Undiminished Quality Makes For A Happy
Return
ED Press 14th May 2001
Deacon Blue University of Anglia
Deacon Blue may have gone for a few
years, but they clearly have not been forgotten by an army of fans. The Scottish
band who enjoyed chart success in the 80s and early 90s always had a grown-up
sound and that probably explains their enduring popularity. Singer Ricky Ross
told his rather mature audience: "I remember you when you were
students."
The reformed band were on the third night of their tour
to promote the album, Homesick, but there were plenty of chances to hear the old
favourites like Dignity, Twist And Shout, Loaded and Fergus Sings The Blues. The
new material was well received, and the next single A Is For Astronaut showed
the band has still got what fans seek. Ross maintained a terrific rapport with
the audience. At one point he yelled "East Anglia is rocking tonight"
and somehow managed to make it sound cool. Lorraine McIntosh is a co-singer
rather than a backing singer and the blend of vocals is what makes such a
special sound. there was no jaded act running through their greatest hits. On
last night's showing Deacon Blue are still every bit as good as they were at
their peak. Sean Atkins