Category Archives: Live

Deacon Blue, Gig Review. Liverpool Echo Arena.

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.

Deacon Blue, Gig Review. Liverpool Echo Arena. full post

(451 words, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)

Jon Anderson, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 4th 2009.

After a much publicised health scare, in which he nearly lost his life, Jon Anderson has taken the first tentative steps back to touring and recording. The Lancashire born entertainer shows a lot more of his spiritual side these days as he looked less tense and more happy with himself and his long admired vocal ability.

Coming on stage to some of the loudest applause the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool has seen for a one man show, Jon seemed surprised to see so many people there to hear him play. The audience knew that there might be a few awkward moments for Jon as he readily admits to not having been able to sing whilst recuperating but from the off everybody was on his side.

Jon Anderson, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. full post

(379 words, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

Marseille, Gig Review. The Cavern, Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D.Hall

Originally published by L.S.Media. September 11th 2009.

Twenty five years after Marseille last played the Cavern, the band made a triumphant return and rolled away the void that had been created when they decided to call it a day. A band that in all honesty should never have been allowed to fade away.

Some people might find it hard to believe that this was a band that was at the forefront of the start of the genre of The New Wave of British Heavy Metal and enjoyed much success, touring with some of the biggest names around and winning the first coveted battle of the bands competition.

Marseille, Gig Review. The Cavern, Liverpool. full post

(392 words, 1 image, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

Amsterdam, The Liverpool Working Class Festival. Gig Review. The Picket, Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 15th 2009.

Self confessed Liverpool boy Ian Prowse, and his band Amsterdam took to the stage at the Picket to great applause from an audience made up of local people and the odd delegate from the T.U.C Conference.

The great thing about Ian is that you know before he even opens his mouth to belt out much loved scorn or words that will make you think for a while, that he will give it all he has got and then dig deep in his reserves and give you another blast of his own version of fire and brimstone.

Amsterdam, The Liverpool Working Class Festival. Gig Review. The Picket, Liverpool. full post

(353 words, estimated 1:25 mins reading time)

Kajagoogoo, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 19th 2009.

Apart from the odd appearance on VH1’s Band’s Re-united, Kajagoogoo have not been seen on stage together for over 25 years. Thankfully for lovers of the 80’s pop genre they have finally answered the calls of the fans and reformed to tour and produce some new songs that should ignite further interest in one of the best performers of their time.

Kajagoogoo, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(397 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Corinne West, Gig Review. Mello Mello, Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 25th 2009.

Corinne West arrived in Liverpool towards the end of her short tour of Britain, which started at the Cornish Bluegrass festival and which will end on the 29th at the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline. Such is the popularity of this artist that she could stay here for a couple of months and possibly sell out everywhere. Unfortunately the people of Liverpool only had the one night at Mello Mello to catch this Californian songstress.

Corinne West, Gig Review. Mello Mello, Liverpool. full post

(343 words, estimated 1:22 mins reading time)

Backbeats, Gig Review. Circo Bar, Albert Dock.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 2nd 2009.

Sometimes you get invited to come along and see a band, you don’t know anything about them. You go along out of curiosity. It could go either way. You could be overawed by the superb singing, the guitarist could be the next David Gilmour or Steve Rothery, the lyrics could be amazing and heartfelt and you leave with a smile on your face and talking about the band for weeks to come.

Backbeats, Gig Review. Circo Bar, Albert Dock. full post

(362 words, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

Stephen Langstaff, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 1st 2009.

Arriving on stage, on the second night of the tour and back in his home town, Stephen Langstaff thrilled an extra large crowd with a headliners performance. Stephen was at the Academy as part of the Academy live tour and even though he had only forty five minutes to show once more why he is being touted as a huge talent that will surely rise to the top of the music tree one day, he rose to the occasion perfectly.

Stephen Langstaff, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(299 words, 1 image, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Joe Brown, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 11th 2009.

Joe Brown has been performing for audiences up and down the country for longer than most, but his infectious enthusiasm for entertaining his loyal army of fans has never seemed to desert him. Arriving on stage with a cheery smile and to much applause from one of favourite cities, Joe proceeded to give the audience everything they had come out for. Good music, a little bit of Cockney banter and a few stories of his career.

Joe Brown, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. full post

(377 words, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

John Otway And Wild Willy Barrett, Gig Review. Baby Blue, Liverpool.

John Otway at the Baby Blue. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 14th 2009.

Both John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett remain enigmas to the vast majority of the British public, but for those who know they are amongst the top ten of favourite artists to see live. The show is a wonderful eclectic mix of bizarre humour, superb visual effects, fine guitar playing and the best use of a Theremin anywhere.

John Otway And Wild Willy Barrett, Gig Review. Baby Blue, Liverpool. full post

(345 words, 1 image, estimated 1:23 mins reading time)