Liverpool
Royal Court 26th October 2001 |
This is the third time I've been able to catch DB here at my favourite
venue, the Royal Court, as far as theatres go, this one is pretty damn
ugly, but it does have the uncanny knack of bringing the best out of the
band. The crowd are always loud, there's very few reserved Scousers it
seems.
Ricky's set was great, it's probably unfair to pick fault with the
performance as he did do so well, but I wasn't overjoyed at hearing 'The
Germans Are Out Today'. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great song, and
I love to hear it, but by the time Ricky has coached the crowd to sing the
chorus, when I'm, guessing 60% knew it already, a large portion of the
fans had quite understandably began to talk amongst themselves. This was
true also of 'Earth A Little Lighter' a great song, and perhaps my fave
from New Recording, but it's low key nature failed to hold the attention
of many of the less anorak inclined fans ;)
The new songs were great and Ricky's new album looks like it's going to
live up to it's billing as 'his lifes work' I just can't believe I'm going
to have to wait until March!!
Deacon Blue were as per usual, No Dougie, but Davey filled in well,
though was it me or does he seem a little too keen to start the next
song?....
Lorraine's solo spot was a rare unexpected treat, a nice twist to the
set, that perhaps should have happened a long time ago?.... The set was
varied, with less Raintown tracks than normal, and perhaps too many
Hoodlums tracks for my liking, but despite this, I still enjoyed this
show more than the May gigs.
Finally a criticism of the venue, despite being a great venue, it does
have one major flaw, which they could and should easily rectify, during
the performance they leave the bar door open, Personally I think the bar
should be closed during a performance, the amount of noise coming from the
bar area was dreadful, and I know it upset many during Ricky's set. In
conclusion, after giving us 30 songs, you can't possibly disagree that
they gave us value for money, and they were as Ricky proclaimed, 'Playing
Great' . Neil
I honestly
have to say, this gig was awesome!! For a guy travelling down from Glasgow
for his first English DB show, i don't know what i expected. Maybe an
English crowd wouldn't be as good as a Scottish one and so on.. But was I
pleasantly surprised!! Good to hear some old songs and Lorraine was superb
on lead vocals for a change. Rickys new solo stuff sounded superb and
can't wait for the new album. Pity about the noisy folk though. But all in
all a great gig and I hope to make it back to Liverpool again some day.
PS - Good to finally meet the man himself - Neil, and u as well Rach. Also
Clare, Malc, Stu, Robert Warrington and of course Rob da big man!! Lucian
Well the wait
was finally over & the tour was under way. Sadly to a poor start
- A significant proportion of the audience decided that they would rather
talk over Ricky than listen to him. Bad form I feel.
What we did here from Ricky though was very impressive indeed. The title
track to his new solo album "This Is The Life" was awesome, this
album is going to be great.
Onto the main set: A refreshing mix of tracks compared to the last
tour earlier this year. Glad to hear a full band version of "Circus
Lights" as was "Jesus Do Your Hands". Lorraine did two top
draw solo's of "Cover From The Sky" & "The Very
Thing". I still believe "Homesick" has the potential to be
a No 1 single. Finally 1st track during the encore was
"Deportee's" which Ricky said reminded him of the murder of an
Afghan refugee in Glasgow last year. He said the one of the things he
likes about Scotland is that people are welcome from all over the world.
He said that there are Scott Scots, English Scots, Irish Scots, Asian
Scots, & Afghan Scots too!!! As usual we were provided into an insight
into a man who thinks deeply about what he sings and what he writes. We
had our minds enriched and our conscience pricked, just a shame that some
in the crowd didn't pay him the same respect that he showed us.
On the whole the band were up for it an they were tight. Quality as ever.
Sad not to see Dougie but really pleased still to see Graeme doing so
well. Out of ten I would say 8 the two dropped were due to the crowd not
the band. Rob.
|
Oxford
Apollo 27th October 2001 |
Probably not the greatest venue for the fans who love to dance but dance
they did. What was so great about it? Without a doubt Lorraine's
Bethlehem's Gate - apologies to Ricky! Glad I've got big hair to hide the
tears! This Train is probably the best show opener I've heard from them.
No Dougie but Dave Stewart banged them drums! Deportees was sublime - nice
to hear the 'low voice' live! Didn't feel Circus Lights got the response
it deserved but I was jigging in my seat none-the-less!
