Deacon Blue, with special guest Jamie Lawson, performing their Cities Of Love Tour at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Sunday 28th November 2021



Images and Review by Kevin Cooper

It may have been freezing outside but inside the Royal Concert Hall, Scottish band Deacon Blue kept the temperatures soaring as they finally got to perform their Cities Of Love tour. With not a seat to be had they delivered a set list that showcased a wide range of their hits that spanned their 36 years as a band.

But it was Jamie Lawson who got the evening started. Back from a period of self isolation he took to the stage with just his guitar to show why he was the first artist Ed Sheeran signed to his Gingerbread Man label, and with a set list that included Cold In Ohio and that song that stops everyone in their tracks, Wasn’t Expecting That, it won’t be long before he is announcing his own headline tour.

As soon as Deacon Blue walked onto the stage it was instantly apparent that they have lost none of their original charm and energy. Touring to promote their latest album, City Of Love, they opened with the title track and other new songs such as A Walk In The Woods and Hit Me Where It Hurts displayed the same melodic solidarity and harmonies of their old songs.

Chocolate Girl had everyone on their feet as did Fergus Sings The Blues. With charismatic front man Ricky Ross’ booming vocals, alongside fellow vocalist Lorraine McIntosh whose incredibly powerful voice gained rapturous applause by itself on multiple occasions, they belted out a medley of classics like Wages Day, Loaded and Wish I Was A Girl Like You.

For Real Gone Kid the crowd punched the air and sang along before main set closer Town To Be Blamed saw them dancing to their hearts content. But the real show stopper was the first encore that included a beautiful Peace Will Come and a wonderful Dignity before a second encore of Forever Young brought the house down.