Review : Cliffs Pavillion Southend On Sea
Southend Theatre Scene 27th November 2018

To Be Here Someday 
Celebrating 30 Years of Deacon Blue 
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea
27th November 2018
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
On the eleventh night of a twenty four show tour, Deacon Blue were truly back in the groove performing some their best hits and a few surprise medleys, celebrating the last 30 years of the iconic Scottish 80’s band.

With four out of the six original line up, Ricky Ross, his beautiful wife Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond (drums) and James Prime (keyboard) joined by Gregor Phillip on lead guitar and Lewis Gordon on bass. 

With a sold out Cliffs Pavilion in anticipation of whether or not the band can still deliver after a 10 year break of touring - the answer and response was a huge resounding YES!   Deacon Blue started off the night with I Was Right and You Were Wrong, which was a slow but powerful start to an action packed night, furthering on with a staggering 24 songs, which included sing along tracks from the first two albums.

When Will You Make My Phone Ring saw front man Ricky Ross slow it down and take a well earned rest on keyboards and for them to also take the opportunity to slip in the classic from the Motown highlights Have You Seen Her;  and a great medley that went down well with the enthusiastic audience.   

From then on in Ricky Ross had the audience standing and singing Wages Day, Real Gone Kid, Your Town plus many more.   From a pure musical production perspective Deacon Blue were incredible with the effervescent Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross harmonising as well as ever. 
A perfect encore of Chocolate Girl, Dignity and Fergus Sings the Blues had everyone singing along with such enthusiasm that I'm sure there will be a few sore throats for the morning after!  The Cliffs Pavilion audience literally wanted more and they weren't to be disappointed!

Deacon Blue fittingly finally came out for the last encore and sang the Elvis Presley classic You Were Always on My Mind , dedicating it to the faithful followers who came back to see them after 30 years from the beginning of their career.   

One thing is certain, after such an amazing performance from the band at the Southend gig, there's no doubt that Deacon Blue will remain always on our minds. 
Until the next time....

Review:  Phil Jarman