mollie are many.
From the Mollie Marriott website: “Proving she can rock like her father, Mollie started her career in rock music at the age of 15 when working with Britpop legends, Oasis. Since then she has worked with and supported some powerhouses in rock: Robert Plant, The Who, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, The Faces and the Modfather himself Paul Weller, who she worked with on her debut album, Truth Is A Wolf released in 2017.”
And so came the interval and time for a Jack Daniels, just to set me up for the rest of the evening. Rick returned wearing a different, equally flamboyant, cape and proceeded to lead his band through the entire journey to the centre of the earth album which, to my eyes and ears some 50 years later, was much, much more enjoyable than the first time round when I thought it a little over the top prog. Mollie was again excellent as was Rick, surrounded by an array of synthesisers and keyboards. This was clearly his music, his band/orchestra and it was absolutely fantastic. At the end of this extended piece, the crowd (the hall was full, by the way) gave Rick Wakeman a well deserved standing ovation.
I thought that would be the end of the concert. But the house lights remained down and the crowd continued to cheer for more. And Rick did indeed return to give us more. A wonderful rendition of “Starship Trooper” closed the evening. An evening full of memories, surprises and more importantly, excellent 1970s music. Perfect.
Setlist: Set 1: Roundabout; The YES Suite (Part A – The Meeting); The YES Suite (Part B – Wonderous Stories); The YES Suite (Part C – South Side of the Sky); And You and I;
If you had asked me in the late 1980s whether I would go and see 
Rick Astley has seen a transformation and rebirth in recent years. The 80s pop star remains but the man has evolved into a much more credible artist, singing in a very soulful manner. A very successful Glastonbury performance also helped catapult him back into the limelight. Rick the teenage heartthrob popstar has become Rick the soul singer. The entire performance was very slick and professional. The stage setup and screens made great use of modern technology and Rick was accompanied by an excellent band containing an array of musicians and singers.
Add to that an excellent supporting show comprising The Lottery Winners (I arrived a little late and missed their performance) a new band each of whom is a real lottery winner, and none other than fellow 80s star, Belinda Carlisle. The arena bars emptied for Belinda Carlisle and the massive hall was full to see the lady perform a great show. I had forgotten just how many hits Belinda has enjoyed. She closed with, of course, her only number 1 single “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and everyone was singing along. I really enjoyed seeing her. An excellent start to my evening.
After a short interval Rick Astley took to the stage. This was a supremely confident artist, clearly enjoying his recent return to fame. His set was a mix of recent songs, some very soulful, and 80s hits. They all blended together well. “I’m 58” Rick told us all, quite proud of the fact, I think. He certainly looks well for his age and, complete with quiff and snazzy, snappy, colourful suit, he led his band through his songs, with the audience fully behind him. I was surprised just how much I enjoyed the concert and how many of his 80s hits I remembered including songs like “Together Forever”.Another great moment was when, during one song, Rick asked everyone to put on the torch light on their phones. The entire arena was filled with light. It looked amazing.
During the encore Rick explained how he started off his music career as a drummer. He told us that he was quite a quiet boy at school until he got a drum kit. He joined a school band and they played at the Valentine night’s disco. That night he received 4 Valentine cards. That was it! Rick’s future was mapped out and he wished to be a popstar. Hence his transformation from drummer to vocalist. He demonstrated his drumming skills by taking up the drums stool, twirling the drumsticks between his fingers like a “proper” drummer and then launching into the AC/DC classic “Highway to Hell” providing vocals alongside his drumming. Amazing and a big surprise.
He closed with, of course, “Never Gonna Give You Up” with a massive singalong and crazy ovation from the crowd. Great fun and a fitting end to a concert that even 10 years ago I could not have imagined myself attending. It is strange how times, music and trends change and how my musical taste has broadened so much recently. Much to my enjoyment.
During the interval I purchased a couple of programmes and a T-shirt. Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Chris for assisting me in creating this blog entry.
A lovely evening spent in a great venue in my home town. I have passed on many chances to see 
For some reason, I have had Rory Gallagher in my mind lately. I was and remain, a big fan of Rory. I first saw him in 1970 when he was playing with his first band Taste. I remember Rory performing classic songs such as “Blister on the Moon” and “Catfish” complete with his battered Fender Stratocaster and a Vox AC30 amplifier. Out of pure madness I recently bought myself a Stratocaster and a Vox AC30 purely to use as ornaments with no chance of me ever being able to play them. Still, they remind me of Rory and many other great bands and guitarists. In those days the performer could fill the hall with the sound of that small amplifier; no big Marshall stacks then!
So, apologies for digressing. Why do I return to Rory? I saw glimpses of Rory in Joanne Shaw Taylor’s performance the other night in The Fire Station. Why do I need to compare people I see with my past heroes? Not sure, and it is probably an unfair thing to do. Joanne Shaw Taylor has her own, very powerful, unique repertoire to draw upon. Comparisons are unnecessary. She is a very soulful, bluesy singer who plays extraordinary electric blues guitar. How could I have missed opportunities to see this lady so many times before. Foolishness; pure foolishness, that’s all.
