Posts Tagged ‘pop’

24 Jan

The Libertines NX Newcastle 5 November 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Libertines. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

(Written by Laura on behalf of Peter)

Attending The Libertines with my Dad at Newcastle’s NX felt somewhat like stepping into a time machine. Ten years ago, we’d seen their much-anticipated reunion gig at Alexandra Palace, a chaotic, electrifying affair that reignited my teenage obsession with their music. Now, a decade later, it felt fitting to revisit the band whose lyrics and mythology had so deeply resonated with my younger self.

In my teens, I’d spent countless evenings after school poring over Pete Doherty and Carl Barât’s lyrics, piecing together their tales of Arcadia and the Albion, a romanticised, whimsical world they’d created. Their friendship, brimming with both camaraderie and infamously tempestuous moments, added layers to their songs that always felt personal. Seeing them live again, I wondered if their chemistry would still hold the same magic.

The NX crowd was buzzing long before the band took to the stage. A lively local band opened the evening, followed by a wonderfully eccentric woman armed with an acoustic guitar. Her quirky short set featured a song about aging, as well as a spirited cover of Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark,” which had everyone singing along. Between acts, a compère kept the energy up, hyping us for the main event.

Eventually, the lights dimmed and Lindisfarne’s “Fog on the Tyne” began to play. The crowd sang along, the volume reaching a peak as the Libertines burst onto the stage. When The Libertines finally emerged, the room exploded with cheers. Pete and Carl, trading sly grins and familiar banter, launched into an energetic set that sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd. From the first notes of “The Delaney” to the closing encore of “Don’t Look Back Into the Sun, their performance was a whirlwind of raw energy and emotion.

For me, tracks like “What Became of the Likely Lads and “Time for Heroes” were the highlights, songs that had soundtracked so many moments of my teenage years. Even now, their lyrics carried the same power, blending wit, melancholy, and rebellion in a way that felt timeless. The audience sang every word back at the band, the collective voice of fans who’d grown up with these songs and still held them close.

To my shame, I didn’t recognise much of their newer material, but their delivery made even the unfamiliar tracks feel compelling. Watching Pete and Carl interact, sharing their mike and personal space, reminded me of why I’d loved them in the first place. Their bond, for all its ups and downs, remains the beating heart of The Libertines.

As we walked out into the crisp November air, Dad and I couldn’t stop talking about the gig, comparing it to 2014 and reminiscing about the band’s enduring charm. A night with The Libertines is never just a concert—it’s a celebration of music, friendship, and the stories we carry with us.

Setlist Fog on the Tyne (intro music), The Delaney, That Became of the Likely Lads, Up the Bracket, Boys in the Band, Night of the Hunter, What Katie Did, The Good Old Days, Baron’s Claw, Vertigo, Shiver, Merry Old England, Death on the Stairs, You’re My Waterloo, Music When the Lights Go Out, Horrorshow, Run Run Run, Can’t Stand Me Now

Encore Man With the Melody, What a Waster, Gunga Din, Last Post on the Bugle,
Songs They Never Play on the Radio, Time for Heroes, Don’t Look Back Into the Sun

7 Jan

Leo Sayer Still Just A Boy Tour The Fire Station 25 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Leo Sayer. Tagged: , , , , .

The Fire Station website tempted me: “British music legend Leo Sayer will be touring the UK, and he still feels like dancing! Leo has spent over five decades as an iconic singer and songwriter. 2024 will also see the release of his upcoming autobiography, Just A Boy. With this performance, Leo and his band bring boundless energy, exuberance, and a hit packed show to some of his favourite venues across the country.”

“Known the world over for his army of hits which include Thunder In My Heart, Moonlighting, One Man Band, I Can’t Stop Loving You, More Than I Can Say, Have You Ever Been in Love, The Show Must Go On and the transatlantic number ones, When I Need You, and of course, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing. This is a hit packed, high energy evening not to miss.”

The Fire Station is a great Sunderland venue, which is pulling way above its weight in attracting class acts to the city. Everyone who plays at The Fire Station always comments how great venue it is, which is of course true. And Sunderland is fast becoming a true Music City.

But first before I go any further let me reminisce a little. Leo and I go back a long, long way (50 years to be precise) as some of my previous blog entries remind me. It is not long since I saw him at Whitley Bay Playhouse on his 50th anniversary tour. But before I get to recent years, I will return to some of my previous blog entries below.

Leo Sayer Newcastle City Hall 11th September 1974
This might seem a guilty pleasure today, but trust me, it seemed far from it “back in the day”. Leo Sayer was a pretty cool guy, with a hot debut album Silverbird. He first came into the public eye as the guy who appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test dressed as a clown (or in a Pierrot style costume, to be precise), co-wrote songs (with David Courtney) for Roger Daltrey’s solo lp including the hit single “Giving it All Away” and was managed by Adam Faith (another cool guy). Leo’s second single “The Show Must Go On” was of course, a massive hit.

From Leo Sayer’s bio on his website: “the B.B.C. offered Leo a slot on their T.V. rock show, “The Old Grey Whistle Test”. Leo came on the show dressed as the Pierrot and such was the reaction to his performance, the entire business noted that a new star was born.” I had the Silverbird album and played in endlessly, my favourite tracks being the rocky “Drop Back”, “Slow Motion” and the very dark, moody, almost scary “Dancer”. Listen to the album, and don’t be put off by Sayer’s later poppier and disco material, it’s classic stuff, he was a great singer-songwriter when he emerged.

I first got to see Leo Sayer when he toured in September 1974, calling at Newcastle City Hall. By then the clown outfit had gone, Leo, his songs and his excellent band were strong enough to stand in their own right. The tour came just before the release of his second album Just a Boy. I was hooked, particularly on seeing him perform “Dancer”. Support for the UK tour came from Wally, a progressive rock band from Harrogate, who were presumably named after the festival chant. [Does anyone remember shouting “Where’s Wally?” during the middle of the night to the annoyance of many people trying to sleep?]

Sputnik music says of the Silverbird album: “The first – and, in this reviewer’s opinion, only worthwhile – album from British artist Leo Sayer. Few people know that before Leo Sayer became the white Afro sporting King of Disco, he was an artist……Silverbird is very dark and depressing at its heart. It’s a concept album, in that the themes of isolation and sadness weave each of the songs together. I would give this album a 4 out of 5. This is a side of Sayer we only see briefly in his follow up album Just A Boy, and then it dies, replaced by a bad disco singer who sold out.”

Leo Sayer Newcastle Odeon 16th October 1975
It’s funny how certain songs stick in your mind. I loved “Moonlighting” when it was released in 1975. The catchy tune, the story of star-crossed lovers. OK cool it certainly wasn’t but there was just something about the song that hooked me and still does. I just couldn’t get it out of my head. We would call it an “ear worm” today.

