One Step Beyond! The nutty boys returned with a triumphant performance at Newcastle Arena. The arena was absolutely crammed, fully sold out and everyone was in the early Christmas spirit and ready to party with Madness. Elaine, Jackie and I went along expecting a fun night of hits and craziness and that is exactly what the boys delivered!
First up were support The Lightning Seeds and the arena was full to see them perform. These guys also delivered playing all the hits, resulting in a great reception from the crowd and lots of singalong. I had forgotten just how many songs I knew. I recognised quite a few and highly enjoyable they were too. A great warmup for the evening from a top-class support act.
But the warmup was not finished. Between bands an excellent DJ appeared spinning some cool sounds including the original “Tainted Love” by Gloria Jones, a big northern soul favourite from a lady who went on to become Marc Bolan’s girlfriend and was driving the car during the tragic accident which led to the star’s untimely passing; Desmond Decker’s classic “the Israelites” and closing with David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”. The crowd were singing along and dancing to every tune. Well done Mr DJ.
Next up Madness. I swear that at least half of the crowd were wearing Fez hats as featured in their song “night Boat to Cairo”. From the word go, everyone was dancing around going completely nuts! I have never seen the floor of the arena so crammed. The set was a mixture of hits and songs from their new album Cest La Vie, which focuses on petty crime as was illustrated by the fantastic visuals on the screens above and behind the band. The visuals, actually, were amazing adding much to the experience.
We were treated to all the hits: “Our House”, “Embarrassment”, “The Prince”, “One Step Beyond”, “My Girl” and many, many more. One particular song brought back embarrassing memories. The song in question is “It Must Be Love” which was, of course, written by the great Labi Siffre. Many years ago I was out with Marie, my late wife who was at the time my girlfriend. It was a Friday night and there was no particularly exciting band appearing at Sunderland Mecca or Newcastle Mayfair so we decided to, on the off chance, drive through to Newcastle Polytechnic to see who was appearing at that venue.
When we arrived I asked at the door “Who is on tonight?” Labi Siffre they replied. “Oh no I said I have just seen him at Sunderland Empire (supporting Linda Lewis I believe) and he is so boring!” Well I turned round and facing me was none other than Labi Siffre himself. It was one of those moments when you hope the ground will open up and swallow you. I didn’t know what to say so just paid my money and we went in to the concert, which was actually very good and he was not boring at all! Looking back he was an excellent singer/songwriter and I still feel awful about my comment that evening.
People were dancing up and down the wheelchair ramp in front of us. The encores completed with the aforementioned “Night Boat to Cairo”. Elaine, Jackie and I all agreed that it was a tremendous performance by a band of consummate professionals. Magic.
Many thanks to Jackie for the images, Elaine for joining in the fun and Chris for assisting me in completing this entry.
Setlist: Theatre of the Absurd; The Prince; Beginners 101; My Girl; Lockdown and Frack Off; NW5; C’est la vie; Embarrassment; Baby Burglar; Grey Day; Run For Your Life; Shut Up; Round We Go; Bed and Breakfast Man; What On Earth Is It (You Take Me For?); Wings of a Dove; In My Street; One Step Beyond; House of Fun; Baggy Trousers; Our House; It Must Be Love.
Encore: Friday Night, Saturday Morning; Madness; Night Boat to Cairo
Update 26 March 2024. Just bought myself a copy of Ian Broudie’s book which is entitled “Tomorrow’s Here Today”. A nice signed copy courtesy of Waterstones. I thought I would add it to this blog entry (see images).
Two bands that I have never seen before. However, on checking (on this blog) I discovered that I saw 
From the tour proportion material: “With the force of a Boston wrecking ball, EXTREME swing between unapologetic fits of fret-burning hard rock and intimately introspective balladry. This dynamic affirms the iconic multiplatinum Beantown quartet—Gary Cherone (vocals), Nuno Bettencourt (guitar), Pat Badger (bass), and Kevin Figueiredo (drums) – as one of rock’s most unpredictable, undeniable, and unbreakable groups whose songs course through the very fabric of popular culture.“
“They’re the rare band whose music has appeared in an actual cult series a la Bill & Ted as well as the Netflix juggernaut “Stranger Things.” They’ve sold 10 million records, topped the Billboard Hot 100 at #1, packed major venues on multiple continents, memorably performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in London, and regularly average over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. However, their dynamic approach hits harder than ever on their 2023 full-length offering, Six.”