Then, well I couldn't contain myself, an agreeing nod to Mel and hey
presto the place started dancing! Re: Ricky's set...this new material is
absolutely fantastic. This is the Life deserves to be huge....March seems
a very long time away! Lack of Raintown material which was a shame, but
with Circus Lights, Jackie and Bethlehem's Gate, I was a happy lassie.
Great to hear Walking Back Home too...hair came in handy again! Ali
|
Wolverhampton
Civic Hall 28th October 2001 |
And
what a gig it was. Ricky came out to do his solo set and I am pleased to
report the audience listened intently to him at times you could have heard
a pin drop it was that quiet (unlike Liverpool):(
For someone who thus far has bought Ricky's solo albums out of sheer
loyalty I think the penny finally dropped. I didn't really connect with
his first two solo albums, but I really like this new stuff. It's my bag
as it were!!! LOL. On the strength of this performance I will be making an
effort to see RR on his solo tour next year.
The main set was far more relaxed than at Liverpool, they seemed to have
settled into their stride. Tonight Lorraine did "Bethlehems
Gate" & "Cover From The Sky" both performances were
ace.
The crowd were into this gig an it showed. Time seemed to go so fast as
the tracks just kept coming.
The highlight musically of the night was in the middle of "The
Wildness" Ricky stepped away from the Mic to continue the vocals (Now
for all you budding Rock stars and Techno gadget junkies read on for the
rest skip to the rest of the review - Ricky uses a Shure Beta 58a mic it
has a better freq responce than the industry standard Shure SM58 and costs
about 90 quid more but it does come into it's own when applying it to this
tecnique of standing approx 3 to six feet away from the mic whilst
continuing to sing, it gives a more thinner distant sound, whilst ambient
noise levels are more noticable. When done right as in with a Mr RR it
creates a very intimate atmosphere. So thats the Shure Beta 58a the choice
of Rock & pop stars and even dare I say it Pro DJ's the world over
available at all good stores for around 210 quid)
The NEW Scottish national anthem was included in the set "Fergus
Sings The Blues" as was my current fave "Homesick" also
great to hear "I'll Never Fall In Love Again". Deacon Blue Don't
just sing songs they entertain People, there are no tape players an
backing tracks just good old fashioned Rock n Roll the way it should be.
Talented people entertaining people who want to listen.
Personal highlight of the night was when Ricky said hello to me half way
through the set, then proceeded to introduce me to the crowd an ask if I
was enjoying myself. Was I ever!!!!!!
Whichever gig you are going to if it's half as good as Wolverhampton you
will still have a top night. Cheers Rob.
Ok, so I
haven't done as many gigs as some of you guys out there but after seeing
db/ricky around a dozen times since 1990 my head was still buzzing this
morning after the fantastic gig at Wolves last night.
Highlights:
1) Setlist (loads of personal favourites Wildness, Jesus, Silverlake
and Bethelem's Gate)
2) Not having to make the awful trip down the M6 to get to a
Birmingham gig
3) Great venue, very intimate
4) Ricky (enough said! He may even get promoted back to the top spot
in my Top Five Men list!)
However the best bit was how much the whole band seemed to be enjoying
themselves. We have all heard the 'great crowd/venue etc' lines from
groups before but I would be very surprised if they weren't enjoying it as
much as the crowd last night!
Not much I can be negative about (apart from 'you didn't play.....etc).
Maybe Ricky's bit could have lasted a bit longer but I realise that is a
totally unreasonable request as he was supporting as well! Just
makes me look forward to the solo stuff next year.
To quote the friend I was with who was new to Deacon Blue gigs 'They
really know what they are doing' and you can't argue with that!
Thank you so much and see you soon. Rachael
Having been at
Oxford the previous night, I assumed tonight would be a bit more...well..raucous!
It was! Big gang of people from round this way...nice to see new and old
faces (you know who you are). Ricky's set was far more rocking than last
night. Nothing Cures That is spinning around in my head still. I
remembered not to clap in the pause!
The main set was superb, though I had rather a good spot, right in
front of Ricky :)! Circus Lights was fantastic as usual. Bethlehem's Gate
was just so wonderful, to hear Lorraine sing that again made my night! Was
very happy to hear Raintown - I really missed it at Oxford. This kind of
gig is the reason why I go...so atmospheric, everyone dancing and singing.
This was what music is about. I hope everyone else gets the same kind of
night.
The Wildness just built up into a great explosion that I found rather
overwhelming - pure emotion poured into that song. And Homesick...well you
know how we felt all those years Ricky et al...!
just keep it coming! A very happy Ali having been the last person to shake
Ricky's hand!! Cheers Ricky! Ali
I have got
Ricky's first solo album and must admit didn't get into it much. Listening
to him live I think it might grow on me. Will try the Academy solo gig in
April me thinks.