“He sees her at the same time every night, at the Mexican discotheque. She gives him French kisses; he gives her French cigarettes. They sit at the same table every time, the lights are low, but their eyes shine, just digging the music from those sweet soul bands. She keeps him outta fights, holds on to his hand. He whispers slowly “Tonight’s the night”. Months of planning so it’s gotta be right. Under the table her bag is bursting at the seams. She made sure to bring everything. Moonlighting, they’re leaving everything. Moonlighting, they’re losing all their friends. Moonlighting, it’s the only way. It’s frightening, but it means they’ll stay, together. They’re gonna make it together………. We’re only ten miles to Gretna, they’re three hundred behind….Moonlighting.” (Leo Sayer, 1975)

Looking at the lyrics it really isn’t cool. No excuses, and I have no way of explaining my taste at the time….
“Moonlighting” was Leo Sayer’s fourth UK top ten single, reaching No 2 in the charts in September 1975. He went out on tour to promote his third album Another Year, calling at Newcastle Odeon this time. Leo still played “The Dancer”, which remained by favourite Leo Sayer song and made the concert worthwhile for me, even if I couldn’t get “Moonlighting” out of my head.

Leo Sayer Newcastle City Hall 23rd April 1976 and 5th October 1977
I saw Leo Sayer on two further occasions before I started to lose faith. The first was on 23rd April 1976 at Newcastle City Hall. Sayer was becoming increasingly popular, both in the UK and the USA, and was starting to transform into a middle of the road family entertainer. He was soon to have a massive No 1 hit which would take his career in a new direction and would enable Leo to front his own TV show on BBC every Friday night, guest on The Muppet Show, sing a duet with Miss Piggy, and appear with his idol, Fred Astaire on TV in Hollywood. There was no new album or single to promote for Leo’s Spring 1976 tour; he released his fourth album Endless Flight later in 1976. Endless Flight featured two US No. 1 hit singles, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “When I Need You”.

My final Leo Sayer experience took place at Newcastle City Hall on 5th October 1977. Leo’s 1977 UK tour came after massive No 1 success with the single “When I Need You” which was written by Albert Hammond and Carole Bayer Sager, and first appeared as the title track of Hammond’s 1976 album. Leo Sayer’s version was a big hit worldwide, reaching No 1 on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in February 1977. Leo Sayer performed it on the second show of the third season of The Muppet Show, and his transformation to a successful middle of the road artist was complete. Leo’s 1977 tour was hugely popular and sold out very quickly. A whole new audience were clammering to see Leo perform “When I Need You”. I went along to the concert with a mate, and we both knew that we had lost the singer-songwriter who created the wonderful Silverbird album. The tour was to promote Leo’s fifth album Thunder in My Heart, which featured the hit single of the same name.

We saw a different, new Leo Sayer at the City Hall that night in 1977. The transformation had been coming about for some time, but it became very apparent at that concert. Gone were the serious, dark, moody early songs, replaced by singalong hits. Leo had become a song and dance man. Just look at the covers of his albums and you can see how his persona has changed. The sold-out audience was also different. Gone were the rock fans who had followed him in the early days, replaced by a crowd who came to sing along to “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “When I Need You”.

At that point I stopped going to see Leo Sayer for many years. Big mistake on reflection. However he soon dropped out of the charts and disappeared for quite a long time. He reappeared recently and I was so pleased to see him again at Whitley Bay Playhouse a couple of years ago.

Move forward to the present-day:
Leo Sayer is a very underrated songwriter, singer, and artist. I remember seeing him in the early days at Newcastle City Hall during the 1970s, several times. I began to lose faith in him, and started to view him (quite wrongly, on reflection) as a middle-of-the-road artist. But he was always much more than that. I used to play and play his first album Silverbird which contained such classic tracks as “The Dancer” and “Drop Back”. And then, of course, he wrote a lot of songs which were taken up by Roger Daltrey on his self-titled album, including “Giving It All Away”. His performance as the Pierrot for “The Show Must Go on” is for ever etched in everyone’s mind. And I love the song “Moonlighting”. The guy was a great storyteller back in the day.

Over the years Leo has suffered financial difficulties as a result of mismanagement by the late great Adam Faith (now there’s someone I would have loved to see in concert) and now lives in Australia. But he is back, here in the UK, touring smaller venues on his 50+ years anniversary tour (is it really more than 50 years?); back where he belongs, on stage singing those songs. And sing them he does. He looks great, particularly for his 76 years, and his voice is really strong.

The concert comprised two sets with an interval. He starts off going back to the beginning with “Giving It All Away” followed by more classic hits: “Moonlighting” and “One Man Band”. Then he does a mix of songs; some containing great blues harmonica and other classic Leo hits. You forget how many chart hits this man had. Set 2 includes “Thunder in My Heart” and also other hit songs such as “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and “Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)”. The encore takes us right back to the start and “The Show Must Go On”. Fantastic and thank you Leo.

Leo came down into the crowd and shook hands with some very grateful fans. A great concert by a great artist who deserves much more recognition. Perhaps his time will return. I hope so. I remain a fan, and I am proud to say so. Images from my own collection and courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

I bought myself a signed poster (see image). Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site.

Setlist: (something like this)
Set 1: Giving It All Away; Endless Flight; More Than I Can Say; Train; Stormy Weather; Moonlighting; One Man Band; Raining in My Heart; When I Need You.

Set 2: Wonderworld; Thunder in My Heart; Orchard Road; You Make Me Feel Like Dancing; Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance); How Much Love.
Encore: Bells of St Mary’s; Have You Ever Been in Love; The Show Must Go On; I Can’t Stop Loving You (Though I Try).

6 Jan

Maxïmo Park The Boiler Shop 27 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Maximo Park. Tagged: , , , , .

I have seen Maxïmo Park several times in the past. In fact it is only a couple months since I saw them perform at my local venue The Fire Station in Sunderland. I guess I have become a fan of this band, so I could not resist going to see them again at The Boiler Shop in Newcastle. This time the concert was all standing and I was seated on a viewing platform, high above the crowd, with my carer for the evening, Elaine.

Now, I can’t claim to know many of their songs, but I always enjoy their performance. They are entertaining, full of rocky energy and singer Paul Smith is the consummate front man, resplendent in bowler hat (or something similar) and leaping all over the stage. Musically, they lie somewhere on the boundaries between indie rock, pop and post – punk. Their music is infectious, loud and comprises catchy songs with great hooks. Lots of fun, in other words.

The Boiler Shop website proclaimed: “Maxïmo Park have been on an evolutionary journey since the release of their debut album A Certain Trigger (2005), a multi-platinum selling, Mercury-nominated breakthrough in every sense. As a pop band, Maxïmo Park aim to produce songs that are hooky, melodic, and memorable, and are constantly influenced by a plethora of diverse genres.

