It’s a real joy when you go to see a live show from an artist that you never previously knew you liked and such was the feeling when the Midlands Rocks Editorial team witnessed a superb performance from Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel at Town Hall. And with a set that nudged towards two and a half hours there was plenty to enjoy as Steve and his band delivered all of the usual suspects and many more from his gold plated songbook.
Although he remained seated throughout, Steve performed with passion and vigour, at times seemingly overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection from the audience, many who have been with him on the long journey from the 1970’s to the present day (although perhaps not too many were at Barbarella’s in 1963 as suggested – he himself would’ve been twelve years old…). The band were in terrific form, providing their front man with the perfect platform to weave his magic on sublime moments such as ‘Mr Soft’, ‘The Coast of Amalfi’ and ‘Journey’s End (A Father’s Promise)’ and there was some inspired soloing from violinist Barry Wickens and guitarist Robbie Gladwell.
The set list moved through the eclectic ‘Judy Teen’ to the huge rousing anthems ‘Sebastian’, ‘Tumbling Down’ and ‘The Best Years of our Lives’, evidence enough that their creator is one of the most inventive songwriters of the past half a century. And as the show moved to its climax it was, of course, the evergreen ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’ that got the crowd to their feet for a celebratory singalong. The thrill of getting back to experiencing live music in 2021 is all about nights like this. Sorry we’ve missed you for so many years Steve, looking forward to the next time already.
Set One:-
How Good It Feels
The Alibi
All Men Are Hungry
Compared With You
Friend For Life
Nothing Is Sacred
The Last Feast
Mr Soft
Riding The Waves
Promises
Set Two:-
Coast Of Amalfi
Journey’s End
Rain In Venice
The Lighthouse
Victim of Love
Judy Teen
The Best Years of Our Lives
Tumbling Down
Sebastian
Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