Main set was up to usual standards. Disappointed that set list still had
the core from Homesick 1. Thought the guys might have took the opportunity
to throw it up in the air a bit more. Nevertheless a very appreciative and
well behaved crowd lapped it up. Lorraine's "surprise" in the
middle was top draw. The crowds voice on dignity was probably the best I
have seen. And surely we should be releasing Homesick to the world now.
Another top gig. Keep em coming. Rick (NTMH)
|
York
Barbican Centre 2nd November 2001 |
Ricky's
set was completely new to me - liked the one about the Germans & so
did the crowd which I guess was then at about 60% capacity. For the
main DB set the hall appeared full & the band were very well
received. Good mix of tracks old & new & great to hear
Lorraine on lead vocals for Bethlehem's Gate & Cover From The Sky.
Mass crowd participation on Dignity, Wages Day, Fergus Sings The Blues
& others. My only reservations were some of the audience who
insisted on going in & out of the hall with monotonous regularity -
even Ricky noticed & commented. Weak bladders, nicotine
addiction or just plain rudeness??! (Same thing happened @ Nottingham in
May) I also thought the vocals levels needed increasing against the band
or the band levels needed decreasing as I felt the words were being
drowned out at times.
Overall though another excellent concert. If your chosen venue is still to
come then you are in for a treat! David
Great Gig, a
marvellous set list included a complete mix: old favourites such as
Dignity, Real gone Kid Wages Day and Loaded got the crowd going and
equally new greats such as Homesick kept us involved. They also played my
personal favourite 'Circus Lights', thanks!! Loved the smaller venue after
being stuck at the back of the Royal Albert Hall the last two times. OK
the acoustics aren't as good but being so close to the stage more than
made up for this.
All in all well worth the drive from Basingstoke and staying at the
mother-in-law-to-be's house for the whole weekend, you can't get a better
endorsement than that!! when is the next tour?! Batch
|
Sunderland
Empire Theatre 3rd November 2001 |
Excellent
from start to finish. Ricky`s stuff was outstanding Favorite was Rodeo
Boy! Deacons were on fire. Jim was as good as ever, maturity and age an
all that. Like a good wine just when you think its perfect it seems to
just get that bit better.
Sweat Jim very very Sweat. Lorraine was stunning even in see through
pink skirt nice one girl.
Dave must have been exhausted the way he made those Yamaha`s rock Nice
Kit. Graeme your just so cool words fail me. First class sound and
lighting was the icening on the cake. Dave Stox
|
Sheffield
City Hall 4th November 2001 |
No
Review |
Croydon
Fairfield Hall 9th November 2001 |
Morning...
This is going to be quick as I'm currently staying at a friends house in
Southampton...before going to the gig tonight. Croydon was great.. despite
the annoying bloke wanting to touch up Ricky's leg... The Skyliners were
dancing from the off...Mel was sitting 2 seats away from Me and we Guessed
that the space between us would be filled by Ali and Her Suitcase!!!
Highlights for me... 'Back here in Beanoland'(I guess the request
worked!!), The Wildness, Circus Lights and Loaded but also Lorraine's
version of Bethlehems Gate What a voice!!!.
The band are sounding fantastic! Ricky's set sounded great, I
particularly liked Nothing Cures that...My best mate Sarah came with me
her first DB concert...And she is now a Convert...I think we should all
bring someone new to a gig!!! Looking forward to Southampton tonight
(Thanks for the free tickets guys!) I'll be dancing from the off!!! Oh and
if you fancy doing Like a rolling stone...Feel Free!!! Ads
|
Folkstone
Leas Cliff Hall 10th November 2001 |
Having
been a DB fan since they began, my husband bought tickets to see them at
Folkestone. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that they
would come to little old Folkestone, so you can imagine how excited I was.
The only thing worrying me was that my husband did not really know any of
their stuff and I thought he might be bored..... how much further from the
truth could that have been!