The overarching goal for them is to achieve genuine connection with their listeners which they accomplish time and time again. The band tour year-on-year to thousands of adoring fans across the globe and continue to release groundbreaking emotional music.”

Once again Maxïmo Park did not let me down. The Boiler Shop was absolutely jam packed for this home coming concert. Elaine and I had a great view from the wheelchair platform.  These local legends are massively popular in the North-East, coming originally from Newcastle. Soon after forming the band recruited Paul Smith from Stockton on Tees as singer: “When he first joined, we didn’t know if he could [sing]; just that he was a lunatic jumping around in a suit, it felt like the last piece of the jigsaw”. (From Wikipedia). He has certainly done them proud and has become the focal point for their live performances.

Paul remains as always. Full of energy, singing a set of songs that were, once again, very familiar to the audience. Everyone was singing along and knew every word! Even I am starting to recognise several of their songs. An impressive performance by a magnificent local band. Many thanks to Elaine for the photographs and Chris for manipulating the site. Bought myself a signed CD (see the first image).

Setlist: Your Own Worst Enemy; Postcard of a Painting; Dormant ’til Explosion; Calm; The End Can Be as Good as the Start; Armchair View; The National Health; I Knew That You’d Say That; Versions of You; Doppelgänger Eyes; Drinking Martinis; Our Velocity; What Did We Do to You to Deserve This?; Favourite Songs; Books From Boxes; Apply Some Pressure.
Encore: No Such Thing as a Society; Graffiti; Going Missing.

Chris just discovered a signed poster which I must have purchased at this concert or the previous one at the Fire Station. Thought I would add it here. Cheers and happy days Peter update just read the poster and I can see the Boiler Shop concert listed. In fact I can now see that they played two nights there! These guys are mega-popular in the North-East.

4 Jan

The Sensational 60’s Experience Whitley Bay Playhouse 8 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich, Mike d'Abo, The Fortunes, The Trems, Vanity Fare. Tagged: , , , , , .

The Playhouse website announced the concert thus: “THE SENSATIONAL 60’S EXPERIENCE. SEE MIKE D’ABO ON HIS FAREWELL TOUR. Join us for the musical phenomenon of 2024 with this festival of nostalgia. The show with the definite feelgood factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960’s. Whether you come to relive your childhood memories or you just simply want to see what your parents have been raving about for all these years this is the show to see. These legends of the 60’s will deliver to you a night never to be forgotten. You will find it impossible to remain in your seat as these incredible artistes fill your venue with nostalgic memories performing hit after hit.”

“Starring Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich, The Trems (Featuring Jeff Brown former member of The Tremeloes), The Fortunes, Mike d’Abo (Lead singer with Manfred Mann) and Vanity Fare. Full of timeless classics, hits include The Legend Of Xanadu, Silence is Golden, Storm In A Teacup, Mighty Quinn, Hitchin A Ride, plus many more. Step back in time to when pop music was at its very best”. Of course, I have seen a very similar 60s show at the same venue not so long ago. However, I really enjoy my trip back to the 1960s, plus this concert had the added attraction of witnessing Mike d’Abo (someone I have never seen before) on his farewell tour. I couldn’t resist. Mike was of course, the voice of the later incarnation of Manfred Mann, having replaced Paul Jones.

I return to my usual question at such concerts “When is a band no longer a band ?” Many of these bands contain no original members. So can they really call themselves by the original band name? Do they deserve to do so? I shall use some of the tour publicity material to help me answer my question.

First onstage was Vanity Fare. “Formed in 1966 (often misspelled Vanity Fair, due to the similarity of the novel and magazine title) are a British pop/rock group famously known for such hits as, I Live For The Sun, Early In The Morning and the worldwide classic, “Hitchin A Ride” which scored the band a number one on the Billboard 100 in the USA. The harmonies of Vanity Fare are renowned throughout the sixties scene which makes them one of the best vocal groups still touring today.” No original members here, but excellent renditions of “I Live For The Sun”, “Hitchin’ A ride” and “Sun, Sun, Sun, Sun”. Great start.

They were soon joined by the aforementioned Mike d’Abo who performed excellent renditions of the later Manfred Mann hits including “Mighty Quinn” and “Semi Detached Suburban Mr James”. He looked fantastic for an 80 years young guy and also his voice was strong and clear. A welcome addition to the normal programme. No question about authenticity here! This was the real guy through and through.
Next was The Fortunes. “Hailing from Birmingham England, the band first came into prominence in 1964 with their hit single Caroline, which was used as the signature tune for the influential Pirate Radio Station of the same name. Other classics include Storm In A Teacup, You’ve Got Your Troubles, Freedom Come Freedom Go. The Fortunes still continue to tour the world with shows in Australia, New Zealand and The USA incorporating a weeklong residency in the Fabulous Las Vegas.” I have seen this band a few times over the years, and they used to include original lead vocalist Rod Allen. After his sad passing, current singer Eddie Mooney took on the role of fronting the band and he does an excellent job too. So, no original members here. But a great job of some great songs: “You’ve Got Your Troubles”, “Freedom Come Freedom Go”, “Storm in a Teacup” and my favourite “Here It Comes Again”. Very enjoyable set.

Next came: The Trems (former members of The Tremeloes). This band features the remaining members of what was once the Tremoloes. Now containing no original members the band has shortened its name to the Trems. “Starting out as an English beat group founded in Dagenham Essex in 1958, originally called Brian Poole And The Tremeloes. The Tremeloes toured the world from 1963 through 1974. The Trems are still a massive draw in Europe as well as the UK today as much as they’ve ever been. They have the fantastic reputation as one of the most entertaining bands on tour today. Hits include, Even The Bad Times Are Good, Do You Love Me, Call Me Number One and their world-wide number one hit Silence Is Golden.”

This band could just as easily have called themselves the Tremoloes, as I remember seeing the singer/bass player Jeff Brown fronting the Tremoloes about 20 years ago when they still featured original drummer Dave Munden and guitarist Alan Blakley. I am pretty sure that Jeff Brown has been in the band since then. But then I have seen another version of the Tremoloes, Chesney Hawkes’ Tremoloes, having inherited the band from his dad Chip. I have subsequently discovered that there is also a further version of the Tremoloes featuring no original members, including former member Chip Hawkes’ son on drums and directed by Chip himself. Band heritage does get confusing, doesn’t it? Once again, they sounded great and played, from memory, “Even the Bad Times Are Good”, “Do You Love Me?”, “My Little Lady” and finished with their classic massive hit “Silence Is Golden”, all four members joining together at the front to sing the song a cappella. Wonderful.

