Marc Almond yesterday announced his Hits and Pieces tour for 2017 – tagged All the Hits , a 60th year celebration. This accompanies the February release of his Greatest Hits package of the same name.
This a short five date tour as the former Soft Cell frontman is planning something more substantial for the Autumn. The gigs though should be fantastic nights, featuring ‘every hit you want and more – some for the last time and some for the first, and last time’
The tour calls at
London Roundhouse - 22 March
Perth Concert Hall – 25 March
York Barbican – 26 March
Buxton Opera House – 27 March
Warrington Parr Hall – 28 March
There is a presale tomorrow (Thursday), follow @marcalmond for the links (as at time of this being posted it wasn’t known) otherwise normal sale from Friday 9th December
On 26th April 2017 it will be 25 year since Sgt Wilkos troops went out at Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United in the most bizarre of games. That game ended 3-2 and (barring the little matter of Liverpool beating Man U later that afternoon – which they did) meant that Leeds United were Champions of England. The Last Champions is one tag given to that side, the following year football changed for ever and money became absolute king.
In recent years, those pretenders from over the hill have been masquerading their young players of that era as The Class of ’92. Well that class in dismissed, the real Class of ’92 is that team of players that against the odds delivered the title to Leeds
To commemorate and celebrate that fantastic achievement, MJK Sports Event will be hosting a special evening with that class.
Manager and chief architect of that team Howard “Sgt Wilko” Wilkinson will be there to relieve his memories of a fantastic season. He will be joined by midfield maestro Gary McAllister. The four man defence that frustrated so many that season will also be there, marauding right back and rocket like free kick taker Mel “Zico” Sterland, cultured left back Tony Dorigo and the centre backs, Jon Newsome and Chris Whyte. Midfield general and contributor of crucial goals, Steve Hodge joins the initial group of players announced.
The audience with.. style event will see all of the players interviewed before being joined by Sgt Wilko of an extended insight into that monumental season. An audience Q and A will follow and during the evening there will be extended videos of that season unfolding.
VIP seats, of which they are just 96 will also get the opportunity for a personal meet and greet / photo opportunity with the players and boss
The Real Class of 1992: Leeds United, Champions will be held in Keighley on 26th April 2017
For more information visit http://mjksportsevents.co.uk/event/the-real-class-of-92/ and follow MJK for future player appearance announcements @mjksportsevents
A series of live shows have been announced at Europe’s largest open air theatre, here in Yorkshire. Scarborough Open Air Theatre has hosted many sell out shows over the last couple of years, including sets from the likes of Noel Gallagher, Simply Red, Bryan Adams and James Bay.
Now there are plans to up the number of shows per year from the current 10 to 18 which should see around 108,000 fans attend. Given that around 50% of tickets are sold outside the Town, this is a major tourism boost for the Yorkshire coastal resort.
The 2017 season starts with the legendary Beach Boys, with a hit packed career spanning more than 50 years they are rightly acclaimed as one of the influential bands of all time. With classic hits such as I Get Around, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows and Good Vibrations amongst many more, the Beach Boys have multi-generational appeal and will bring their critically acclaimed show to Scarborough on May 29th
Recently announced for June 16 are The Charlatans, with 22 Top 40 singles and three number one albums, their back catalogue is a jukebox of indie rocks greatest hits including the unmistakable swagger of The Only One I know, North County Boy, How High, Weirdo and 2015s Come Home Baby.
Cliff Richard arrives on June 26 while just four days later on the 30th the resurgent UB40 (ft Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue) will stride into town with their Grandslam tour. With 17 top 10 singles including Red Red Wine, I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, the trio are backed on stage by a fantastic eight piece reggae band, Ali Campbell promises to “pull out all the favourites (you) love the most”
The final show – currently – is Olly Murs, the chart topping star arriving for a balmy evening in the Scarborough sunshine. Possibly. 2016 has been an incredible year for Olly which has seen him celebrate his fourth number one album and become the most successful solo artist ever to come from the X Factor. To date he has sold more than 10 million records, this is sure to be a sell out.
More date and artist are to be confirmed, subscribe to this thread
Tickets for all shows are now on sale at
www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.scarboroughopenairtheatre.com
Additionally in person / over the phones from the Scarborough Open Air Theatre box office (0844 844 0444) or Yorkshire Coast Tourism Bureau (01723 383636
Gino D’Acampo the UK’s favourite Italian chef promises to add some sparkle to
the Leeds restaurant scene this Christmas with the opening of his new Restaurant
& Prosecco Bar
Gino D’Acampo; the UK’s favourite Italian chef, will open his restaurant, Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, on Wednesday 7th December, just in time for Christmas. Located in the heart of the city on Park Row, right opposite Jamie’s Italian, and will open all day every day serving lunch until late.
Gino’s popularity continues to go from strength to strength with his rating busting primetime TV series, Gino’s Italian Escape now into its 4th series. Gino is also a firm fixture on day time television, regularly appearing on This Morning and other primetime shows including Celebrity Juice, alongside his close friend Leigh Francis better known to fans as Keith Lemon. He has just announced an 18-date national tour of Gino’s Italian Escape for 2017 in April and May )
The opening in Leeds follows the hugely successful launch of his restaurant brand Gino D’Acampo My restaurant in Manchester and London’s Euston station in 2016. Gino plans to open more pasta bars & restaurants in major cities and travel hubs, both in the UK and internationally. The 150-cover restaurant is over two floors and includes an open kitchen, deli bar overlooking Park Row and a cool basement Prosecco Bar.