He jumped about and cheered and clapped as much as me and now he is
converted Deacon Blue fan. He is quickly learning the words to the
songs and has bought Homesick, yet another fab album. I may have led
a sheltered life, but I have to say that it was truly the best night of my
life and Ricky is just such a brilliant performer. We love you
Deacon Blue and pleeeease come back to Folkestone.xx. Tammy |
Southampton
Guildhall 11th November 2001 |
No
Review |
Llandudno
North Wales Theatre 16th November 2001 |
Exhilarating, foot-stomping and bursting with energy.....and that was just
the crowd!!!.... I have to admit I was more than a little sceptical when I
heard about this gig. Was it the right venue?...was it the right
town?...well the answer to this was YES...OH YES!!!. Having endured
the awkwardness of the Palace Theatre Manchester, I was sure that the band
would get a fairly lukewarm reception at another pantomime theatre.
Ricky's set was very good, great to hear such variety in his choice of
songs, Henry Thomas a good surprise as was Love Isn't Hard It's Strong, a
song I've wanted to hear live for sooooooo long. Again the new songs
sounded good, with Nothing Cures That sounding better on every listen.
Deacon Blue come on with the most energetic opening I've ever
seen....how old are they again?.....young enough to rock it seems. With
the exception of Your Swaying Arms the first 8 songs are rockin' and
comin'-right-atcha' with almost no break to catch your breath.
Good variety throughout, I wasn't expecting Rae, or Raintown, but they
were VERY welcome ;)
The venue had fantastic acoustics, and hats off to the crowd who got up
for song 3 Circus Lights and stayed up for the whole gig.
Two complaints, one for the band, it took until Circus Lights for them
to sort Ricky's sound levels out. And one for the fans, who let that Welsh
sheep farmer in?.....the guy whistling for his border collie,
coincidently in time with Lorraine's vocal parts? w****r!!!
Small gripes for such a great night,........and finally.....comment of
the night.....the guy two rows back from me, commenting on Lorraine's
attire............"Cor'....she's wearing a G
String" Neil
I have never
been a big Deacon Blue fan but listened to them because my husband Tony
is. I agreed to the night out as long as I was treated to a meal at
our favourite Italian Restaurant in Llandudno 'Gigolo'.
I came out of the concert on cloud nine and haven't come down since. Ricky
was absolutely superb, not only is he a talented song writer but a
tremendous performer! I also felt part of the concert something I have not
experienced since I was much younger when I pogoed to the likes of the
Police and Squeeze. I can't believe the spare seat in the Theatre but this
didn't spoil the performance of any of the band they all gave their
everything.
For Tony it was a dream come true he had waited so long to see this
band live, but to actually see them perform at a small venue made the
whole experience that much more enjoyable. He especially enjoyed
Lorraine's solo.
Thanks for a great gig and making a forty something feel like a twenty
something again!!! Can't wait for your next tour. Hope it will
be at small venues again. I also enjoyed the Italian a perfect end to a
perfect night. Liz
|
Peterborough
The Broadway 17th November 2001 |
Well,
my ears are shot to bits and I've just got home from the best
DB gig in 16 years. Just wanted to echo Neil's review at Llandudno and add
to that anyone going to see the remainder of the gigs on this tour, you're
in for a treat! Not much more can be said about a very polished
performance with the several new arrangements very welcome.... Even the
bald heads and grey hairs in the crowd got up and rocked.
One pathetic comment from some constantly chattering girlies in row K
"who's this Ricky Ross bloke doing the warm up anyway? shall we go
and have a drink while he's on?".......no respect or what?
Congratulations to the band on continuing to be the most original and
accomplished musicians in the UK.
PS. Ricky why did you have to appear on that STV 'Comedy' quiz earlier
this week? you were way above the other contestants intellect. Martin
This was my
third of four Homesick 2 gigs...they are just getting better! An unusual
looking venue...nice comfy seats for those who intended to sit down!
Ricky's set was fantastic...first comment from all when we spotted the 2
mics..he's gonna do 'What You Are'! Shame no 'This is the Life'. I keep
saying it but I cannot wait for the new album! I am listening at the
moment to the song that kicks it all of...This Train! I will never tire of
this being the opening song...the driving rhythm makes me want to dance
everytime! Highlights: Bethlehem's Gate (as always!), Jackie, Jesus,
Silverlake...but most of all Rae. I thought it was great the first time I
heard it, then went off it a bit, but having heard it live...well I feel
like I've developed a new set of ears! BLISS!