Notwithstanding that excellent buildup of Extreme this was very much a double headliner concert. It is one of the very few occasions where I have seen the venue absolutely heaving for the “support act”. 
Extreme. This is exactly the most appropriate name for this band. Everything about them was extreme! Very loud. Hard rock. Amazing vocals. Excellent screaming screeching guitar solos. Again, like Living Colour, Extreme mash up a selection of styles: heavy rock, ballads, rap and funk. Anyone who went along expecting all their music to be in a similar vein to their best known track “More Than Words” would have got a great big shock. For that particular song the singer Gary Cherone and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt sat on small stools centre stage and had all the crowd singing along.
Much crowd cheering, first finger and little finger salutes, singing along and general craziness. This band were much, much better than I expected. I recognised a few songs particularly the aforementioned “More Than Words” and their other well-known track “Get the Funk Out”. This band wear their influences on their sleeve, playing segments of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and “Fat Bottomed Girls”. “Cupid’s Dead” was preceded by a short segment of Johnny Nash’s “Cupid”. At the end Gary Cherone clambered up onto the balcony to shake hands with fans upstairs. Marvellous. Great fun.
Elaine really enjoyed it. I think I may be converting her to heavy metal. Jan also enjoyed the show. Many thanks to Elaine for the photographs, to Jan for accompanying us and Chris for manoeuvring the blog site.
Setlist: It (‘s a Monster); Decadence Dance; #REBEL; Rest in Peace; Hip Today; Teacher’s Pet / Flesh ‘n’ Blood / Wind Me Up / Kid Ego; We Will Rock You; Play With Me; Other Side of the Rainbow; Tragic Comic; Hole Hearted; Cupid’s Dead; Thicker than Blood; Hurricane; Midnight Express; Am I Ever Gonna Change; More Than Words; Fat Bottomed Girls / Banshee; Take Us Alive / That’s All Right; Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee; Get the Funk Out.
It is some years since I had the pleasure of seeing China Crisis. I recall seeing them in the 1980s supporting simple minds at Newcastle City Hall and (I think, but can’t be certain) at Redcar Coatham Bowl one Sunday night, when I used to go there regularly in the late 1970s and 1980s.
From the fire station website: “A welcome return to The Fire Station for China Crisis [now how did I miss out on that one?] China Crisis were never your run-of-the-mill 80s pop band. Formed in Liverpool by singer Gary Daly and guitarist Eddie Lundon, they distilled their love of David Bowie and Steely Dan into an exquisitely melancholy post-punk sound that saw them win their just chart rewards. Has there ever been a more wistful Top 10 hit than the charming Wishful Thinking?”
“Their hero Walter Becker – of Steely Dan fame – was so impressed he even became a band member back in 1985, producing and playing on Top 10 album Flaunt the Imperfection, and returning for 1989’s hugely acclaimed Diary of a Hollow Horse. And, all the while, the hits kept rolling in… Christian, Black Man Ray and King in a Catholic Style all made their way into the UK Top 20.”
This tour was billed as the 40th anniversary of their album Fire and Steel and the first half of the evening was spent taking this through this LP (or at least they were LPs in my day) track by track with Gary Daly explaining and discussing the history of each song in a quite comical and entertaining manner. The two main members of the band clearly remain very close friends and the banter between them was extremely funny.
After a short break and time for a pint of Guinness in the Engine Room bar next door, we were treated to a set of greatest hits including the aforementioned “King in a Catholic Style” and “Black Man Ray”. By now everyone was up on their feet dancing and singing along, very much under the direction of Gary. The entire concert was accompanied by some stunning visuals on the screen above the band, taken from video of China Crisis in their 1980s prime. It was interesting to compare the young lads in the video images with the more mature guys standing in front, and talking, to us.
Elaine and I both agreed it was an excellent concert and a great night out. I ran into a few old friends which is always nice and it was good to catch up with people. A lovely evening, with a fun band (much underrated) in a great venue. I was back home and in bed within 30 minutes. Magic. A perfect Saturday night out.
