Paul Heaton had struggled to go solo after the end of The Beautiful South. But here he was, successfully reunited with Jacqui Abbott and with an acclaimed new album. The tour had sold out long ago and I only just managed to get a ticket for the highest of three upper levels at The O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire. Funny to think I was on that same stage some 55 years ago being quizzed by Eamon Andrews.
It hadn't stopped raining for last two days so I needed my brolly for the walk from the car park at Westfield shopping centre. Visitors to the Empire get a concession so parking was only £3! The band started with a song from the new album but when Paul went straight into "Old Red Eyes Is Back" we knew we would be getting a lot of old classics. Three from
Carry On Up The Charts including "I'll Sail This Ship Alone" and the devastating (to me) "Prettiest Eyes". From
blue is the colour Jacqui came into her own with "Rotterdam" and Don't Marry Her".
Painting It Red was represented by "Baby Please Go". There were songs from The Housemartins days, some other Beautiful South songs I have forgotten and new songs too. A terrific set.
The highlight for me was the singing of Jacqui Abbott. Early on she sang the heavenly "Dream A Little Dream" but the penultimate song of the night was her version of "Loving Arms". There have been so many covers of this wonderful Tom Jans classic but Jacqui topped the lot with her beautiful rendition accompanied by a quiet guitar. So we were then left with the closing "Caravan of Love" sung a Capella by the whole band. A superb show.
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