Closing the show were: Dozy Beaky Mick & Titch. “Originally called Dave Dee And The Bostons formed in 1961. Changing their name to Dave Dee, Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich in 1964. In 1966 the band were in the charts for 50 weeks out of 52. In Germany alone in 1967, record sales outsold The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Hits include Bend It, Zabadak and The Legend Of Xanadu plus many more. This fast-moving energetic set from DBMT will have you dancing and singing in the isles performing hit after hit after hit.” Well, when is a band no longer a band? In this case, lead singer and main man Dave Dee is sadly no longer with us and the only original member is Beaky. Do you know what, I am past caring! Bring on the great music. According to my very poor memory they performed “Zabadak”, “The Legend of Xanadu” (complete with whip),” Hold Tight” and finished with “Bend it”. They didn’t play my particular favourite “Last Night in Soho”. Their sound of the 60s was pretty authentic and they deserved their spot as headliners.

3 Jan

Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout) High Forest Community Centre Sinderhope Northumberland 30 November 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Martin McAloon, Prefab Sprout. Tagged: , , , , .

Another adventure into the wilds of Northumberland. Jan, my taxi driver and I set off early in the evening for a 50+ miles ride up to see none other than Martin McAloon, of Prefab Sprout. The route has become familiar. Up towards Hexham, along a winding road up to Allendale and then a few miles further to Sinderhope where we easily found the High Forest Community Centre a small building set on its own surrounded by lovely fields and wildlife (see picture below from website). We arrived in plenty of time, around 7 PM (the start time was 7:30 PM).

The staff on the door were as helpful as last time we visited. Once again they had been expecting us and made sure I safely entered the building. They directed us to a space right down the front of the small hall. To those of you who are not familiar with this guy, Martin McAloon was the bass player and a founding member of Prefab Sprout. Prefab Sprout were a three piece band led by Martin’s brother Paddy McAloon and Wendy Smith. As they are not performing any more, Martin has decided to go out on the road and sing those timeless pop tunes to us.

The advertisement for the concert told us: “Martin will be performing a 2-hour show featuring a large selection of Prefab Sprout songs from their 40 years in the music industry, stripped back to the bare necessities, the raw elements of how they were first performed when originally written by his brother Paddy – before the bells, whistles and budget were added. Expect all the hits; Cars and Girls, When Love Breaks Down & The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and much, much more!”

“Following a fall during the pandemic that broke one wrist and a car accident that damaged the other arm, Martin used the guitar and the songs as a form of rehabilitation. Martin has been involved in the music industry since he was a teenager releasing the early Sprout records on his own label Candle Records, he’s lectured on music and art at colleges and universities and was instrumental in setting up the UKs leading music development agency, Generator Northeast. Martin is also a visual artist who exhibits under the pseudonym Feliks Culpa whose work is in collections worldwide and has exhibited at the Royal Academy and ICA London, Liverpool Museum of Popular Music, and Manchester Contemporary.” [Mental note to myself: Have a look at some of his artwork]

“These songs are the DNA that runs through me – the writing is pristine and it’s an honour to be able to play them in a live environment once again.” Martin McAloon

I have been fortunate enough to see Prefab Sprout perform on two occasions. The first was when an early incarnation of the band played at one of the legendary Durham Dome festivals. These events took place in the 1970s and early 1980s along the riverside at Durham. The stage was literally a dome structure, on which local bands performed, during some lovely sunny Saturday afternoons.

The second time I saw them was when they performed a short set as part of the Red Wedge tour which, organised and led by Billy Bragg, visited Newcastle City Hall. They had some great catchy pop songs and I was really looking forward to watching Martin perform those hits again. To say I wasn’t let down is an understatement. Martin played only a few feet away from us, performing those songs stripped down, just a man and his guitar. I imagine that this was how the songs first emerged with his brother Paddy, it was tremendous to see and hear such an authentic performance by one of the original members of the three piece band.

I had forgotten how many hits Prefab Sprout had amassed during their short career. I immediately recognised “When Love Breaks down”, “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Cars and Girls”. Martin had two setlists in front of him. One was his own preprepared list of songs. The other was one on which the audience wrote their requests. Martin moved seamlessly from one list to the other; trying his best to recall some of the more obscure Prefab Sprout songs that members of the audience had written on the list. This was a crowd who were clearly fans familiar with the band’s back catalogue. Some had probably travelled many miles to witness this performance.

Many thanks to Martin for performing those songs for us in such an intimate venue. Thank you Martin for signing my ticket (see first image). Thanks also to Jan for the photographs and to Atlanta for manipulating the site. Jan and I were soon out in the cool Northumberland air, and on our way through the winding roads and back home. A lovely evening, spent with a great performer with a clutch of wonderful songs. It don’t get much better. Happy days.

Setlist (something like this based on previous concerts): Moving the River; Faron Young; Cowboy Dreams; Looking for Atlantis; Nightingales; Don’t Sing; Carnival 2000; Hallelujah; When Love Breaks Down; Electric Guitars; I Remember That; The Sound of Crying; Cruel; Here on the Eerie; Never Play Basketball Now; Cue Fanfare; Horsin’ Around; Nancy (Let Your Hair Down for Me); Appetite; The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll; Bonny; Goodbye Lucille #1; Life of Surprises; Cars and Girls

31 Dec

The Pretenders The Glasshouse Gateshead Oct 17 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Chrissie Hynde, Pretenders. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

“I’m special, so special” (Brass in Pocket, The Pretenders, 1979)

and that is oh so true of the legend that is Chrissie Hynde. Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders are synonymous and are, in fact, one and the same today.

From The Glasshouse site: “Unmistakable. Timeless. Female fronted force. Rock icons The Pretenders are opening their 2024 UK tour here at The Glasshouse on Saturday 24 February. Off the back of their latest album Relentless, The Pretenders have been blowing away crowds with their high-energy sets. Their recent sold-out club shows were described as “iconic” (Evening Standard) and “outrageously good” (Louder Than War).

The new songs shine alongside classics in an inspiring display of longevity. With surprise Glastonbury performance featuring special guests Johnny Marr and Dave Grohl, them joining Guns N’ Roses at London’s BST Hyde Park and a spectacular UK homecoming at BBC Radio 2 In The Park in front of 35,000 fans in Victoria Park, Leicester, The Pretenders prove they still rock as hard as ever. Don’t miss the chance to see these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees bring their rebellious, crowd-rousing spirit and enduring songbook to The Glasshouse stage.” “persistently brilliant songwriting … surely how Chrissie Hynde always wanted The Pretenders to sound”. MOJO. “as sharp as ever, with new songs stealing the limelight from classic hits”. The Guardian.

I have seen The Pretenders many times before. My blog memories are below. This turns into quite a marathon tour of Pretenders concerts over the years for which I apologise. However, what the hell, I think it is important to give some context to my overall memories of an excellent sassy lady and her evolution through different versions of her band.

