The Roadhouse Manchester 5/10/97

The last time Ricky trod the boards of  Manchester he was playing to 30,000 people on a  Bon Jovi support slot.A year on,a little older,a little wiser and a hell of a lot quieter he ventured into the Roadhouse.A crowd of around 30 saw a short acoustic support slot from Diesel Park West singer John Butler before Ricky hit the stage at 9.10pm

For the main event around 100 fans spaced themselves around the room,no-one really daring to get too close.As Ricky came on guitar in hand,opening with the lead track from his new lp "My Only Tie".The highlight of the set was a stunning version of "What You Are" which devoid of it's usual instrumentation and studio tomfoolery  really rocked.

"Dignity" got an airing to the delight of the crowd who helped Ricky sing that oh so familiar intro,in fact if Ricky hadn't of played "Dignity" he may not have noticed his audience as no sound was heard during any other song in the set.

"Ash Wednesday" signalled the end the set and despite Ricky having a tough time with some of the guitar parts particulary "Jack Singer" the show was a success,although I think most people went home with the feeling he deserved a lot better than the Manchester Roadhouse could offer him.Neil Parry

GUITAR	PIANO
My Only Tie
Blue Horse
Good Evening Philadelphia
Jack Singer
	I'm Sure Buddy Would Know
	Love And Regret
	The Further North You Go
	Dignity
Earth A Little Lighter
Cold Easter
What You Are
	The Undeveloped Heart/I'll Get You*
	Disneyworld
	Closing Time
Orphans
Ash Wednesday

* Cover Version Of A Beatles Song, From The Album Past Masters Volume 1