Setlist: Set 1. The album Working With Fire and Steel: When the Piper Calls; Hanna Hanna; Animals in Jungles; Here Comes a Raincloud ; Wishful Thinking; Tragedy and Mystery; Papua; The Gates of Door to Door; The Soul Awakening
Down to the Doctors again! It has been a long time since I have witnessed 
I saw them several times after that at the City Hall, and the Reading Festival which they headlined on the Friday night one year. Wilko would soon depart, to be replaced by a succession of guitarists including Gypie Mayo. The last time I saw Dr. Feelgood was probably in the 1980s at Newcastle Mayfair with Lee as the only original member. Following the sad passing of Lee Brilleaux, the band continued with new singer Pete Gage and more recently Rob Kane, who hails from my own hometown, Sunderland.
From the current tour publicity: “Dr. Feelgood formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970’s and have enjoyed a string of hit singles in many countries including ‘Milk & Alcohol’, ‘Down at the Doctors’, ‘Roxette’, ‘She’s a Wind Up’ and ‘See You Later Alligator’.” “Some places are particularly important and highlights on the tour roster. Newcastle’s Cluny is one of those highlights. We have played the Cluny regularly for well over a decade, fantastic crowd, fantastic beer! The audience are right there in front of you, always up for it and so are we! Importantly it will be a fabulous gig and we can all sample some excellent real ales once again.” (Dr. Feelgood Facebook)
The current membership of Dr. Feelgood is: Phil H. Mitchell – bass, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, Kevin Morris – drums, percussion, backing vocals, Gordon Russell – lead and slide guitars, backing vocals (all of whom have been with the band, on and off, since 1983) and Robert Kane – lead vocals, harmonica (who joined the band in 1999).
The Cluny was packed and as Jackie, Norm and I made our way into the venue. First led up was a cool blues singer and guitarist, who played a natty cigar box guitar and warmed the audience up for the main act. I warmed myself up with a cool pint of Guinness which set me well into the mood for the great rhythm and blues which was to follow on from the excellent support (pictured right).
Now I mentioned that singer Robert Kane comes from Sunderland and I have seen him in many local bands and venues over the years including an early performance upstairs in the Londonderry, as a member of the Showbiz Kids in Sunderland Locarno, Newcastle Mayfair and various workingmen’s clubs, and more latterly as front man of a later lineup of local heroes The Animals. He was always super energetic, charismatic and would take charge of the stage and captivate the audience with his presence and strong vocals.
The legacy and soul of the Feelgoods remains safe in the hands of the current line – up. They did justice to all the classics including their biggest hit “Milk and Alcohol”, “Roxette”, “Down at the Doctors” and my particular favourite “She Does It Right”. The Cluny crowd lapped it up. They played everything that I expected them to and more. Their set was over in the blink of a choppy guitar riff. Excellent. I had held reservations about going to see this lineup and whether they could live up to the legend that was, and is, Dr. Feelgood. I need not have worried. The original R&B merchants continue.
Setlist: (something like this) Drives Me Wild; No Mo Do Yakamo; I Can Tell; Mary Ann; All Through the City; She Does It Right; You Don’t Love Me; Damn Right I Do; Milk and Alcohol; Shotgun Blues; Baby Jane; Riot in Cell Block #9; Keep it Undercover; Back in the Night; Roxette; If My Baby Quits Me; See You Later Alligator; Going Back Home; Down at the Doctors; Give Me One More Shot.
The rock legend, rock god, who is Robert Plant continues to follow his muse and play intimate venues such as The Glasshouse when he could be filling arenas or stadiums if he were to sing more Led Zeppelin songs. He has now established himself as part of the band Saving Grace and retains a strong faithful fan base. His fans continue to go to see Robert Plant sing with a relatively unknown female vocalist, Suzi Dian (who has an exquisite voice), and perform a set of quite obscure folk/world/country songs which the majority are not familiar with. I am glad that he does so and I once again came away from the concert feeling so fulfilled, elated and exhilarated.
From The Glasshouse website: “Transcendent. Brooding. May cause swaggering. Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, the co-operative features Suzi Dian (vocals), Oli Jefferson (percussion), Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone, acoustic guitar), and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic, baritone guitars, cuatro). Since forming in 2019, Saving Grace have received numerous acclaims for their live shows with Bob Harris describing it as ‘One of the best gigs I’ve seen in years’ .”