The Pretenders Newcastle gigs 1979 – 1981
Chrissie Hynde moved to London from the USA in 1973, finding work at the NME and at Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s clothes store. She became involved with the early punk scene, and hung around with the Pistols, The Clash and The Damned. She had a few short-lived bands and then formed the Pretenders in 1978 with Pete Farndon on bass, James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, and Martin Chambers on drums. They released a cover of The Kinks “Stop Your Sobbing” in 1979, followed by the great “Kid”. It was around the release of “Kid” when I first saw the Pretenders on 3rd August 1979 at Newcastle Mayfair.

The Mayfair was a big heavy metal haunt, and the audience would give punk and new waves bands a hard time. The Pretenders were no exception, and they faced an onslaught of beer glasses. If I remember right, Chrissie Hynde put on a brave front arguing with the hecklers, but they eventually abandoned the gig, soaked with beer. Nonetheless, they played a great set and left me wanting to see them again. In January of 1980, the Pretenders hit No 1 in the UK charts with “Brass in Pocket”. On 8th February 1980 I saw them play to a packed, sold out, Newcastle Polytechnic.

They gave a storming performance, and Chrissie was simply amazing. This remains the best time I have seen them in concert, and a gig that sticks in my mind as something pretty special. It was one of those nights where you felt that you were seeing a band on the verge of the big time, they knew it, we knew it and the atmosphere was electric; I think they may have been No 1 the week of the gig. From there on the next couple of visits to Newcastle were to the City Hall; on 6th October 1980 with (Swords of 1000 men) Ten Pole Tudor as support and again on 30th November 1981. The Pretenders were a great live act; Chrissie all swagger, tunes with great hooks, and a sense of their ’60s pop roots blended with punk and new wave. By the end of 1982 both Pete Farndon and James Honeyman-Scott had died from drug overdoses, and it seemed that the band would be no more. However they were to regroup in 1983 and were back at the City Hall in 1984.

The Pretenders Newcastle City Hall 1984
The Pretenders regrouped in 1983 with original members Chrissie Hynde (guitar and vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums). They were soon back in the UK charts with “Back on the Chain Gang” and “2000 miles”. By the time I saw them in concert at Newcastle Hynde and Chambers had been joined by Malcolm Foster (bass) and Robbie McIntosh (guitar). The line-up was professional, and the concert good, but I felt some of the rawness of the original band was lacking. However, Chrissie Hynde remains an engaging performer to this day. I next saw the Pretenders when they supported Rod Stewart at St James Park Newcastle in 2007. It was then 10 years before we met again. Time flies in the life of a rock ‘n’ roll concert follower.

The Pretenders Newcastle City Hall 2017
Laura, Jackie my carer and I went along to the City Hall looking forward to hearing a string of hits, some great rock ‘n’ roll, and seeing the living icon that is Chrissie Hynde. The girls sitting beside us were a little worse for wear, singing along with every song and every now and then threatening to fall on top of, and flatten, Laura. All the ingredients for a fun night out, on the town (or should I say “the toon”). And a fun night it was. The Pretenders treated us to a set of new songs, old hits, Chrissie Hynde solo tunes and more. After a couple of songs I didn’t recognise the old classics started to emerge: “Message of Love”, the exquisite “Talk of the Town” and then we were back to the start and “Kid” with images of the young Chrissie being soaked in beer thrown over her by members of the crowd at the Mayfair in the late 70s flashing through my mind.

The band may be different with only Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers remaining from the original Pretenders, but the sound and the songs remain the same. The new members bring new life and continue the soulful, edgy, rock ‘n’ roll that is The Pretenders. “Don’t Get Me Wrong” was followed by “I’ll Stand by You” and then after a few more songs my mind was flashing back again to the first time I saw the band in the Mayfair with the Kinks classic “Stop Your Sobbing”. “Back on the Chain Gang” took us towards the end.

But we knew it wasn’t really going to be the end. The encore included the classic ballad “I Go to Sleep” and finished with (of course, what else but) “Brass in Pocket” taking me back to the Friday night in Newcastle Polytechnic Students Union, the week the song was number one in the charts, standing on the tables with Marie, while the place erupted around us. It was so many years ago and yet in many ways it seems only like yesterday. The girls next to us finally fell on the floor. 

The Pretenders The Cluny Newcastle 2023
Wow! Sometimes there are gigs where everything comes into place, and you have an unforgettable evening. Well this was one such occasion. The Cluny is a tiny pub venue in Newcastle. It cannot hold more than a few hundred people. So when the Pretenders announced that they were playing some intimate gigs and one of them was the aforementioned Cluny I just had to go along. The tickets sold out in minutes, if not seconds. I was lucky enough to score one for myself and a companion, who turned out to be Elaine, and who also took some great photos. We arrived around 8:10 PM. The Pretenders were due on stage at 8:30 PM. So we were just in time to squeeze through the tiny door which gained us entry into the concert room at the back of the pub.

We came into the concert part and were faced with a jampacked room, filled with a sea of people. We couldn’t move and couldn’t see a thing. Now usually I don’t take advantage of being in a wheelchair. But this was one occasion I broke my rule and used my disability to my advantage. I slowly moved forward asking people to let me through to the front. Slowly but surely, everyone was so kind, and I reached a spot almost at the front of the crowd, one person between me and the stage. I had a wonderful view of everything. Thank you so much Cluny crowd! Elaine followed nervously behind me. I asked her to go to the bar and get me a drink and a T-shirt. “I can’t possibly move at all” she explained “and if I do get to the bar there is no way I can get back!” And she was right. We were completely crammed in and could not move at all.

The entire venue was completely full and there was no room to move anywhere. Wonderful. It felt just like the old days when I was used to being crammed down close to the front. 8:30 PM. The band come on stage. Chrissie is just in front of me and looks just great. This lady is 71 years old and looks just wonderful. She is the archetypal rock chick in thigh length black leather winklepicker boots, jeans, and a black shiny leather jacket. She sounds great and the new band she has assembled are excellent musicians.

The advertising for the show told us that there would be no hits. But as I said, sometimes magic does happen and four songs in we get “Kid”. A meltdown moment. Tears in my eyes. And a mix of great rock ‘n’ roll and hits follows. But the evening gets better. Chrissie Hynde spots me and asks the people in front of me to move aside so I can see. “Are you okay? Can you see?” She says to me. I told you it was one of those evenings. Chrissie Hynde talking directly to me. I tried to mouth back “do you remember playing the Mayfair?” But she can’t hear me.