A rousing burst of Fergus...probably one of my least fave album tracks,
but one of my fave live ones!!! And what an ending...Loaded/How Can A Poor
Man..BRILLIANT! Lows...no Circus Lights or Swaying but at!
least I've rediscovered Rae! A surprisingly (after a little warming
up) enthusiastic crowd - at least they listened to Ricky and danced to the
band! And my confession...I arrived there, turned to Tonya and said, well
I know I'm in Peterborough, but where exactly in the country am I? Thanks
for solving that one for me Ton! Apologies for my ignorance! GREAT STUFF! Ali
|
London
Shepherds Bush Empire 18th November 2001 |
Wow
what a night.....I got to Shepherds Bush around 4 O'clock after a
nightmare 3 and a half hour Train Journey. (It would seem THIS train
would take me anywhere I didn't want to go!) Met up with my mate Alex
and settled in for a swift pint. I wondered outside at 5 to look for Rob
and Mel and all...No sign of them but the sweet sound of the Blue
wafting out the stage door was to much for this skyliner...Seizing my
chance I dashed through the open stage door...and followed the sound of
music...to come face to face with the band sound checking...(Memories
are made of these things) Lorraine said a chirpy Hello and for a few
minutes I was left to watch the band soundcheck Loaded...Fantastic
stuff...Ten minutes later the meat wagon came to pick me up...(Or at
least the bouncer...)
Anyway on to the gig... Ricky's set is Awesome... I Can't wait for the
new album to come out...In fact since my return... It has been Ricky's
solo stuff that I have been humming in my head not Deacon Blue...As
Ricky said the front row is starting to look familiar...but we skyliners
showed London how to dance!!! The band just seemed to be having such a
good time...And the additional members just add SO much to the songs I
can't imagine DB without them...Highlights for me??? This is the life
and Nothing cures that from Ricky's set... As for The Blue...The
Wildness...Circus Lights...Bethlehems Gate...and Homesick has been
turned into a classic...
I think the best thing about this tour has been the variety of songs
played...no night has been the same...it just shows what a wealth of
good songs they have... Anyway Shepherds Bush was the last gig for me
this year...Thanks to the band for the great nights...thanks to the
Skyliners for the good times and See you next year at Ricky's Shows and
hopefully a DB Tour in the autumn/winter! Cheers!!! Adam Rowse
Well, what can
I say? I was completely blown away - the band were absolutely fantastic.
I grew up with Deacon Blue and hadn't really listened to them much over
the past few years. But I still harboured a huge soft spot for
them, so took another 'old' fan along to the gig.
As they say, the old ones are always the best......Real Gone Kid,
Beanoland and of course Dignity during the main set...........rarely
have I seen a band play with so much passion - Ricky sounded just great,
but Lorraine was almost the star of the show.
The crowd ensured they came on from an encore, when they played Loaded,
Queen of the New Year (when it looked as though they were going to dive
into the crowd!).
Best thing for me was the fact that I remembered all the words !!!
Ricky and Lorraine looked as though they were having such a fantastic
time.
Deacon Blue - I urge you, do not split up again for a long, long time !!
Sally
|
Bradford
St George Hall 23rd November 2001 |
When
I told my 16-year-old son I was going to Bradford to see Deacon Blue in
concert, his immediate response was "Who are they?" Being
born in the mid 80's, obviously he is a little too young to remember a
band whose hits were mainly at the end of the 1980's and early 1990's.
But once I played one of my CD's with tracks such as "Fergus sings
the blues", "Dignity" and "Real gone kid" on it,
he immediately knew who I was talking about.
Whilst not one of the 80's "supergroups" such as Queen, Genesis
and Culture Club, Deacon Blue were, nevertheless, a very popular band and
still have a large following 10 years after their main hits were in the
charts. The band was founded by Ricky Ross back in 1985 and whilst
their early single releases were unsuccessful, the release in 1988 of
"Real gone kid" was a major turning point, receiving much
airplay and entering the top ten. The following year it was voted
the second best single in the Brit awards at the same time as the follow
up single "Wages Day" was entering the charts. Their
second album, "When the world knows your name" released in May
1989, entered the charts at Number 1, knocking Madonna's "Like a
prayer" off the top spot.
The concert at St George's Hall, Bradford, was a sell out and the audience
was not disappointed. The first part of the concert was a solo
session by Ricky Ross, whose debut album "This is the life" is
due out in March 2002 and who was using the tour to promote this to the
Deacon Blue fans. Titles he performed were "Threatening
Rain", "When you are young", The further north",
Indigo Sky", "Nothing cures that", "What you are"
and the title track of the album "This is the life".
