Squeeze – The Difford and Tilbrook Songbook Tour Review 16th November 2019
Heaven 17 warmed the crowd up at the Harrogate Convention Centre perfectly by playing their most successful songs from early to mid 80’s. Original members Glenn Gregory and Martyn Ware played a lively hit filled set.
Heaven 17 were very impressive with their performance which had the audience up on their feet, clapping and singing along.
The Difford and Tilbrook Songbook Tour is raising awareness for the much needed Trussell Trust Food banks. At Harrogate Convention Centre there were visible donation points for the audience to donate both food and money. Glen Tilbrook spoke about the need for them and how shocking that this is needed in today’s society. Tilbrook also announced that the proceeds from Difford and Tilbrook Song Book CD would go to the Trussell Trust Food Bank. It is great to see artists supporting charities and making a difference to those who desperately need food banks in order to survive. After the show I spoke to Lucy a Representative of the Trussell Trust Food Bank at Harrogate and she was very pleased with the food donations from those who attended the show. The donations will be delivered to the warehouse on Sunday 17th November ready for distribution to those in need.
Squeeze’s Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford took to the stage at The Harrogate International Theatre armed with an array of guitars as well as a full band and their catalogue of songs spanning over 45 years. Glen Tilbrook and Chris Difford sang songs that were written and performed in partnership in the 70’s and 80’s. Their iconic songs have stood the test of time as fans have flocked to see Squeeze perform tonight’s show. One of the die-hard Squeeze fans spoke of their talent in their song writing as well as their performance. He summed it up perfectly by saying any talented musician tells a story and has you hooked immediately. He felt nostalgic listening as it reminded him of holidays, relationships and even smells. Him like many others left feeling happy having seen their favourite band perform all of their favourite hits.
The audience were glued to their seats, staring up to their icons for most of the show. However, when Cool For Cats started playing, the audience were up on their feet like Usain Bolt out of the starting blocks. The audience remained on their feet and dad dancing officially commenced.
Anyone who has witnessed Squeeze live on stage can attest to their stage presence as well as their manner to connect with the audience on such a warm level. Both Difford and Tilbrook have great humour, natural charisma and everything about their performance feels authentic. Each and every song had a feel good factor to them and you couldn’t help but smile and be happy to be at the show. This was strangely the case when they performed a song about erectile dysfunction. Difford commented that it was rare for a song on such a subject matter.
Not only can Difford and Tilbrook sing, they could sing in a phone box and still sound great, but Tilbrook’s skills on the guitar were phenomenal with his fingers moving along the fret board with such ease like some form of wizardry. Each of the members of the band had their own jam showing their amazing skills. Tilbrook joked by getting a fire extinguisher for a member of the band.
Difford and Tilbrook were able to change the pace of the show with ease and it all flowed beautifully. Although, Tilbrook jumped ahead on the set list but he soon realised when he was given looks from his bass guitarist. Tilbrook laughed and went back to the song he was meant to play.
The audience got a great selection of songs that has spanned over four decades. Like all great musicians they left the audience wanting more, Squeeze re-entered the stage to sing the final classics of the night.
Words and photos by Rich Clark of Harrogate Photography
No comments