So we get “Back on the Chain Gang”, “Talk of the Town” and “Don’t get me Wrong”. All played at full volume, with great raspy vocals from Chrissie. At one point she asks, “did any of you see the New York Dolls?” A big cheer. “And Johnny Thunders. He’s dead now. But so is everyone these days.” Says Chrissie. “We could play arenas if we wanted to, but we want to come back and play little venues. We are losing a f***ing fortune!” Chrissie also talks about the Grammys: “what happened to real music and great rock ‘n’ roll?” More rock ‘n’ roll follows. And then they are gone.

They play three encores. It is 9:50 PM. A member of the crew gives me a set list. Everyone is so kind. Thank you, Chrissie, for a wonderful evening. Special things happen every now and then. This was one of them. We wander out of the venue not quite believing what we have just witnessed. Elaine loved it and so did I. Proper rock ‘n’ roll in a small venue. And so close to the band. And Chrissie spoke to me and looked after me! As I said magic does happen now and then.

And so have we are in 2024, in the much staider venue of the majestic Glasshouse, only a year after being crammed into that magical night at the Cluny. Chrissie looks just great, a little older, but very much the same sassy lady that I first witnessed all those years ago. The set comprises old and new, but the old ones are, at least for me, the best. So, after a few unfamiliar tunes, the years rolled back to “Talk of the Town” and, yes, right back to the very start (I’m in the Mayfair again) and “Kid” still as jangly and soulful as ever.
A few songs on and we get “Back On the Chain Gang” and “Don’t Get Me Wrong”. Both magic.

Then a surprise, Chrissie does her own take of Grace Jones’ “Private Life” and pretty good it is too. The first encore starts off with the sublime “I Go to Sleep”. Finally the evening closes with (what else but) “Brass in Pocket”. Chrissie still has “it” (whatever “it” is) in droves. Thank you for coming with me on my short tour of Pretenders gigs over the past 45 years. “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?” (Sandy Denny, 1966). Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and to Chris for manipulating the site. Images come from my own collection and Wikimedia Commons.

The 2024 Setlist: Losing My Sense of Taste; A Love; Accountant Daddy; Talk of the Town; Kid; Hate for Sale; The Buzz; My City Was Gone; The Losing; You Can’t Hurt a Fool; Back on the Chain Gang; Don’t Get Me Wrong; Private Life; I Think About You Daily; Biker; Thumbelina; Night in My Veins; Time the Avenger; Junkie Walk; Let the Sun Come In.
Encore: I Go to Sleep; Precious; Middle of the Road.
Encore 2: Brass in Pocket.

30 Dec

Nick Heyward The Fire Station Sunderland 22 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Haircut 100, Isabella Coulstock, Nick Heyward. Tagged: , , , .

Nick Heyward‘s return to the spotlight at the Sunderland Fire Station was a night of charming nostalgia and a lesson in pure pop magic. Best known for fronting Haircut 100, Heyward delivered a dynamic set that spanned his 40 plus year career and was sprinkled with new material and timeless hits.

The Fire Station site stated that, “Following a huge 2023 with Haircut 100 playing the BBC Radio 2 Piano Room, a sell-out London reunion show at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and a joyous laundry tour of the UK and Ireland; Nick Heyward sets off on his first solo tour since the critically acclaimed Woodland Echoes album release tour in 2018.”

I first saw Nick Heyward as the front man of Haircut 100 at Newcastle University and Newcastle City Hall in 1982. I blogged at the time: “Haircut 100 burst onto the UK pop scene in 1981, fronted by Nick Heyward. By the time Marie and I saw them at Newcastle University Students Union they were already pretty successful, having hit the charts with “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)” and the place was absolutely packed. Their music was straight pop, with a very clean-cut image. Their next single “Love Plus One” was a massive hit, followed by two further top ten singles “Fantastic Day” and “Nobody’s Fool”.“

“These concerts were at the time of Haircut 100’s debut album Pelican West which was also an enormous success. Three months after the first gig, Haircut 100 were big enough to headline at Newcastle City Hall, and I went along to see them again; with my friend Norm. Norm told me the other day that I won tickets in a competition, which I can’t recall, but could well be true.”

“The City Hall gig was packed with screaming girls; this band was very hot at the time. The music was a mix of pop, Latin rhythms, some horns, and a little jazz. Very up, and quite summery, and very different from the punk and new wave that was going on around them. Nick Heyward left the band later in 1982, and they split shortly after. Hayward then went onto a successful solo career. There were programmes for each of these two gigs, but the only difference was the colour of the cover, and the dates listed inside!” I remember thinking that this was a bit of a swizz at the time.

The next time I saw Nick he was a solo star and support act for Wham! The Final at Wembley Stadium in 1986. The support came from (the now disgraced) Gary Glitter and Nick Heyward. In May 1986 Wham! announced that they were to split and that they would play one final concert at Wembley Stadium. My friend Dave and I decided to go along. It was a momentous concert and to be honest, I remember little of the support acts. Dave and I concentrate on the bar during the earlier part of the day and spent the rest of our time watching Wham! with lots of young women. I would say that the crowd was 90% female! A day I will treasure for ever!

So I went along to the Fire Station with a pocket full of great memories yet not knowing what to expect. Support came from Isabella Coulstock who is a young singer/songwriter “making waves on the Americana Rock scene, known for her unique storytelling, vocal qualities and dynamic live shows.” (From her official site). She certainly warmed up the crowd well.

I was pleasantly surprised as, for me, the evening re-affirmed his reputation as a consummate live pop performer. Backed by a tight 4-piece band, Hayward opened the show with “Can’t Explain” a song unfamiliar to me; however it certainly set an upbeat tone for the evening. There’s something wonderfully timeless about his ability to write pure pop songs. Tunes like, “Blue Hat for a Blue Day” and “Fantastic Day” are just as infectious now as when they first hit the airwaves.

The Fire Station was the perfect venue for Hayward’s upbeat set. The audience sang along to all the Haircut classics such as “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) and “Love Plus One” while newer tracks highlighted his ongoing creativity and pop sensibility.

The night ended with the aforementioned “Fantastic Day” which was very fitting, considering the fantastic evening we’d all had. Everyone left with a smile on their face as they headed out into the cool Sunderland evening. The Fire Station is an excellent venue and is a great asset to the Sunderland music scene. I treated myself to a signed poster (see image).

“When I’m getting off my train
And my love is on my brain
Every day and every night
The only thing that makes it right
Is seeing my favorite sight
Crying in the night with the summer in her eyes tonight
Fantastic day” (Nick Heyward 1982)

Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs, to Laura for helping me with the blog entry and to Chris for navigating and manipulating the site.

Setlist: Can’t Explain; Mr. Plain; He Doesn’t Love You Like I Do; Kite; A Chelsea Sky; Blue Hat for a Blue Day; The Remainers; Carry on Loving; The World; Ordinary People; Whistle Down the Wind; Traffic in Fleet Street; Angelfish; Over the Weekend; On a Sunday; Take That Situation; Love Plus One; Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl); Who?; Fantastic Day.