I was due to meet my old friend, John, at the concert. However, a road closure on the A1 resulted in a series of diversions which prevented him from making the journey from North Yorkshire. To my shame, I missed the support act and chose to have a pint of Caffrey’s in the bar prior to Robert Plant and Saving Grace taking the stage at 8:45 PM.
Saving Grace is very much a band. Of course, people had turned out to see the main man, Robert Plant. But Robert is simply a singer in the band along with Suzi. The set comprised songs which Robert, unashamedly, has chosen because they have influenced him and touched him over the years. The set has changed since I last saw this band. There were several more unfamiliar songs, but some have been retained from last time I witnessed them in concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall including the traditional ballad “The Cuckoo” and classic progressive/psychedelic tracks which have influenced Robert including “It’s a Beautiful Day Today” by Moby Grape. This time some Led Zeppelin classics have crept back into the set including “Friends” and “The Rain Song”. And wonderful renditions they were. Lovely.
The stage setup was quite basic with a simple curtain backdrop naming the band and unobtrusive lighting. But the music remains exquisite, challenging, soulful and beautiful. Robert shares the vocals with Suzi and, in many cases, took us through the story of the song and what it meant to him. He recalled old times in Newcastle at the legendary Club a Go Go and an encounter with Graham Bond. It was soon 10:15 PM and the lights went up to signify the end of the show. But the crowd weren’t ready to leave just yet. Everyone stood up and cheered until the band returned.
For the encore we were treated to the Richard Thompson song “House of Cards”, a return to Led Zeppelin and a wonderful rendition of “Gallows Pole”. The final song was performed a cappella with the band all coming together at the front, arms entwined, singing the beautiful “And We Bid You Good Night”. We wandered out into the cool dark Gateshead night, everyone chatting and looking at each other, each of us knowing we had just had the privilege of experiencing something very special and unique. The taxi ride flew over and I was soon safely back home.
During the set Robert made reference to some of his musical influences from the West Coast of the USA including the aforementioned Moby Grape, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. I will use the latter reference to squeeze in a couple of images of items which I have recently acquired, courtesy of my aforementioned good friend John, who now lives in the USA. He was visiting a charity shop over there and came across a collection of items which had been donated by the estate of Marty Balin, original member of Jefferson Airplane.
John very kindly picked up a few items from the collection including, to my delight and fascination, a recent magazine/comic featuring Alice in Wonderland, on which of course the classic “White Rabbit” was based. A beautiful addition to my hoarders collection.
I saw this show around a month ago at Whitley Bay Playhouse. However, I was tempted to go along again for one reason: to see one of my all-time heroes Steve Ellis, formerly of the Love Affair, who had been added to the lineup this time. The rest of the bands are also fun anyway so all good! No programme to buy this time as I already had one from the previous show.
First up were The Fortunes who sang several of their hits including my favourite: “Here It Comes Again”
“A thumb goes up, a car goes by, It’s nearly 1 AM and here am I
Closing the first set was my main reason for going. I have told this story before but here it is again! When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I had several heroes. These included of course the Beatles and the Stones. However, on a Saturday morning I would attend a kids disco at Sunderland Top Rank Suite (The Rink). I would try and dress like a young mod and I modelled myself on Barry Ryan, Steve Marriott and the man who I went to see: the one and only main mod man Steve Ellis, the original lead vocalist and founder of Love Affair who had five Top 20 singles including: “Rainbow Valley”, “Bringing On Back The Good Times”, “A Day Without Love” and their classic No.1 “Everlasting Love”. Steve still looks and sounds great. Very much the Cockney swagger growing old disgracefully mod. He performed all of the aforementioned songs, and also included a great cover of Small Faces’ “All or Nothing” in tribute to “the boys” and the other Steve (Marriott).
I have seen Steve many times over the years including as lead singer of his own band Ellis, at Newcastle City Hall supporting the Groundhogs, and fronting Widowmaker at Newcastle Mayfair and opening for The Who at Charlton football ground in 1976. Steve made reference to the Top Rank and playing there over 50 years ago which, he told us, was the last time he played in Sunderland. Actually, I remember that particular concert although I was sadly a little too young to attend. My friends older sister went along and told us all how great it was. It must have been sometime around 1968. I would have been 11 years old at the time. The girl in question went to a string of concerts, I think they were on a Thursday night, and from my great memories I seem to recall that she saw Small Faces, Amen Corner and Love Affair all around the same time. I was so jealous when she told me how great each band was on our way to school on the morning. Anyway, Steve is still out there, knocking out the hits and is still THE MAN.
“For goodness sake, I got the hippy hippy shakes
“Zabadak, Zabadak, Karakakora kakarakak
This event has been going for many years, starting off in Leeds and then moving north to satisfy the need for an annual convention for the many fans of the great band Free in the north-east. My friend John, who is a massive Free and Paul Kossoff fan has been wanting to go for many years. However, he now lives in the USA, so arranging things to attend this event has been tricky. Things changed and this year he happened to be over in the north-east at the same time as the aforementioned convention.
Demand for tickets for the convention was such that the originally scheduled Saturday night sold out quickly and a second night, on the preceding Friday, was organised. It quickly sold out also. I had got us tickets for the Saturday night and John decided he would also attend the Friday night event. John is based in North Yorkshire when he stays in the UK, but made the journey up to Cullercoats both evenings to attend this convention. True dedication. He reported back to me that it was excellent and we were both looking forward to the Saturday show.
John arrived at my house around teatime and, with my carer Jan, we quickly set off to Cullercoats both excited about the event. In the past, the convention has featured guest performances by Free drummer Simon Kirke, and the late bassist Andy Fraser. This time we were treated to three Free tribute bands, and an excellent raffle and auction event. We arrived at the venue just before the start time of 7 PM and the organiser was very helpful in finding us a vantage point close to the stage. Many thanks indeed.
First up was a band called Stealer who played a great set based around the second Free album (the “Woman” LP). Stealer are a 3-piece rock band based in Lincolnshire play classic rock and blues covers from Free and Bad Company. They have their own following and play all over the UK. A good start and warmup to the evening.
After a short changeover the next band on stage were the Heartbreaker Collective who were absolutely fantastic. They played a set of Free classics and really did justice to the music and soul of Free. All musicians were excellent and the singer looked so cool, with a really great hairdo! See the images.Apparently this band come together once a year for this event. Considering this they were simply awesome. A group of passionate young musicians! The dancefloor soon filled and many people were up and dancing, reliving their youth. A great atmosphere.
Then it was time for the raffle. Seven items were raffled including a first prize of a magnificent Free at the Isle of Wight poster and a second prize of a lovely Paul Kossoff poster. Sadly, we did not score anything in the raffle. Next up was an auction of items signed by Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke. At this point we had to leave to catch our taxi.
A great event, and it is a massive credit to the organiser who is clearly a massive and passionate Free fan. Thank you so much John for recommending we attend. I bought a Bad Company programme from a previous tour, which I do not have in my collection. A great addition.
It is almost 50 years since I last saw 
Tangerine Dream were the forerunners of many electronic bands who followed: Kraftwerk, Jean Michelle Jarre, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and many many more. The Boiler Shop website described them well: “Some bands pioneer a genre, a few acts transcend codification, and the rarest of groups defy classification altogether. Tangerine Dream managed all three. Founded in 1967 by Edgar Froese in Berlin, the group established themselves with their groundbreaking 1974 album Phaedra which became a milestone in electronic music history. Over the last 53 years, Tangerine Dream released more than one hundred albums. Their early “Pink Years” albums had a pivotal role in the development of Krautrock. Their “Virgin Years” – such as Rubycon and Force Majeure albums helped define what became known as the Berlin School of electronic music.”
“Thorsten Quaeschning is a Berlin-based and classically trained musician and composer, has been a longtime member of Tangerine Dream since 2005, which makes him the second longest serving member in the band’s history. In 2013, two years before Edgar Froese’s death, he put him in charge as the Musical Director of the band. Thorsten composed and played on more than 70 Tangerine Dream albums over those years including the successful studio album Quantum Gate on the basis of Edgar Froese’s musical sketches – released in 2017 and nominated for the Progressive Rock Award.”
“Hoshiko Yamane is a Japanese Berlin-based classically trained violinist and composer. She has been a member of Tangerine Dream since 2011. After she graduated with the Master of Fine Arts in Japan, she moved to Berlin. She also graduated with a diploma in violin from the University of Music and Theater in Rostock, Germany. During her study she performed with the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester. Hoshiko already collaborated with many renown international artists like Jane Birkin i.e. In 2013 she started her first electronic solo project (Tukico) and in 2017 she released her first solo album A Story Of A Man.”