The Fire Station announced the gig: “Join Joanne Shaw Taylor and her stellar band performing songs from her critically acclaimed studio album, Nobody’s Fool, as well as songs from the upcoming new album. Her guitar prowess, vocal abilities, and songwriting talents reach new heights as she presents a bold slate of material at the peak of her career. Joanne will also dig deep into her rich back catalogue where she will hand-pick songs from her previous recordings along with classic blues songs.”
A mix of country, soul and blues. She even played a song from the 1960s which was very different to how I remembered it. So different that by the time I got home I had forgotten what the song was. I searched on the Internet and discovered that it was “If You Gotta Make A Fool of Somebody” which was, of course, a hit for Freddie and the Dreamers in the UK. Joanne’s version was very different; soulful and bluesy with exquisite electric guitar by Joanne herself and also her guitarist. Perhaps Joanne’s version is closer to the original song which I must look up.
Joanne is supported by a band of excellent musicians but is very much a charismatic band leader. Her performance was amazing, much better than I expected and she surely must progress to greater things. Joe Bonamassa comes to mind. Another comparison; apologies Joanne. Joe played blues clubs and small venues and gradually built up a following to the extent he now fills arenas around the world. It was a privilege to catch this great blues singer and guitarist in a small venue. Fantastic. Someone I must definitely see again.
This is a new band who I have never seen before. Indeed, I had never heard of them until Chris suggested them to me, comparing their music with that of Fairport Convention. Intrigued I decided to go along and find out myself. Chris and Elaine both accompanied me to the concert.
I have heard of Martin Simpson and Nancy Kerr but I have never seen them before. 1 of my friends, who loves acoustic guitar music, tells me that Martin Simpson is an excellent guitarist. So that further intrigues me and led me to attend the performance.
The Fire Station website continues: “Formed from the idea of bringing together a group of established folk musicians who would mix their song-writing styles and musicianship in a full-on electric band to create exciting new music and update the classic 60’s and 70’s British folk/rock sound, the possibilities of The Magpie Arc being something special and unique on today’s folk scene became obvious very quickly. Having three strong writers the focus has naturally been on new material, however they’ve also tackled some great covers plus their own re-workings of traditional songs. There’s folk and rock, some country and even blues, but whatever the genre the band are already proving to be a musical mix of everything you could expect from such a line-up, with excellent songs, lush harmonies, powerful electric guitars, gorgeous fiddle lines and rock solid bass and drums.”
The concert was excellent with a mixture of traditional folk songs song performed by individuals and others by the entire band. Martin Simpson is an excellent electric guitarist, Findlay Napier provided some great songs, several with a country influence and Nancy Kerr sang lovely traditional folk music accompanying herself on violin.
They reminded me of a much more electrified version of Fairport Convention. I once saw Fairport Convention in the early 70s and at the time they were very loud and electric. This was the sort of music that The Magpie Arc reminded me of as characterised by the quotes below:
Many thanks to Chris and Elaine for the photographs. I also purchased an album which Martin and Findlay kindly signed (see image)
It has been many years since I saw 
Barbara has appeared around the region many times over the years and I have always meant to go and see her but for some reason, I never did. As this was her farewell tour I figured I should go along and see what the lady was like in concert on this last opportunity. The Glasshouse announced the show: “Theatric. Passionate. A triumphant finale. Legendary Scottish singer, songwriter, musician and actress Barbara Dickson has announced her Farewell Tour with her full band. In her own words ‘I played my first headline tour with full band in 1977. Now, in 2024, I’ve decided to make this one my last. A memorable occasion and a suitable celebration is required. Come and join us to make this tour the most special of all.’ Throughout her career Barbara has achieved countless accolades including two Olivier Awards for her role in Blood Brothers and Spend Spend Spend plus she was awarded an OBE from Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.”
The songs she performed were a mixture of her hits and some which harked right back to her folk club roots and were very traditional. A great performance with a wonderful mixture of tunes. Barbara was accompanied by an excellent band of musicians, including a guy who played a beautiful Scottish pipe. No photography was allowed. During the interval I purchased a couple of programmes and a tea towel! I also invested in a double Jack Daniels which always adds to the sense of occasion.
The first, last (and only) time I saw 
For some reason I passed many opportunities to see ABC in the intervening years. Time to make up for this schoolboy error. And this was some great opportunity indeed to catch up with Martin Fry (the only remaining member from the early days of the band), his vision and his extraordinary music. Looking back at his career Martin Fry is responsible for the beautiful, and massively successful, piece of music which lies in the album The Lexicon of Love.