After the break the band itself were on stage for nearly 1½ hours and
during that time performed 21 songs, both old and new. "Your
town" and "Chocolate Girl" softened up the audience for
what was to come. Then, as soon as the first couple of bars of
"Real Gone Kid" started, the audience were on their feet and
bopping around like teenagers once again - which is of course what most of
them were when the song was first released 13 years ago. Newer
material during the concert included "Rae", "This
Train" and "A is for Astronaut" from the
"Homesick" album released earlier this year.
The band has lost none of its charisma over the last 10 years, which can
clearly be seen from this performance. The release for Christmas of
"The Very Best of Deacon Blue" is well timed to coincide with
this current tour which concludes shortly in the band's home town of
Glasgow. The album contains 36 tracks covering the period 1987 up to
the present day including two of the songs from the "Homesick"
album.
It was a great show and one that will be remembered for a long time by the
Deacon Blue fans in West Yorkshire. John Burland |
Newport,
Newport Centre 24th November 2001 |
You
guys will have to forgive me on Ricky's setlist coz until this tour I new
hardy any of his material. Needless to say I am now hooked and will be
seeking out both albums in the next few days.
Tonight was fantastic. The crowd were good - not as good as some and there
were a few too many empty seats. Those that did occupy seats - SHAME ON
YOU. Was there glue on your backsides? Lorraine looked totally shocked
when even throughout RGK and Wages Day you all remained seated!!! Needless
to say the hardcore fans at the front were larging it!! Nice to meet Kym
there and Ali again...Ali's night was made all the more special when Ricky
was all over her during Raintown....that's the redist i've seen anyone
ever go!!
Ok - setlist...
This Train Will Take You Anywhere
Your Town
Ragman
Only Tender Love (which gets a special thumbs up)
Twist And Shout
A Is For Astronaut
Real Gone Kid
Wages Day
Deportees - i'm getting to love this!!!
I Am Born
Chocolate Girl
Love And Regret!!!!!!!!!!
Raintown
Silverlake - my fave off Homesick!
Fergus Sings The Blues
I'll Never Fall In Love Again
Dignity
Homesick
Wild Horses - magical!
When Will You Make My Phone Ring
Queen Of The New Year
That's my 3 concerts over - role on Ricky's solo tour!!!
Thanks to Ricky and Deacon Blue for making this year memorable beyond
belief! ) Simon R
This was my
final of four gigs. Very disappointing to see a part-full venue, but I was
determined to not let it spoil my last gig! Much of the setlist was made
up of the well-known songs. Ragman was fantastic...I really wasn't
expecting to hear it! The people around where I was stood (right in front
of Ricky!) seemed to be having a good time, but the seated stayed seated,
which made Ricky's RGK rant seem much more amusing and appropriate - I
didn't look to see if anyone did actually leave the building! Great to
hear Love and Regret and I Am Born. But of course my highlight was singing
along with Ricky in Raintown - I had little choice being held round the
neck by the man but hey, who'd refuse?!! Silverlake has become a real
stomper - but to be honest any song after Raintown had an extra special
glow to it! I hope the people that were having fun, singing and dancing
made up for the lack of punters! Ali :)
|
Blackburn
King George's Hall 25th November 2001 |
The
first time I have been privileged to see Ricky perform his solo stuff with
a full band. It is always good to see the band being given full freedom to
do their own thing. Mick Slaven must be one of the most underrated
guitarists in the business.
The venue has only just been reopened to bands but one has to wonder why.
The view from every part of the theatre is amazing. One problem with a
hall like that is sound-checking. The hall is essentially bare and
unupholstered this means the sound changes during a performance with
everyone in place. The sound from the balcony was loud and at times,
unclear. I was able to get into the circle later though and everything
sounded fine from there. Personally that was no problem because I knew all
the songs but my companion for the night had a little difficulty.
The set was interesting with several "new" live songs for me.
Lorraine's performance of "Bethlehem's Gate" was outstanding.
"Love's Great Fears" gave me goose pimples and it is easy to see
why it is one of Ricky's favourites. The band showed an amazing amount of
energy considering it is the last official gig on the tour. Everyone
looked happy to be there and that transmitted to the crowd. There were the
usual hecklers, which Ricky dealt with quite well. I noticed that any that
he answered soon shut up. The "yeah, get some!" in answer to the
guy who kept yelling "Dignity" through the solo set was truly
memorable but it worked. It will be a shame if the band really does call
it a day this time as Ricky suggested might happen but what a way to go
out as far as the English gigs were concerned. Ian |
Edinburgh
Usher Hall 1st December 2001 |
No
Review |
Glasgow
Royal Concert Hall 3rd December 2001 |
No
Review |
|