29 Dec

Paul Weller The City Hall Newcastle 24 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Jam, Liam Bailey, Paul Weller, Style Council. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Paul Weller, the Modfather himself, brought his unrelenting energy and trademark swagger to Newcastle City Hall. The night was a masterclass in blending rock, postpunk and acoustic brilliance and was a testament to his legendary career.

I first experienced Weller way back in the days of The Jam. My blog entry of the time jogs my Memory (At Least A Little): “The Jam 1977 And 1978. When We Think Of Late 70s Punk Rock, We have a certain image of safety pins, spitting, the pogo, and fast furious rebellious rock. In reality the punk scene was a pretty broad church, which drew from a wide range of influences.

The Jam burst onto the scene in 1977, blending mod, sharp suits, with attitude, arrogance, and great catchy pop songs. They had obviously been influenced by, soul, R&B, The Who and Small Faces and you could tell that lead singer and guitarist Paul Weller was a huge fan of Steve Marriott and Pete Townshend.

I attended a few early Jam concerts in the Northeast, at Newcastle Mayfair and at Sunderland Seaburn Hall. These gigs were pretty wild affairs with Weller and the guys having to dodge a hail of glasses (and they were real glass in those days, not plastic) and waves of spit.

The Seaburn Hall gig (see postcard of Seaburn which I recently purchased on eBay, Seaburn Hall is top left) was particularly ferocious; it was attended by a group of skinheads (“We hate punks”) who were looking for trouble and there were several scuffles. The Jam set in those days drew from their first album, their early singles, and a nifty cover of the Batman them closed the show. They were a breath of fresh air, and it was evident even at those early gigs, that this was a band that stood above the rest and would ultimately transcend the punk movement.

By 1978 The Jam had graduated to playing Newcastle City Hall (see ticket above), a venue that would be host to some great Jam gigs over the next few years. I also saw them headline the Friday night of the Reading festival in the same year. Sample Jam setlist from 1978: The Modern World; London Traffic; I Need You (For Someone); The Combine; Aunties & Aunts; Standards; Here Comes the Weekend; Sounds From the Street; News of the World; London Girl; In the Street, Today; Bricks and Mortar; In the City; In the Midnight Hour; Carnaby Street; All Around the World.” Thanks to Wikimedia Commons for the picture of the Jam in concert at Newcastle City Hall in 1982, a concert which I almost certainly attended.

I saw Paul many times after those early performances including further Jam concerts at Newcastle City Hall, their farewell tour at Whitley Bay Ice Rink (the first concert at that cavernous, cold venue), and when he formed The Style Council (see my recent purchase of the single “Ever-Changing Moods” by the Style Council) including momentous performances at Live Aid and as part of Red Wedge, which Paul founded with Billy Bragg.

The tour was to mark the release of Paul’s latest album 66 which is his 17th solo album and was released on Polydor Records on 24 May 2024. The artwork was by Sir Peter Blake, who designed The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s LP all those years ago, again demonstrating Paul’s 60s influences. 66 is named partly for his age at release and partly, he claims, for 1966 – the year that produced much of the music that fired him up in the first place. (From Newcastle University website).

Such memories swirl around my head as I go to see Paul Weller again. It has been some years since I’d last seen Weller live; his arena tour in 2009 to be precise. So, I figured it was about time to see him again. Supporting Paul was Liam Bailey an English singer-songwriter from Nottingham. Liam is noted for his soul, reggae, and blues-influenced vocal style. He was an excellent opening act, warming the crowd up for the main man. Paul Weller kicked off the evening with “Cosmic Fringes”, and “That Pleasure”, Weller wasted no time, igniting the crowd and reminding us all what a great performer he still is.

Backed by his excellent band, he smoothly moved through an eclectic mix of music from his solo work, Style Council hits and even provided a nod to his Jam days. The audience erupted during “Start” and “Shout to the Top”, songs that remain as anthemic as ever! Midway Weller softened the pace with poignant renditions of “Broken Stones” and, later “Wild Wood”; his voice strong, filling the hall with warmth. The audience were captivated as they were taken through the depth and breadth of his career.

During the encore, the energy reached an all-time high. “That’s Entertainment” and “Town Called Malice” had the entire hall on their feet, singing every word as one. I was reminded of all the times I’d seen The Jam, and, for a moment, it felt like no time had passed since those days. Indeed, leaving Newcastle City Hall that evening, it was clear to me that Weller continues to be a great live performer and remains a true rock ‘n’ roll legend.

He is a world class act through and through. In many ways he carries his mod colours loud and proud; the 60s, Small Faces, The Who and my own particular hero Steve Marriott resonate throughout his every move and sinew. Class indeed. Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs, along with Laura for helping complete the entry and Jan and Chris for navigating the site.

Setlist: Cosmic Fringes; That Pleasure; Soul Wandering; My Ever-Changing Moods; Have You Ever Had It Blue; All the Pictures on the Wall; Headstart for Happiness; Above the Clouds; More; Stanley Road; Glad Times; Village; Hung Up; Shout to the Top!; Start!; Broken Stones; Nothing; Jumble Queen; Out of the Sinking; Into Tomorrow; Peacock Suit.

Encore: The Changingman; Porcelain Gods; You Do Something to Me; Wild Wood.
Encore 2: That’s Entertainment; Town Called Malice.

27 Dec

Maximo Park The Fire Station Parade Ground Sunderland 31 August 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Maximo Park. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

I have seen Maximo Park several times in the past. Although I can’t claim to know many of their songs, I always enjoy their performance. They are entertaining, full of rocky energy and Paul Smith is the consummate front man, resplendent in bowler hat (or something similar) and leaping all over the stage.

It was great to see them again in my local venue The Fire Station, outside in the Parade Ground when I recently saw Inspiral Carpets. When I arrived, with Jan, The Fire Station had very kindly reserved a table for us with a splendid view of the stage. Thank you very much, lovely treatment from my favourite local venue.

 

The Fire Station announced the show: “We’re delighted to host indie rock icons Maximo Park for a very special show in The Parade Ground as part of The Fire Station’s Summer Parties season. Like their friends and neighbours, The Futureheads and Field Music, Mercury Prize-nominated Maximo Park craft smart, sharply catchy songs inspired by post-punk and new wave legends like The Jam, XTC, Wire, and The Smiths.”

Once again Maximo Park did not let me down. It was great seeing them outside on a lovely late summer evening. As referred to above, these local legends are massively popular in the north-east, coming originally from Newcastle. They soon recruited Paul Smith from Stockton on Tees as singer: “When he first joined, we didn’t know if he could [sing]; just that he was a lunatic jumping around in a suit, it felt like the last piece of the jigsaw”. (From Wikipedia). He has certainly done them proud and has become the focal point for their live performances.