The design has a true Italian feel, with the use of white marble, washed woods and Riva green leather reflecting Gino’s passion for his homeland of Naples in Southern Italy.
Gino promises to serve real Italian food as it should be. The day to evening menu is packed full of favourites from his books and TV programmes. No compromises are taken on any recipes and Gino insists on the use of well sourced, seasonal, artisan ingredients by utilising his vast range of contacts across the diverse regions of Italy.
It’s not just the food Gino is keen to make a statement with. His Prosecco Bar showcases an all Italian list of more than 40 Prosecco’s, sparkling wines and regional wines all available by the glass. The wine list is complemented by classic Italian cocktails including seasonal Bellini’s, artisan Italian Beers and last but not least great Neapolitan coffee.
Gino says “When I am back home in Italy I love visiting cool bars for Aperitivo….an Italian tradition for a pre-dinner drink with friends. I love it. At My Prosecco Bar its Aperitivo time 4pm while 6.30pm everyday where my guests can drink, relax and also enjoy some wonderful Cicchetti on me! Salute!”
He goes on to say. “After months of planning for the opening, I can’t wait to welcome guests to My Restaurant Leeds at this wonderful time of year”
We will be paying our first of several visits on 11th December, watch this space for our review!
Opening Times:
Restaurant: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm. Sunday’s 12pm- 10.30pm.
The restaurant will be serving Neapolitan coffee from 10am.
Book a table:
Online: www.GinoDacampoRestaurants.com
Call: 0113 244 3220
Email: leeds@ginodacamporestaurants.com
Address: 11/12 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HD
Be social:
Twitter: @ginorestleeds
Facebook: Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant Leeds
Instagram: @ginomyrestleeds
There is no doubt, that for any child of a certain age – and certain of their dads, a trip to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Theme Park is several dreams come true. For my son Joe, at 2¾ and a Thomas fanatic, almost word perfect on the Theme tune and able to identify every engine at 100 yards. He was beyond excitement as we checked in to the Parks own Hotel the night before..
This though is where you were reminded – as if a glance out of the window didn’t already confirm – that you were in Britain where generally good customer service is the exception rather than the rule. Having used Theme Park hotels in the States, the clear intention there is for staff to maintain if not ramp up significantly the excitement levels, furnish you with every detail and every park map you need to ensure those levels remain.
The UK model exercised, amongst other by Drayton Manor is to knock all excitement out of you, leave you having to eek out every detail you might need, such as what time the park opens, what rides will be open, do any of the bars have Sky Sports (ok that was just me) whilst being as downbeat as possible. Even a simple request as to the location of the lifts (they are out of sight at check in) was met with little more than a grunt.
Our room was billed as a family room but was actually an executive room. In my experience an family room is light and airy, colourful perhaps and built for families. They are not executive rooms, dark wood, soul-less and just a little tired. Parts came off in your hand in the bath and shower, windows had a weird catch the like we had never seen before which took an age to close…. This room becomes a family room exclusively by virtue of the number of beds available. It is of course true that Thomas themed rooms are available, at a premium, sadly none were available at the time of booking.
Having had a hectic day already and then travelling down from Yorkshire, Joe was exhausted and by 7pm was in his bed, time for the grown-ups to order food and some drinks to the room, we should have known better, cold and tasteless. That’s the food.
So breakfast the next morning and we are all excited, trying to get Joe to eat, too giddy.. and then…darkness. Oh no Drayton Manor haven’t paid their ‘leccy bill. Actually it seems the whole area, including the Theme Park has suffer a power cut, so the already luke warm food was chilling nicely, no toasters, no juice machines… We retreated to the playground outside as several families had waiting on news.
THOMAS LAND IS OPEN! the cry goes up, power is restored. and like the first day of the Next sale, the families drop everything and dash towards the park…
For this Christmas season much of Drayton is closed but of key interest to the little Santa believers, Thomas land is a collection of Thomas the Tank engine themed rides almost all suitable for the younger end such as Joe. As we walked down, we came across The Fat Controller, himself walking to take up his duties. Joe was thrilled as he spoke to him, excited beyond belief. And then, there it is, first glimpse of Winston, the controllers car on his whistle stop tour ride and then there is Harold the Helicopter, Scruff, Captain, Flynn, the troublesome trucks, all of Joes favourites right there, going through their paces in preparation for opening.
And then spotted in the distance, chugging his way into Knapford station… its Thomas, with his Rudolph red nose, antlers and fairly lights, the smile on Joe’s face was priceless, the rides are now open..
Flynns Fire Rescue
This is a ride that suffers seasonally, in summer I imagine its great fun standing on the back of Flynn and squirting water at a ‘burning’ building as you go round. In winter its decided that it would be too cold for water and so it is a largely pointless exercise though thanks to our child’s imagination and ‘pretend’ hoses he enjoys it so much that both Mum and Dad get a turn on the ride.
Jeremy Jets Flying Academy
A great ride for the little ones, taking controls of a plane – well you can send it up or down – Joe tells me we are flying to the sunshine and swimming pools. We must be horrendously delayed as we never got there.