“Paul Frick was born in 1979 in Berlin. He took composition classes since the age of twelve with Il-Ryun Chung. Paul Frick joined Tangerine Dream in 2020. From 2000 to 2008 he studied composition with Friedrich Goldmann at Universität der Künste Berlin. Together with Daniel Brandt and Jan Brauer he forms the group Brandt Brauer Frick. In August 2018 Paul Frick’s solo debut album Second Yard Botanicals appeared on Apollo/R&S Records.”
Shortly after 8 PM the music started. The band, no longer pure white, were enveloped in a series of lighting effects; behind them images and Liquid Lens type psychedelic swirling movements on screen. The Boiler Shop is the perfect venue for the band and their soundscapes. It is the original factory/workshop in which George Stephenson built his groundbreaking locomotives (see image). The metallic open space seemed very fitting for the electronic and trance sounds which soon drifted around the room. Each song merged into the next, the lights and imagery were stunning as was the electronic music. I enjoyed it much, much more than I expected. This was Tangerine Dream reborn, reimagined and rejuvenated.
Many thanks to Jan for the photography, Chris for the manipulation of the site and Elaine for accompanying me to the concert. Tangerine Dream continue to explore further into the magic of electronic instruments, augmented by soaring violin and accompanied by the very appropriate 1970s visuals. Magical.
I have lots of fond memories of seeing 
Further on in his career, I was lucky enough to see Eurythmics perform at Newcastle City Hall. I also recall seeing Dave Stewart join Fergal Sharkey on stage for an encore at Newcastle City Hall, on Fergal’s first solo tour after leaving the Undertones.
I then saw Dave with Ringo Starr at the opening of the Capital of Culture in Liverpool, which was also the opening concert at the new venue, Liverpool Arena. Since then, I have seen him perform at a couple of homecoming concerts, one previous concert at Sunderland Empire and more recently at the new Sunderland music venue The Fire Station. All great shows and great memories.
This time Dave Stewart returned to Sunderland Empire to perform another homecoming show, this time showcasing “the Eurythmics Songbook” drawing from his back catalogue of great songs which he wrote with Annie Lennox. The theatre was, quite rightly, jampacked and everyone was excited about seeing Dave Stewart back home performing those great classic tunes. I met many good friends at the concert; it was nice to catch up on old times.
Dave Stewart has done pretty well for a lad from Sunderland. He has sold in excess of 100 million albums worldwide. He has also played with some of the biggest names in the business. It is great that he remembers his roots, and this return home concert was much anticipated by the people of Sunderland. The Sunderland Empire advertised the show thus: “Eurythmics Songbook tour marks the first time in more than 20 years that fans can see a full length show of Eurythmics classics – performed on tour by Stewart and a full live band.
Featuring Dave alongside an all-female band of virtuoso singers and musicians, the tour promises to take fans on a nostalgic and electrifying musical journey spanning four decades of the iconic musical partnership’s ground-breaking hits. Celebrating a remarkable 40 years since the release of the timeless Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Eurythmics, known for their unique blend of synth-pop, new wave, soul and rock, have sold over 75 million albums worldwide since their 1980’s debut and have become enduring icons of popular music.”
As mentioned above, Stewart has assembled an all–female band of excellent musicians and singers who helped him perform the Eurythmics hits. The singers, one of whom was Dave’s daughter, were all tremendous and delivered the goods in recreating and reimagining the vocals performed previously by Annie Lennox.
Dave was resplendent in silver suit, but still very much a Sunderland lad. He reminisced of going to the Mecca and old times in Sunderland. Very much a front man for much of the show, Dave Stewart also alternated between centre stage and stepping back, allowing the great musicians around him to take the lead.
The evening was brought to a close with an encore of “Sweet Dreams”, accompanied by a deluge of red-and-white (of course) tickertape falling from the rafters. Very appropriate. By now the entire Empire crowd was up on its feet, singing along, going absolutely crazy. Another great evening spent with a true Sunderland legend. Bought myself a T-shirt as a memento, which I am proudly wearing today as I write this.