Somewhere from the electronica soundscape of Sheffield which Martin Fry shared with the human league and other bands of the time, came a collection of beautifully crafted songs, many of which focused upon the 3 of Love and passed romances. The Lexicon of Love was, of course, a major album chart hit, and remains an important part of many peoples youth, including my own. Martin is currently touring with the Southbank Sinfonia, and filling venues across the UK. The conductor of the orchestra, Anne Dudley is someone who Martin worked with several years ago along with the legendary Trevor Horn.
The Glasshouse website announced the event: “Unique. Lavish. A masterpiece returns. ABC performs The Lexicon Of Love in its entirety, plus their other greatest hits with Southbank Sinfonia Conducted by Anne Dudley. The Lexicon Of Love was first released in 1982 and went straight to number one. Fusing dance floor finesse with a post-punk attitude, the album spawned timeless tracks such ‘Poison Arrow’, ‘The Look Of Love’ , Tears Are Not Enough’ and ‘All Of My Heart’. The album saw ABC enchant the world with their own unique brand of pop. The Lexicon Of Love Orchestra tour first came to fruition in 2009 with countless 5 star reviews from a one off show At The Royal Albert Hall with Martin donning his iconic gold lame suit.”
“It sees Martin joined by Southbank Sinfonia and long time collaborator Anne Dudley as conductor for a truly magical evening celebrating this pop masterpiece. Next year will be 15 years since that first partnership that sees audiences returning again and again. ABC fronted by Martin Fry were formed in Sheffield in the 1980’s when they decided they wanted to fuse the world of disco funk with their own unique post punk vision. ABC’s debut album The Lexicon Of Love sold over a million records.”
The Glasshouse was completely packed with an audience who have loved this album from the day they first heard it some 40 years ago. Everyone was singing along and dancing to great tracks such as “The Look of Love” and “All of My Heart”. The sound was exquisite and Martin looked fantastic in sharp suits (although no gold lame suit this evening); just the same as he did when I watched him perform those tracks on Top of the Pops.
The concert was in two parts with a short interval. I started the evening by investing in a T-shirt, two programmes (one for me and one for my friend John in the USA), a vinyl copy of the Lexicon of Love Live signed by Martin Fry and a double Jack Daniels. A lovely concoction of mementos and a nice drink to start the evening. The first set comprised a number of hits and more recent ABC songs including the great “When Smokey Sings”.
During the short interval I decided to pass on another alcoholic beverage and instead had a lovely small tub of chocolate ice cream. For the second set we were treated to Martin Fry in a lovely pink suit, the orchestra and band performing the Lexicon of Love in its entirety. This is what everyone had come to hear. There was mucho dancing in the aisles and in seats and lots of singing along. The encore was a reprise of “The Look of Love”. A great evening with an artist whose work has lived on through the years and was greatly enhanced by the addition of the orchestra. Elaine and I both really enjoyed it all.
Setlist: Set 1: Overture; When Smokey Sings; Viva Love; The Night You Murdered Love; (How to Be a) Millionaire; The Flames of Desire; The Love Inside the Love; Ten Below Zero; One Better World; Ocean Blue; Be Near Me.
I recall going to see many movies: all of the Disney cartoons,The Man from Uncle films, Cliff Richard in Summer Holiday, Born Free, Christopher Lee as Fu Manchu, the Beatles in Hard Days Night and Help and, of course, all of the James Bond films from Doctor No onwards through From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, the spoof Casino Royale and You Only Live Twice.
I was a massive fan of the Sean Connery Bond films and the theme tunes: the James Bond theme by the 
So I was looking forward to this performance of the James Bond theme songs and music, by no less than the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor 
The concert itself was excellent with great deliveries of the songs going from the early Sean Connery days up to the present day and epics such as “Skyfall” originally performed by Adele and “A View to a Kill” originally performed by Duran Duran. The vocalists delivered the songs excellently and the entire concert was just fine. I even decided to buy some of my old favourites on eBay (see images) and I purchased a natty little programme at the concert.
Many thanks to Chris for the images and navigating the site again. By the way, Sean Connery was still the best Bond. I still live back in the 1960s and my happy memories of the cinema with my dad. This concert took me back some 60 years. Happy days.
Setlist: Dr No – Theme; You Only Live Twice – Title Song; GoldenEye – Title Song; Live and Let Die – Title Theme; From Russia With Love – Title Song; Quantum of Solace – Another Way to Die; The World is Not Enough – Title Song; Goldfinger – Title Song; A View to a Kill – Title Song;
Thunderball -Title Song; Skyfall – Title Song; For Your Eyes Only – Title Song; The Spy Who Loved Me – Nobody Does It Better; Moonraker – Title Theme; No Time to Die – Title Song; On Her Majestys Secret Service – We Have All the Time in the World; Casino Royale – You Know My Name; Diamonds Are Forever – Title Song; Spectre – The Writings on the wall; Licence to Kill – Title Song
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