Captains Sea Adventure
Sit in Captain and beam the spotlights into the water (see, its search and rescue) whilst spinning around – a little faster than we anticipated but Joe is unfazed and this was a contender for a second ride
Blue Mountain Engines
A simple ride based on the smaller trains like Skarloey etc.. a basic sit and go round but again because of the characters its great fun for the little ones.
Winston’s Whistle-stop Tour.
An aerial car ride, giving your little on the chance to drive Winston on an inspection of Sodor, there is an amusing in car commentary which adds to the fun and the tour offers great views across the park
Sodor Classic Cars
Directly underneath Winston and a tenuous link as how many times do you see cars on Sodor, especially of this vintage. Again the little ones get to drive along this guided track through the farm land. Again one that Joe wanted to do twice..
Harold’s Helicopter Tours
Again an aerial roundabout type ride but again one that thills as they fly Harold while Mum and Dad relax in the back
Ladys Carousel
One of the most sedate rides suitable for even the very youngest.. Daisy and her carriages on a small roundabout
Diesels Locomotive Mayhem
One of the rides that Joe had most fun on, especially as he got to go on xx. Travelling around in a figure of eight, so many near crashes and close misses.
Carousel
Joe has always loved these big old fashioned carousels and again this was one he did twice
Finally we visited the Castle for (another) meeting with Santa, our appointment was 2pm but we were accommodated early, that said that is and nearly always is apparently a 15minute wait. There is nothing to see or do during this wait which is a missed opportunity. Finally you are split into two queues behind closed doors and alternately families are led through into a corridor with several doors, green and red lights above them. Now the adult cynic might say there were , shock several Santa’s at play here, controlling safe entry via a red and green entry system. That said, our particular Santa, though not as old as I would have expected by now, was highly personable, very friendly and coaxed all the relevant info out of Joe.
The present were a bit of a let-down, a corporate Elf cuddly toy, the slide in the pound against the euro and dollar seems to have hit Santa too this year.
There were other things we just didn’t have the time or inclination to do, we didn’t actually take the very short train ride up to the zoo etc.. seemed like too much time was wasted queuing Nor did we visit the Zoo, there aren’t a great many animals and the key Christmas attractions are the Reindeers which can be seen as you exit the Castle. The Troublesome Trucks ride is a small scale roller coaster and not suitable for small children, I quite fancied it but this was a special day for our Son, a treat before he stops being an only child! Tobys Tram Experience, Cranky Crane, Bertie Bus are all more vigorous rides and not suitable for our little one but look good fun for those a little older.
As we climbed into our car for the journey back up North, Joe couldn’t stop chattering about his favourite rides and wanting to tell Nana all about it. Ten minutes later he was fast asleep. Joe will take some lovely memories away from this, it really is perfect, as Parent we too took immense joy in seeing his enjoyment but the visit was tainted by the poor service and accommodation at the Hotel which had massively increased the cost of our visit.
The winter season continues and we thoroughly recommend you visit if you are so inclined but select from a range of offsite accommodation unless you can get a themed rood. We only wish we had..
Lotherton Halls Christmas Event adverts and its 12 days of Christmas walk immediately draws comparisons with Stockeld parks long established walk.
There the comparisons end though as what LCC have put together for the 12 installations are generally poor and lacking in imagination, sound or light. The woods around the Hall don’t have the same intensity or darkness either of Stockeld, it just doesn’t work here. For example the Lords-a-leaping are represented by static figures that neither move nor light up, Neither do they pipe. Each of the 4 calling birds down to the Partridge in a pear tree can be easily missed up in trees with no colour light or sound to attract.
There are some “Have-a-go” type stalls to represent certain days but there are set for older children than ours and were crowded with adults anyway as we approached.
Earlier we had visited the Elfs workshop and that was a good session where the children, with help could make a little reindeer feed to leave out on that most important night. It’s a fun little hands on experience and is the precursor to visiting Santa. There is a little diversion in the form of sing along Christmas songs and letters to Santa and then it’s in to see the big man. Authentic? well he looked the part, age, whiskers, coat. He engaged well enough with our little one. As seems to be trend this year, presents seem a bit generic and poor. Thin books or teddy bears, Joe got the bear and to be honest he likes it as it was given to him by Santa.
Overall, was it worth it? Well to get into the grounds, Adults must purchase an estate entry at £5.50, children under 4 are free. Then for the Elf workshop and Santa it’s another £9.95 for the child only so just over £20. Personally I would rather have paid the tenner and let Joe do the Elf Village and Santa, it would have been better value.
This is Lothertons first Christmas event and in my opinion needs a rethink should it choose to go again in 2017.
Pontefract Races today confirmed what we leaked briefly last week that Bananarama will be playing their 80s night after racing next May, 26th 2017
This year’s night was headlined by Bucks Fizz and was a resounding success with the majority of racegoers packing into the parade ring for a hugely entertaining set of Fizz classics and medleys of some of the decades most memorable songs by other artists.
Bananarama have carved out a niche as purveyors of top 80s pop, a huge back catalogue of hits to pick from, Venus, Cruel Summer, Love in The First Degree, I Heard A Rumour, I want You Back and many many more.
We have seen the Nana’s at many Rewind type festivals and they are always one of if not the highlight, always a professional but fun set and one not to miss
The band will perform on the raised grass area next to the Parade Ring and will be on stage as soon as the horses have left the area after the running of the last race – between 9.20pm and 9.30pm.
Racegoers from all enclosures will be able to move to the Grandstand & Paddock Enclosure to watch the performance.
The audience is encouraged to go IN TO THE PARADE RING to watch the concert.
For safety reasons, after the last race, there will be NO ACCESS to the stepped area in between the raised grassed area and the Parade Ring.
A disabled viewing area is available in front of the saddling boxes. Should you need assistance, please ask one of the designated helpers in the hi-vis tabards.
Bars around the Parade Ring will stay open after the last race during the concert.
Last orders will be at 10.30pm.
Get your tickets before they sell out - book here
David Walliams new sketch show, Walliams and Friend to BBC one this month. The ‘Friend’ will be different every week and among them are Harry Enfield, Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson and Sheridan Smith. A Christmas special with Hugh Bonneville is also in the can.
Thanks to our friends at the Beeb, we had a brief catch up with David earlier this week..
Were you eager to return to sketch comedy with Walliams & Friend?
I wanted to reconnect with something purely comic. This show has no agenda - it’s just there to make you laugh. It’s rather old-fashioned in that way, like The Two Ronnies.
Why do you think sketch shows remain popular?
A sketch show is a great way of doing comedy, because it is constantly reinventing itself. If you don’t like one sketch, another one will be along in a minute. People often try to write off sketch shows and say that they’re finished, but they are a perfectly valid way of doing comedy. You can also cover a lot of ground doing sketches. You can do everything from spoofs to relationship comedy.
Were you anxious to make a show that does not replicate your huge sketch show hit, Little Britain?
Yes. The big thing for me was to be different from Little Britain. On that show, we didn’t do historical sketches or spoofs. Little Britain had a very strong idea of its own identity. I didn’t want Walliams & Friend to be like a spin-off of that. I wanted it to be very much its own thing.
Is there an advantage of having a different guest star every week?
Yes, It means the show can reinvent itself week to week. It feels very fresh and never gets boring. In other sketch shows, there are a lot of reasons why you end up doing the same characters every week. You need at least a hundred sketches for a series, and that’s very hard. But if you’re writing for specific people, you can constantly reinvent the show.
In addition to your guest stars, you are featuring some old-school celebrities such as Bob Carolgees and Spit The Dog in the sketches, aren’t you?
Yes. I loved working with them all. For instance, it was great filming with the Chuckle Brothers. They’re so talented. They’re natural clowns. They’re very hard workers, too. They come prepared with lots of ideas and really deliver. I’d love to work with them more. It would be great to have them on set every day because they’re such fun!
So tell us why you chose your six guest stars in this series? Firstly Jack Whitehall
He’s so, so funny. In fact, he is too funny. He needs to be stopped! He made me feel really old when he told me, “I used to love watching Little Britain when I was at school”.
“I’m sorry, how old are you?” He’s still in his 20s. It’s absurd!
What about Meera Syal?
She is fantastic. She is very nice, very intelligent and brilliantly funny. Having been in Goodness Gracious Me she’s a wonderful sketch performer. But she’s also a really good serious actor - she’s been in dramas such as Broadchurch before. So she’s got a lot of gravitas - unlike me! She is excellent with scripts, and very committed to everything. Meera and I also had the delight of doing a sketch with Jeanette Krankie!
And Sheridan Smith?
She’s a consummate actress. She’s proven herself on stage and she’s a huge star in musicals. She has that vulnerability and likeability that you can really play on. She’s like Julie Walters - there is nothing she can’t do. Although she is known for comedy, you could give Sheridan any dramatic role and she would excel in it. Not many people have that talent.
One of our favourite actresses, Miranda Richardson?
She is an incredibly classy actress. She is iconic to the nation because of Blackadder Two. Although it is now 30 years ago, her performance as Queenie is still emblazoned on our imagination. She has done comedy before, with French and Saunders. She is a brilliant and incredibly committed performer. Because she’s such a great actress, everything she does is believable.
And comedy legend Harry Enfield?
I’ve always been in awe of him. He is one of my absolute favourite comedians. I loved him when I was growing up. When he did Stavros and Loadsamoney on Saturday Live it was so fresh. It’s an incredible thing when someone who is your comedy hero treats you as an equal. I never lose that sense of wonder when I meet my comedy heroes.
What about Hugh Bonneville, your guest in the Christmas special?
I worked with him on Mr Stink, and I knew that he was a fantastic comic actor. He throws himself into everything. It’s great to see him in a way that we haven’t seen him before.
Do you see yourself making more series of Walliams & Friend?
I’m very old now! But I’d love to do more. Hopefully it’ll stand out because there are so few sketch shows these days. We’re trying to be funny in a very uncomplicated way. You don’t have to think too much - it’s just meant to be a fun watch. The moving moments in The Office are magic. But comedy is valid in all its different forms.
Can the restaurant scene in Leeds get any better?
The simple answer to that is yes with the news that Gino D’Acampo is bringing his “My restaurant” brand not to that South Yorkshire city that now allegedly forms his middle name but to Leeds and with a pre-xmas opening hoped for, its sure to be the go-to venue this year.
Those familiar with Leeds city centre will know the site until recently occupied by PIccolinos on Park Row. This is where the 150 seat My Restaurant will open, it is opposite and across from Jamie’s Italian and a prime location. Piccolinos themselves are relocating within the city, more news on that soon…
Those subscribers not familiar with Leeds might want to take advantage of a quick unbeatable rail and hotel offer landing in your inboxes. Whilst we can’t guarantee that Gino’s restaurant will be open for your visit, as you will have seen last issue there are many other reasons to visit this wonderful city and perhaps plan your New Year visit for a great experience at his new Leeds offering.
The opening follows the hugely successful launch of his restaurant brand Gino D’Acampo - My Restaurant in Manchester’s Corn Exchange and London’s Euston station. Mrs JM and I are regular visitors over the hills to the Manchester restaurant and as reported earlier this year have had nothing but wonderful food and service, frankly we cannot wait for the Leeds restaurant to open, anything Manchester can do….
The two-storey restaurant will boast an open kitchen, lower ground cocktail & wine bar and an eat-at deli bar, great for those of us who work or play in central Leeds.. The design has a true Mediterranean feel, with the use of white marble, washed woods and trademark green leather reflecting Gino’s passion for his homeland of Southern Italy. The menus are packed with favourites from his books and TV shows, offering good value, family friendly kids options that our increasingly fussy offspring love but at the same suitable also for serious evening dining. – as Mrs JM will testify.
Gino told us: “After months of planning for the opening, I can’t wait to welcome guests to My Restaurant, Leeds. Every effort has been made to make sure our guests have a true Italian experience – we’ve got some great dishes for you to try. I’m looking forward to treating Yorkshire to a real taste of Italy.”
Gino’s popularity grows from strength to strength and his primetime TV series, Gino’s Italian Escape, returned this month. The series is accompanied by a new book, Gino’s Hidden Italy, a cracking book which we got signed during his visit to Leeds last week , and the restaurant will feature many of its delicious dishes on their seasonal menu.
More news to follow including confirmed opening dates and booking details, keep an eye on http://ginodacamporestaurants.com/myrestaurant/
Lets Rock Leeds returns on 17 June with an impressive line up to shake your deely boppers to…
After a hugely successful couple of years, the Lets Rock team have pulled together an eclectic and exciting line up for the Temple Newsham show.
Come with us as we guide you through this year’s line-up…
Headlining for 2017, The Human League still thrill audiences the world over, with an impressive stage set and an enthusiasm for the songs that belies the fact many are over 30 years old. If anything the girls voices sound better now and you can be sure of a wonderful sing along, hit filled set to close the night
That said, singing voices are likely to be well stretched already with the appearance of Tony Hadley, the Spandau Ballet frontman will bring his solo set, always packed with those hits such as “True” and “Gold”
Howard Jones recently celebrated 30 years in the business and has been regularly outputting new work ever since. That said, expect nothing but faithfully reproduced hits such as “New Song”, “Like To Get To Know You Well” and the atmospheric “Hide and Seek”
Former Haircut 100 leader, Nick Heyward is one of those artists that may well be a surprise package, more hits that you might recall from his Haircut and solo days. Likely hi spots, “Favourite Shirts” and “Nobodys Fool”..
Roland Gift had a short but productive career as the focal point of the Fine Young Cannibals. The voice is still as strong and endearingly foghorn-like, “Im Not The Man I Used To Be” will bring you to tears. Possibly.
Stool Pidgeon – Ha cha cha cha – oh yes, the Kid is back. August Darnell aka Kid Creole and the Coconuts make a long overdue appearance in Yorkshire… I confess to being very excited by this and you will find me down the front with a jug of Mojito…oh Annie, I’m Not Your Daddy….the whole of Lets Rock will be swayin’ I promise you…
Techno! Techno! Techno! Techno! Technotronic are in town and will get all your 90s ravers up and ‘aving it large. It’s unclear if the current incarnation is still Ya Kid K and MC Eric though they did reform for anniversary show recently… It’s possible Lets Rock don’t know who is turning up as they are the only band without a bio on the website.
From The Jam, is now Bruce Foxton on bass, still slapping it like he was Down In The City all those years ago.. Rick Buckler left a few years ago however Russell Hastings has proved a very worthy frontman and if you ever had any love for The Jam then there this will be unmissable, a set packed with all those hits you sang along to on Top of The Pops and more..
Hue and Cry more than ably fill that mid to late afternoon slot, a time to sit down with your choice from the fab array of food and drink and nod your head appreciatively at classic 80s tracks such Looking For Linda and Labour of Love, we caught the Kane brothers recently and its an impressive set still.
Hazel O Conner is responsible for one of the most under-rated iconic songs of the 80’s, “Eighth Day” was a smash and an amazing song and the relevance remains today, expect a stomping “Decadence Days” and a soulful rendition of “Will You”
Imagination or more precisely Leee John, yes three e’s, had a string of hits in the 80’s , Just an Illusion probably the pick and it should be a good excuse to calm down, mellow a little after the madness that is..
Dr and The Medics, who said one hit wonder….that’s never let the good Doc get in the way of a rip roaring madcap set. Immerse yourself in the performance which always has more than a hint of manic-ness.
The same can sometime be said of A Flock Of Seagulls, Mike score to be precise. Sometimes quiet and hiding away behind his synth, other times the chatty front man responsible for one of the biggest 80s hits, Wishing (If I Had A Photograph of You) has a decent bag of synthtastic tunes to open up you 2017 Lets Rock Leeds
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Its unlikely Tom Chaplin will forget his Leeds gig on this tour, if any audience wasn’t going to play ball with this quote / unquote “soft southern bastard” then it was they. Trying his best to tell the story behind Hold On To Our Love, the addiction that drove wedges between friends and family, in typical Yorkshire bluntness he is told to grow a pair and man up. It’s all in immensely good humour and cracks Tom up, relieves the tension and from post gig comments its clear he has really enjoyed a rare visit to Gods own county.
For his debut UK solo tour, Tom has chosen unusual venues, churches, boats, comedy clubs and tonight the world famous City Varieties, from a forgotten era of music hall, its normally less than suitable for traditional gigs. Tonight though it’s the one opportunity to see and hear up close these personal songs before they get a little lost in bigger venues next year.
He appears refreshed, relaxed and invigorated and fans of Keane must fear for the future of the band. The three songs from his former band that he plays tonight fit seamlessly and are different only because of their familiarity and surely in coming months he will dip further into his rich back catalogue, even more confident in his solo state. Having exorcized his demons on The Wave, the future most likely lies in him writing about what he wants to rather than needs to.
Tonight is an undoubted success, we have much of the album performed, highlights included an early I Remember You and Quicksand (the most Keane-ish song on the album) and Solid Gold, again the serious mood broken with blunt Yorkshire humour. The interaction with the crowd continues, touching on cricket, alternative wives, Leeds United, bowling prowess and even coming down into Row F for a photo opportunity.
Everybody’s Changing is the one that finally gets everyone to their feet, mid encore, that soaring chorus hard to resist, its celebratory and the smiles are in evidence all around. Not least on Tom Chaplin.
Toms tour continues this week and a new tour next April / May
I didn’t feel quite so bad missing the Leeds game, driving to Sheffield and hearing the news of 8 changes for our game with Norwich, it put my mind at rest that we weren’t that bothered about progressing in the cup and I could focus on Heaven 17 / BEF.
Penthouse and Pavement has always been one of my favourite albums, there was no other album quite like it at the time, Song With No Name remains a song I come back to time and time again, Height of The Fighting turns up so often when my music is on random play that I think it knows I love it.
Via a dodgy stream and City Hall Wi-Fi I get to watch the first 15 mins of the game on my phone before the gig starts, crikey, we are being taken to the cleaners.. 0-1
So a gig where the whole album is played is a tried and tested formula, but one that works, from an era where we listened to the whole album, all the way through, in the order intended and Glenn and Martyn bring subtly updated versions as they played Sheffield City Hall, surprisingly for the first time ever. Clearly thrilled, the excitement was tangible as Fascist Groove Thang showed its parallels with 1981 and 2016 and dragged the seated crowd to its feet. There they stayed throughout a set that included the classics Play To Win and Lets All Make A Bomb.
Recollections of recording the album on the studio night shift while the Human League recorded Dare on the dayshift put into context just how different the creation of music was then, and in the two resultant albums, how much better it was for it.
Mr Gregory is watching his mouth tonight, no swearing as extended parents and family are in, but the swear jar is filling up.. We’re Going To Live For A Very Long Time is the last track on the album and as Glen says, it lasts a very long time. It was an unwritten law that the last song on side B was the longest on the album…
Album complete and one more song before the BEF set, and in a nod to Martyn’s key role in the inception of The Human League, a take on the first song they wrote, Being Boiled, the faster less ‘bleak” version completes the circle.
BEFs original album Music of Quality and Distinction (volume 1) was released in 1982 and (re)introduced the idea of guest singers on synthesised takes on classic songs. That album featured the talents of Tina Turner amongst others, “Don’t worry” quipped Martyn, “she isn’t here tonight”. Peter Hooton, Mari Wilson and Glen Matlock were and provided a fantastic second half.
Peter, recalling his affection for Sheffield and the support it had shown causes he had been involved with over the years sang the classic All Together Now and Bankrobber, a song that had become a kind of anthem. Mari delivered a faultless Just What I Always Wanted - kudos to the backup singers for mimicking the dance routines from the day.. Mari’s second song, a soul classic ..Rescue Me. Still a sweet voice and one I intend to explore. Finally original Sex Pistol and Punk legend Glen added an unusual synthesised electric / acoustic guitar take on Pretty Vacant before checking that the rule was one song you are known for and one you aren’t, launching into an even more unorthodox version of Pharrell’s Happy.
It’s almost extra time at Elland Road, its 1-1, I am checking twitter after every song, we’re playing well, its rocking down there, I feel bad but this gig is simply wonderful.
Returning to the Heaven 17 line up for the last leg, a quick swerve to the set list sees Glenn and Martyn duet on You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling (early Human League style), its sparse accompaniment and strong vocal bring memories of those early League gigs, its superb. Straight into a joyous romp through Boys Keep Swinging, Glenn channelling his best Bowie moves following time away touring The Man Who Sold The World.
Temptation gets bigger and longer every time I see / hear it. Deservedly so too, it’s a stormer and when you have a top vocalist in Kelly Barnes taking the lead, but more than ably assisted by Rachel Mosleh on stage to raise the roof, it would be rude not to. And boy does this scale the heights, the call and response extended intro as the two girls stalk the stage, Glenn a seated observer / voyeur. Its epic.
The finale sees Martyn explaining how they were to work with Colin Vernecombe (aka Black) this year at BEF gigs but his untimely death put paid to that, in tribute the collected ensemble perform his best know song, and a fitting one too, Wonderful Life. The perfect end to a perfect show, perfectly balanced and a unexpected contender for gig of the year.
We are losing 2-1 in extra time, we are down to 10 men but are fighting and equalise as I leave the venue, still pumped up from the gig I let roar “Come on Leeds” to the bemusement of the Sheffield public.
By the time I get the car out of the car park and Radio Leeds is just about receivable like Radio Helsinki in short wave, we are into Penalties, Silvestri saves, out psyching the taker, and saves again spectacularly oh my god, and on a night we remember one of our great keepers, Gary Sprake who sadly passed away last week.
It’s down to one of our growing talents, Viera, 18 year old, in front of the Kop to hopefully score the winning penalty to put us into the quarter finals. The radio coverage fades in and out but then I hear the voice of Noel Whelan almost ghost like, “Get iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin” and we’ve done it. I blast on the horn repeatedly like we have won the world cup in Mexico. Drivers wonder what the.. but hell this is some night.. I expect a penalty notice from Sheffield police any day now… I might just ask for a contribution from the swear jar.
Don’t be fooled by the title of Glenn Tilbrook’s most recent solo album, Happy Ending, or at least not all of it. He’s happy, of course, and why wouldn’t he be? He’s more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer. But more than 40 years after he first answered an ad placed by Chris Difford looking for like-minded sorts to form the band that became the much-loved evergreen Squeeze, an ending is nowhere in sight.
Such is the continuing work ethic of a fellow who’s never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Those humble three tracks led to such enduring pop classics as Take Me I’m Yours, Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Another Nail In My Heart, Tempted, Labelled With Love, Black Coffee In Bed, Hourglass (this could go on for a while...), not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.
Squeeze’s demise in 1998 (though not permanent) saw Glenn embark on a solo career that spawned the albums The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004), showcasing an ever-maturing songwriting talent. Arguably, though, Happy Ending is Glenn’s most personal work to date, a series of evocative portraits of time, people and places, that included writing and vocal contributions by his own children Leon and Wesley, in addition to old friends Simon Hanson (Fluffers/reunited Squeeze drummer) and Dennis Greaves (Nine Below Zero, also Glenn’s compatriot in the side project band The Co-operative).
“I’m really, really vibed up on what I’m doing now,” Glenn says of Happy Ending. “To me, this record takes its place alongside Pandemonium Ensues, East Side Story, Argybargy and Cool For Cats, which are my favourites of all the ones I’ve made. That’s five albums that I’ve thought ‘Yes! I’ve actually done that properly now”...”
Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on the live stage can attest to the properness of his doings, as it were. Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level. The ever burgeoning festival circuit is frequently enriched by Tilbrook the troubadour, whether he be leafing through the plentiful back catalogue of Squeeze or dashing off impromptu audience requests ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, and all points in-between.
Tickets for the GLENN TILBROOK – Leeds – Brudenell show taking place on Tuesday 6th December are available from:
LEEDS – Brudenell
Box Office No: 0113 245 5570 or 0113 243 6743
Website - http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/whats-on/glenn-tilbrook/
Tickets - £18.00 (advance)
Doors – 7.00pm / Starts – 7.30pm
The South returned to Wakefield Warehouse 23 for a very healthy though not quite sold out crowd. Those that didn’t come missed a rare treat.
The Warehouse is one of those venues that plays host to more than its fair share of artists on the retro circuit, fair to say The South fit slightly into this bracket but rarely will bands generate such a mutual joyous atmosphere as Dave, Alison and co regularly do.
The songs of the (not so Beautiful) South have a warm place in the hearts of the British public, pulling on common occurrences. You can see the spurned lovers, the cosy long term lovers, even the old red eye drunks.. as they blast their own versions out in salute.
There are rarely any surprises in a South set.. all the hits that matter, a sprinkle of the better album tracks (step forward The Woman In The Wall, sounding as dark, sinister and joyous as it did back in 1989 when I first saw it live. The only thing missing these days is the parade of folk in animal costumes that used to parade off the stage through the audience. There are a couple of surprises however, a welcome if rather tenuously linked ELO song (?) and one (I think) brand new song – judging by Dave needing his lyrics!
Crowd singing was taking to a whole new level in the (not on the single release) break after the first verse of chorus of You Kept It All in. Normally crowds are caught out and wait for the song to catch up, not the shakey wakey crew who carry on (regardless) singing the next verse and chorus right through to the outro, so loudly that the band aren’t quite sure where they should pick up again. Cue bemused and confused looks from the brass section, to the drummer before a cold start back to the second verse and we get to do it all over again.
When Dave Rotheray says they take none of this for granted, I believe it, if this was a band going through the motions, this venue wouldn’t have been half as full. Sure he is still a grump and jokingly complains one song particular is too miserable. But in Alison you see the unbridled and unashamed joy in performing songs that have been performed many many times before.
The South are hoping to release “at least an EP” early next year. Following their debut album Sweet Refrains which got the critical and fans acclaim it deserved, new material should see them able to slowly reclaim their crown as the band for the common man – and woman. And I mean that with the greatest of respect.
The Wave Album
Tom Chaplin
Heartfelt, a mans journey out of the dark
As the singer of Keane, Tom Chaplin will be a familiar voice to many, especially as the band's debut album sold over 5.5 million units. His first solo release sees him step out of the song writing shadow of Tim Rice-Oxley, bearing his soul and singing songs from the heart which reflect the downside of stardom. The fans, me amongst them remain as all the shows announced in support of and well in advance of this record are already sold out.
When the singer of a band goes solo, the results generally fall in two camps: similar output that of the band or something artistically different that risks alienating followers. 'The Wave' sits slightly in the former, the opening couplet of 'Still Waiting' and 'Hardened Heart' featuring the same radio-friendly, adult rock which worked so well for Keane.
Where they differ is lyrically, Toms journey and difficulties over the year have been well documented and are laid bare here. Solid Gold is touching, realising how he has kept people out but wants to bring them in and share the love while 'Worthless Words' is the sort of quaint, piano-led piece that detractors of the band may have slammed for lack of excitement but is actually tinged with emotion for those that take the time to listen.
Knowing that 'Quicksand' is written for Chaplin's daughter would be an easy fop but this is an affecting piece for any parent, warning of the potential for bad times ahead and not just a generic mushy dedication. The upbeat 'Bring The Rain' has an infectious spring in its step, but the goodwill ends abruptly with the gospel choir of 'See It So Clear'.
I for one cant wait to see Tom live in Leeds next week, sure I am hoping for some Keane classics, it would be rude not to but the songs on The Wave more than hold up against them. Those awaiting a Keane return may just be waiting a little longer..
MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS play WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23
Saturday 17th December 2016!
Tickets go on-sale – Friday 14th October!
It was 1962 that Motown's Artist and Repertoire Director William “Mickey” Stevenson first heard the voice that would become synonymous with "the sound of young America." A young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name of "Martha Lavaille" was bringing audiences to their feet at Detroit's famed 20 Grand Nightclub singing songs made popular by singers the likes of Gloria Lynne and Della Reese. He invited her to audition at the new Motown Records headquarters, "Hitsville, USA."
Though the audition never happened, within a year, Martha had taken the reigns of the company's A&R department, ingratiating herself. She saw that musicians showed up on time and got paid. She watched, learned, and whenever opportunity presented itself, she sang. And when she did, everyone took notice. When Mary Wells couldn't make a session, Martha was called to the mic. With her group, the Del Phi's, she recorded "I'll Have to Let Him Go," and Martha and the Vandellas was born.
The song was rather forgettable, but Reeves' sound wasn't. While waiting for her first hit, Martha (along with Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard) backed Marvin Gaye on his first three releases and sang with him on stage. Soon, however, they emerged from the shadows with "Come and Get These Memories," followed by an enviable string of hits:"Heat Wave," "Quicksand," "In My Lonely Room," "Nowhere to Run," "My Baby Loves Me,", "Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things," "I'm Ready For Love," "Jimmy Mack," and, of course, the Motown anthem, "Dancing In The Street."
After leaving Motown in 1972, Martha continued to expand her musical horizons, establishing herself as a singer-songwriter with few limitations. She sang rock, jazz, country, gospel, blues and classical. Her singing companions included everyone from the Godfather James Brown and the Boss Bruce Springsteen to opera diva Beverly Sills and gospel king Rance Allen. She headlined a national touring company of the musical "Ain't Misbehaving," and for three years toured the UK in the musical review"Dancing In The Street."
Martha Reeves continues to thrill audiences around the world. Her self-produced 2004 CD, "Home to You" was named one of the year's best by the Asbury Park Press. In 2005, Will Smith mined the Motown vaults to uncover her unreleased gem, "It's Easy to Fall In Love," and included it in the hit movie "Hitch." Also in 2005, Motown released Martha's "Lost and Found" collection, which included the rare Smokey Robinson-penned "Spellbound," her studio recording of "For Once In My Life," and covers of hits by the likes of Aretha Franklin, the Marvelettes, Vikki Carr, Sam & Dave, and the Four Tops. She was also featured in the PBS special, "Motown: The Early Years," writing liner notes for the four-set CD package. A "Gold" collection was released in March 2006 and "The Definitive Collection" in 2009. (Her 1968 "Live at the Copa" remains in the vaults, but we hope for a release in the not-too-distant future.
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (sisters Lois and Delphine) bring bring class, sass, and unparalleled Motown style to any event.
The Hits
I'm Not Leaving (Collaboration with The Crystal Method)
Come and Get These Memories
(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday)
Quicksand
In My Lonely Room
Live Wire
Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things
Nowhere To Run
Dancing in the Street
Wild One
Motoring
I'm Ready for Love
My Baby Loves Me
Jimmy Mack
Third Finger, Left Hand
Lovebug, Leave My Heart Alone
One Way Out
Honey Chile
In and Out of My Life
Bless You
Tear It On Down
Wild Night
Power of Love
No One There
Now That We've Found Love
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
Watch Your Back
Home to You
It's Easy to Fall in Love (With A Guy Like You)
For more information on MARTHA REEVES - see links below:
Website - http://www.missmarthareeves.com/id1.html
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/MARTHA-REEVES-Official-Page/130642860300852
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MARTHAREEVESvan
You Tube Links:
No Where To Run – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG9m-6dVKRI
Heatwave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE2fnYpwrng
Dancing In The Street - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdvITn5cAVc
Jimmy Mack - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sJfGDpwyv0
Tickets for the WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23 show taking place on Saturday 17th December are available from:
WAKEFIELD – Warehouse 23
Box Office No: 01924 200162
Website – http://warehouse23.co.uk/
Tickets - £22.50 adv