Setlist: Take Me to Your Heart / Never Gonna Cry Again / The Walk / This City Never Sleeps; It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back); Love Is a Stranger; I Love You Like a Ball and Chain; I Need a Man; You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart; I Saved the World Today; Who’s That Girl?; There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart); The Miracle of Love; Thorn in My Side; When Tomorrow Comes; Here Comes the Rain Again; When the Day Goes Down; Missionary Man; Would I Lie to You?; Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves; Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
I am not sure who suggested going. Maybe it was my sister-in-law Elaine or carer Jan, who both accompanied me to the show. Never mind, thank you to whichever one of you it was. I don’t think I would have gone along to 
The tour publicity heralded the concert thus: “The King is back! One of the most unique concert experiences of recent years is set to return for 2023 having won the hearts of critics and fans a-like, as Elvis is set once again to be back, in an arena near you! The full-scale concert brings the King up close on screen alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra live on stage performing the King of Rock and Roll’s most well-known “rocking” songs and his tender, heart-wrenching ballads, with a special guest to be announced in due course. A show like no other, expect an overwhelmingly encapsulating and enthralling evening!
This is the only chance to experience the man who changed the course of popular music, selling an unparalleled 1 billion records worldwide, his popularity unwavering as the critical and commercial success of the Baz Luhrman produced biopic Elvis showed us in cinemas this year! The collaboration between the music of Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra has spearheaded an incredible phenomenon, with new orchestral arrangements of the music of the most legendary artists of all time being presented with the original recordings of the artists’ own voice which led to three huge-selling and critically acclaimed albums (If I Can Dream, The Wonder of You, and Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra).
With Elvis never having toured the UK, or performing with a full sized orchestra as were two of his dreams, these shows are a chance to both honour the legacy of an icon who has defined popular culture for over half a century, and for fans to see ‘The King’ live, who never had the chance to before.”
I have always been a fan of Elvis. Ever since I was very young and bought copies of “King Creole” and “Heartbreak Hotel” on 78 from a local second hand shop. I played and played those records. I then saw the 1968 Comeback Show on TV at some point and was totally knocked out by the guy, his energy, swagger, style and voice. Without Elvis, would we have The Beatles, and modern day rock ‘n’ roll? Who knows. I also remember buying “In the Ghetto” when it was in the charts. I love that record to this day.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra took to the stage to a loud round of applause. A large screen behind the orchestra displayed the initials “EP” to remind us of what we were about to experience. They performed “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” with the lyrics displayed on the big-screen. The orchestra was augmented by a band with an excellent guitarist and a group of very soulful singers. Next, another large screen descended from the rafters and Elvis, from Las Vegas, was singing “Burning Love” to us. The sound was amazing and this was the start of a wonderful journey through the life of Elvis Presley. Possibly the greatest singer and artist the world has ever seen.
We were taken through a range of Elvis classics including “Trouble”, “That’s All Right Mama”, “Hound Dog” and “Heartbreak Hotel” with footage alternating between early and mid-1970s Las Vegas performances to film from the aforementioned 1968 Comeback TV Show triumph. All of this reminded me of how great a performer the man was. I can’t quite recall the order of proceedings but there was a short interval during which I had a lovely tray of chips (lots of salt) having had a pint of beer on the way in. I also purchased a T-shirt which I am proudly wearing as I type this with my speech software and a programme (pictured).
There was a tour of Graceland, courtesy of Elvis’ old friend who now manages the estate (I would love to visit) and the voice of Priscilla Presley talking about her life with Elvis while images of Priscilla, Elvis, a young Lisa Marie and happy family memories were shown.
The aforementioned “Suspicious Minds” had everyone up on their feet dancing and singing. They remained so for the rest of the performance which closed with the magnificent “American Trilogy” from Las Vegas and “If I Can Dream” from the 1968 TV show. Very emotional stuff. Much, much better than I had expected.
Setlist: Burning Love; Welcome To My World; Steamroller Blues; Fever; You Gave Me A Mountain; You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me; I Just Can’t Help Believing; Just Pretend; You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling; Amazing Grace; I Can’t Help Falling In Love; In The Ghetto; How Great Thou Art; Bridge Over Troubled Water; Trouble/Guitar Man; That’s Alright Mama; Hound Dog; Don’t Be Cruel; Heartbreak Hotel; Are You Lonesome Tonight; All Shook Up; Blue Suede Shoes; Memories; Love Me Tender; The Wonder Of You; Suspicious Minds; What Now My Love; Big Hunk Of Love; American Trilogy; If I Can Dream.
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