Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
There is a salute, a score with destiny which must be paid in full, a dignity that is a duty to be acknowledged from the fans that have been thrilled by the Scottish band Deacon Blue, thrilled and electrified by their presence on stage, and that duty is perhaps, outside of Glasgow, never more settled than when Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, and the group come to Liverpool, a city dear to the hearts of many, cherished responsibly by Deacon Blue.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Deacon Blue just keep coming back to the Echo Arena, it would be astonishing if they didn’t turn up at the venue, unlock the door and make themselves several discerning cups of tea, such is the passion for performing in Liverpool and their fondness for the city’s crowd.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Elegance is not a right, the sophistication of a song is not created by accident or by design, it is merely down to the attitude of the musician and the mutual bond that was formed in the early lyrical squeeze offered as the first note captured their affections. Tastes in both can change, an early love can become an embarrassment, a song once mooned over and protestations of love declared can become the memory of horror and the refusal to play it for anyone. In the end elegance is where the love remains and where the Believers stamp their authority.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Deacon Blue performing at the Echo Arena, December 2014. Photograph courtesy of David Munn Photography.
From here on the days start to get longer, the country may just be staring into abyss that is the cold and potentially snow bound days of winter but at least there is light starting to creep back into the 24 hour clock as the balance of Time tips slowly back in favour of being able to be out of the house. However, the shortest day of the year affords the party to have a long hurrah, to slip comfortably into the clothes that make a person feel better and to enjoy one of the most popular acts that comes to Liverpool and its Echo Arena, the phenomenal Deacon Blue.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Time has arguably finally seen sense and allowed Deacon Blue the standing that was taken away after runaway success in the 1980s and 90s. For if the last release that the band bought out, the very cool The Hipsters, was a sign of intent, then A New Home is something in which to be proud of, not just for the listener soaking up the graphic-like story-telling and soon to be popular songs that will be broadcast and played live for their loyal audiences, but for the band also, for A New Home is something in where fresh and exciting adventures begin and exploration is pre-requisite.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Deacon Blue have performed at the Echo Arena almost as many times as anyone else since the music venue was opened as part of the 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations, quite simply they deserve that honour. Just watching them thrill the many thousands of fans that continually make their way to area of ground in a city that the band patently adore is enough to offer respect to them, they certainly know how to please a set of fans that are as loyal as they come and as hungry to show off their own singing ability as any.
Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is something very enjoyable and musically intense about a Deacon Blue concert in Liverpool. Whether it is part of the Liverpool Summer Pops Festival or as part of a national tour in support of a major anniversary, there is always a huge appreciative and very vocal audience that welcomes them to the Liverpool Echo Arena.
Originally published by L.S. Media. September 25th 2012.
L.S.Media Rating ****
When Raintown was released 25 years ago Deacon Blue strode aloft the pop world and made sure that the finality of the 1980’s British music lovers had another band that would be remembered fondly and for good reason. Now 25 years later and ten years elapsing since their last studio album, Deacon Blue have returned with all guns blazing and produced a record of incredible quality befitting the past and yet sounding new and exciting.
Originally published by L.S. Media. September 6th 2012.
Deacon Blue, one of the iconic pop bands of the 1980’s and beyond, are making their way back to Liverpool in October as part of tour that spans 15 nights in support of a brand new album. Their songs have inspired many and loved by millions. Time before a tour is hectic, there is so much planning to be done, arrangements to be finalised and of course the odd interview to be done.
Originally published by L.S. Media. August 1st 2009.
Even before Ricky Ross and the rest of the band finished walking on stage, the Liverpool audience anticipated that they were in for a very special evening of soul/pop from one of Scotland’s finest musical exports, and from the very first words, they were not disappointed. With the aforementioned Ricky Ross and fellow vocalist Lorraine McIntosh coming on stage to sing briefly a vocal only version of The Very Thing which the loyal gathering lapped up totally and from that moment on the crowd never sat down.