Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 17th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating *****
There is no two ways about it; a Damien Dempsey show is always going to be special, when it’s part of a double header involving Liverpool’s own Amsterdam then it’s going to considered the type of brilliant evening that anything else going on in Liverpool that night may as well resign itself to being relegated to small talk the following morning.
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 19th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating ****
In the 80’s Dire Straits were by far one of the biggest bands on the planet. They were loved by people who just bought one album, adored by millions who had followed the band’s career and adulated and remembered for one particular song that had a cutting edge video, insanely brilliant riff attached to it and lyrics that resonated with an audience ready to throw off the shackles of the 1970’s.
Julian Cope in concert at the University of Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by L.S. Media. October 29th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating *****
There’s only one to describe Julian Cope when he is on form and that’s just stunning. Knowledgeable, eloquent and charming are more platitudes you could bandy around in his company but he might just give that wonderful shrug of the shoulders, pretend to glare at you from behind the dark glasses, but ultimately beam graciously at you before having enough and going back to playing music.
Tori Amos on stage at the Manchester Apollo. Photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 6th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating * * * *
Tori Amos has long been touted as one of the best female performers of the last 20 years, her albums have touched millions of fans, all of whom share some infinity and connection with the Cornish based, American born singer, so much so that her live shows are keenly awaited and strongly attended by all cross sections of society.
Originally published by November 6th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating ****
The last time Midge Ure stood on the stage at the Pacific Road, Birkenhead, could be considered surreal, no audience, just lights, music and his three band members of the 80’s New Wave Avant-Garde group Ultravox for company as they rehearsed their set for their sell out tour last year.
photograph by Ian D. Hall
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 11th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating *****
For the third time this year, Mike Peters returned to a venue and a city that holds his presence very dear to the collective hearts of all who attend his shows. Whether it’s in the form of his band of 30 years standing, The Alarm, his magnificent tenure as the lead singer for Big Country or in his guise as one man and an acoustic guitar, Mike Peters gives a show that resonates with his audience and can make the shiest person sing at the top of their voice as they join in with Mike’s rage against injustice and half-forgotten social issues.
Thomas Dolby at The Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 13th 2011.
LS. Media Rating ****
It may have been the best part of two decades since Thomas Dolby had played a live set in the city, however the affection and adoration he still holds within his fan base has never diminished. This was in evidence as he came out on stage at the Stanley Theatre to a genuine rapturous applause that was full of warmth and a desire to hear some of the best loved and quirky music to have been committed for posterity.
Originally published by L.S.Media. November 15th 2011.
L.S.Media Rating ***
It was perhaps fitting that Progressive Rock giants Yes came on stage to Benjamin Britten’s Young person’s Guide to the Orchestra, for the Symphony Hall in Birmingham is one of the most perfect places in the Midlands that blends itself with the music that Yes are universally loved and renowned for.
The subtle yet emotionally flowing guitar of Steve Howe, alongside stalwarts of the band Chris Squire on bass and the ideal drumming technique of Alan White mixed with the outrageously great keyboard playing of Geoff Downes is a combination of sound that everybody should hear at least once in their life. It’s no wonder that these four men fit together so well, the music they create is sometimes just astonishing.
Photgraph by Ian D. Hall.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 15th 2011.
L.S.Media Rating ****
Eric’s may have only been re-opened for a couple of months now but the acts they have had on the timeless stage and playing music that has reverberated in amongst the memories of the heady days of the 1970’s has been nothing short of scintillating and superb. Hot on the tails of the artists that have played there recently comes a band that would have gone down a storm at the old venue, such was the presence and musical ability of display of Mamas Gun.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 20th 2011.
L.S. Media Rating *****
The songs may be stripped back, the venues obscure, however there is no doubting the fire and commitment that emanates from the Morecambe stage as Fish gave a performance of such unbridled passion mixed with a healthy dollop of raw emotion that shows that even after thirty years of performing for some of the most loyal fans in music, he still has that unique ability to charm and use effectively superb musical cynicism, that is much needed in a world that seems very, very wrong.