ShareSqueeze performing their Food For Thought Tour at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Friday 11th November 2022
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Every couple of years Squeeze make a trip to the Royal Concert Hall where their loyal supporters are never disappointed, but on Friday night the new wave band were simply outstanding.
Supported by ‘the Baird of Salford’ Dr John Cooper Clarke who is known for his razor sharp wit, on Friday he dazzled from the off with his plethora of wry retorts, all chiselled and prepared as he delivered his rapid fire poems of cultural topics and anecdotes of life experiences.
With a forty minute set that included his well known Beasley Street poem which was well received as was Evidently Chickentown, the 70 year old finished with I Wanna Be Yours.
With the real danger that Squeeze now may be comfortable sitting on their laurels, this packed crowd were in for a great surprise. Taking to the stage with their debut hit Take Me I’m Yours, the roars of approval from the crowd was almost deafening as hit followed hit.
Hourglass got a special cheer as did fans favourite Up The Junction, and with a band that was consistently on the ball, it was a set list that was sometimes fast and furious like Annie Get Your Gun to the slower melodic Labelled With Love.
With Tilbrook’s vocals absolutely on point with lovely harmonies delivered from bassist Owen Biddle it was all a sound to savour. New song Food For Thought was well received with its thought provoking lyrics and when Cool For Cats ended the set the crowd delivered a well earned standing ovation.
Returning for a two song encore there was a magnificent Slap And Tickle with its stupendous guitar ending before a lovely Black Coffee In Bed brought the evening to an end. Squeeze really are a band that has to be seen live and for many Friday nights showing may well prove to be the best concert of the year.