This was another important, and ultimately triumphant, concert for the band. The first time that I saw them at such an important concert was when they played at Newcastle City Hall, a large venue and a right of passage for any local band entering the “big time”. I wrote the following about that concert.

This concert was a big deal for Maximo Park. Their Facebook page proudly declared “everyone has played Newcastle City Hall: Bob Dylan, the Beatles; and now we are playing there”. The concert had sold out quickly: a hometown show with the added attraction that the band were showcasing their excellent debut album “A Certain Trigger” in full was bound to be a big draw. Laura was really excited about going but sadly came down with flu on the night of the concert, so along I went to the City Hall on my own.

Maximo Park exploded onto the stage to a big loud and friendly roar from the home crowd. The set was one of two halves, opening with 11 tracks drawing from across their career, starting with “Girls who play guitar”. This was followed by a performance of all 13 tracks from “A Certain Trigger”. Ten years on the songs from the first album sound as fresh and modern as ever. The crowd loved it, and you could see how much the band enjoyed the night, and how keen they had been to grace the City Hall stage.  A great performance from a local band who maintain a loyal and strong following.

Roll on to 2024. Paul remains as always. Full of energy, singing a set of songs that were very familiar to the audience. Everyone was singing along and appeared to know every word! An impressive performance by a magnificent local band. I bought a signed album (pictured). Many thanks to Jan for the photographs and Atlanta for manipulating the site.

Setlist: The Coast Is Always Changing; Girls Who Play Guitars; The End Can Be as Good as the Start; All of Me; Leave This Island; Hips and Lips; Quiz Show Clue; Questing, Not Coasting; I Want You to Stay; The National Health; The Kids Are Sick Again; Going Missing; Risk to Exist; By the Monument; What Equals Love?; Favourite Song; Our Velocity.
Encore: Versions of You; Books From Boxes; Apply Some Pressure.

11 Dec

Squeeze 50th Anniversary Tour O2 City Hall Newcastle13 October 2024

Posted by vintagerock in Badly Drawn Boy, Squeeze. Tagged: , , , , , , .

On 13th October, I was lucky enough to attend a spectacular performance by Squeeze at the Newcastle City Hall. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the band delivered a powerhouse show packed with timeless hits and fan favourites.

The Squeeze website announced: “UK Tour starts next Friday. First, a big thank you to everyone who came out to see us this past month in the USA and Canada. The gigs were electric, and we had an absolute blast. A very big thank you as well to Boy George, his band and crew, and our own indispensable crew for making it all possible. No rest for the wicked, though, as we kick off another two months of shows across the UK, starting in Sheffield next Friday, 4 October along with our special guest Badly Drawn Boy.” Picture courtesy of City Hall website.

I have seen Squeeze at least eight times prior to this. The first time was when they were supporting Eddie and the Hot Rods at Newcastle City Hall in 1978. I wrote at the time “By 1978 The Hot Rods had enjoyed chart success with Do Anything You Wanna Do and had released their second album Life on the Line. They returned to the City Hall with another strong supporting line-up of Radio Stars and Squeeze. Radio Stars had supported the Hot Rods at the City Hall the year before, so we were already acquainted with the mad antics of Andy Ellison, and their great song Dirty Pictures.”

“Squeeze were new to the scene and were the first band on the bill at this concert. Squeeze had just released their first album and single: “Take Me I’m Yours” and there was a buzz about them, but this was before the massive hits “Up the Junction” and “Cool for Cats”, which followed in 1979. This was the original line up of Squeeze, featuring Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, and Jools Holland. I remember making a point of getting to the gig early to see Squeeze and Radio Stars. Eddie and The Hot Rods were great as usual, super high energy rock n roll. Another fun night. Both support bands were excellent, and it was clear that Squeeze had a big future ahead of them.”

The first time I saw Squeeze was when they were supported by Wreckless Eric at Newcastle Mayfair in 1980. I’d seen Squeeze supporting Eddie and the Hot Rods, The Tubes, Dr Feelgood, The Police and at the Reading Festival, but this was the first time, and only time, I saw them as a headline act.

This was the classic Squeeze line-up featuring Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook, and Jools Holland. Squeeze had just released their third album Argybargy and had already made the UK top 20 four times, with their first single “Take Me, I’m Yours” which reached No 19 in 1978, the excellent “Cool for Cats” and “Up the Junction”, both of which reached No. 2 in 1979 and their most recent release at the time, “Another Nail in My Heart”, which made No. 17 in January 1980.

Support came from the crazy Wreckless Eric, whose most well-known song is the wonderful “Whole Wide World”. Squeeze were a great live act who produced a clutch of perfect pop songs; my favourite is “Up The Junction” which is just pure class. I have missed many opportunities to see them since, including several at Newcastle City Hall and the Glasshouse Gateshead. Big mistake.

Squeeze have always been experts in blending catching melodies with razor sharp storytelling and this evening was a testament to their enduring legacy. From the opening chords to the final encore, the energy in the hall was electric and the band took the audience on a journey through their incredible 5-decade career. Support came from Badly Drawn Boy who warmed the crowd up with a set of excellent songs. I was very glad that I arrived early enough to see him.

The Squeeze set list was nothing short of a greatest hits compilation, starting strong with “Black Coffee in Bed” and flowing effortlessly into tracks like “Up the Junction” and “Cool for Cats”. Fans were on their feet, singing along at the top of their voices. One of the standout moments of the night was the performance of “Labelled with Love” a ballad that highlights the band’s knack for weaving vivid narratives throughout their music. It was also a treat to hear some newer tracks, proving that Squeeze continue to create music which resonates with audiences today. My favourite was, as always, “Up The Junction” and it was great to see them return, at the very end, to the very start with “Take Me I’m Yours”. Happy days.

The chemistry between the band was as evident as ever, their harmonies perfectly in sync and their stage banter making it clear how pleased they were to still be going, 50 years on. They showcased the depth of their catalogue with a performance that was both nostalgic and refreshingly lively. It was more than just a celebration of the past, it was a reminder how their music has stood the test of time, still sounding as fresh and relevant as it did decades ago.

Setlist: Black Coffee in Bed; Footprints; Is That Love; Up the Junction; One Beautiful Summer; Someone Else’s Heart; In Quintessence; Departure Lounge; Some Fantastic Place; If I Didn’t Love You; Pulling Mussels (From the Shell); Another Nail in My Heart; Annie Get Your Gun; You Get the Feeling; Trixie’s Hell on Earth; Goodbye Girl; Cradle to the Grave; Slap & Tickle; Tempted; Cool for Cats; Labelled With Love; Hourglass; Take Me I’m Yours.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »