Support -
David Mead
Mr Mead takes to the stage a solitary figure amongst a backdrop of
instruments which lie in wait for the headliners. He introduces himself to
us as a singer from New York and thanks Roachford for giving him the
chance to support them.
The songs are beautiful and melodically sound.
One things for certain, his debut album is guaranteed to be a massive hit
if his record company give him the publicity he deserves. The crowd sadly
didn't even acknowledge his presence when he sang the first few songs,
more their ignorance than his lack of ability as a performer.
Thankfully by the end of the set they had changed their shameful ways and
were actually looking for his flyers to find out more about him.
Remember the name as this is definitely one artist who will make it big
time.
Roachford
What
seems like a long time overdue Roachford grace Newcastle with their
presence once again. Andrew Roachford dressed to kill in a very attractive
red shirt and black pants ensemble, this is the king of cool and he looks
as fetching as ever.
The set opens with 'One Good Reason'. By now the crowd are deep in, bodies
pressing against the stage eager to get a good view of the band. By the
time they start to play the opening chords of the second song 'Only to be
with You', an all time crowd favourite taken from the Permanent shades of
Blue album, they are almost deafened by the screams of delight from the
crowd.
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Throughout
the night it's amazing the sheer volume of the crowd singing back every
single word of the songs to the band. If the band were apprehensive about
touring again without a new album they needn't have worried. Their fans
are out in force and glad to see them back in town.
The hits come one after another, not one disappointing song among them. A
handful from each of the past albums, which only serves to remind us how
wonderful they all are. Timeless ballads such as 'Lay your Love' and
'Insecurity' pepper the set with Andrew taking up the keyboards to help
bring them to life. |
The
set wouldn't have been complete without 'Cuddly Toy', which if you
remember was the hit single that saw the band rocket into the charts in
1988. Was it really that long ago? The song still sounds as fresh and as
funky as it did the first time it was played. A favourite amongst the rock
and pop nightclubs at the time, why do they never play it now?
The band leave the stage and wave their goodbyes, but that's not the end
of it just yet. With thunderous clapping and shouts from the crowd the
band catch their breath for a few seconds before heading back out onstage
to do the encore. 'Get Ready' and 'Innocent Eyes' finish the evening off a
treat.
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Half the fans head off home content at
seeing a quality show well worth the £12.50 it cost them, the other
half clambered to the stage door and called out for the band to come
out, which they duly did.
I may be
mistaken but I'm certain I heard Andrew say they were hoping to tour
again in the Spring of next year. Fingers crossed I heard right as
that's one concert to keep your calendars clear for.
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