Category Gig Reviews

Gig Review: Shakin’ Stevens GREATEST HITS AND MORE – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Shakin Stevens UK Tour 2019

© Graham Flack

Almost forty years after his first UK number one, Shakin’ Stevens still knows how to entertain an audience but vocally struggles to pull off some of his biggest hits

3 out of 5 stars

Mention the name Shakin’ Stevens and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE will most likely spring to mind. But outside of his Christmas number one, the Welsh singer-songwriter actually has more than 33 Top 40 hit singles under his belt, making him the UK’s biggest-selling singles artist of the 1980s.

Nearly forty years late...

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Music Review: CLEM BURKE & BOOTLEG BLONDIE PLAY PARALLEL LINES – The Lowry, Salford

Clem Burke & Bootleg Blondie play Parallel Lines

BOOTLEG BLONDIE together with drummer Clem Burke certainly sound like the real thing but ultimately try too hard to imitate the iconic band

BOOTLEG BLONDIE is the official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band and the only Blondie tribute to play the legendary CBGBs in New York City. They’ve also been mentioned by Blondie themselves on their 2017 album POLLINATOR...

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Music Review: THE OVERTONES – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

The Overtones UK Tour 2018

THE OVERTONES take to the stage for the first time as a four-piece to deliver a rocking Christmas show in tribute to Timmy Matley and their loyal fans

It’s been a tough year for THE OVERTONES. Following the tragic and unexpected death of their lead singer Timmy Matley in April, there was a question mark over whether the band would continue to record and tour as a four-piece...

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Music Review: SHALAMAR – O2 Ritz, Manchester

Shalamar UK Tour 2018

Delivering their unique blend of funk, disco and soul, 80s legends Shalamar still know how to give the audience a night to remember

Following their successful FRIENDS 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR earlier this year, American R&B and soul group Shalamar make a welcome return to the UK for two extra dates at the Indigo O2 in London and O2 Ritz in Manchester.

Best known for their hits in the 1970s and 80s, Shalamar was originally created by SOUL TRAIN TV producer and host Don Cornelius and talent promoter...

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Theatre Review: AT LAST – THE ETTA JAMES STORY – Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Vika Bull in AT LAST - THE ETTA JAMES STORY

In a spirited musical tribute, Vika Bull celebrates the life and legacy of the rhythm and blues singer Etta James in AT LAST – THE ETTA JAMES STORY

Residing outside the typical jazz image, Etta James’ gritty-voiced renditions are credited with helping bridge the gap between blues music and rock and roll. Her raw energy and feisty attitude were reflected in the soulful collection of classics she left behind, carrying a distinctly deep voice that harboured lovesick songs.

AT LAST – THE ETTA JAM...

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Gig Review: BARRY MANILOW – Manchester Arena

BARRY MANILOW

Barry Manilow may be the grand old age of 75 but the old school crooner can still pull off one hell of a show

Grammy, Tony and Emmy award-winning pop superstar Barry Manilow may be the grand old age of 75 but the old school crooner can still pull off one hell of a show.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, few performers can boast the success or popularity of Manilow...

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Music Review: Thank You For The Music – The Lowry, Salford

Thank You For The Music ABBA Tribute

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC is the ultimate tribute to ABBA, recreating the sounds, sights and unforgettable hits of the Swedish pop group

Mamma Mia – what a performance! A blast from the past recreating ABBA’s number one hits with bright lights, flashy outfits and unforgettable voices.

The Swedish pop group from the 1970’s and early 80’s, ABBA, have created a legacy that not many will forget with number one hits from ‘Waterloo’ to ‘Super Trouper’, their songs have long been played and turned i...

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Music Review: Alexander O’Neal THE RESURRECTED TOUR – The Lowry, Salford

Alexander ONeal The Resurrected Tour

THE RESURRECTED TOUR sees Alexander O’Neal perform hits from his extensive back catalogue as well as tracks from his new studio album

To mark the release of his first studio album in 15 years, R&B artist Alexander O’Neal takes to the stage for a new UK tour, playing tracks from his new album RESURRECTED as well as hits from his extensive back catalogue.

First rising to prominence as a solo artist in the 1980s, Alexander O’Neal is a successful R&B and soul singer...

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Tribute act RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC return to the stage to pay homage to Fleetwood Mac's iconic album RUMOURS

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Tribute act RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC return to the stage to pay homage to Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album RUMOURS

Its been over 40 years since Fleetwood Mac released their award-winning album RUMOURS. In celebration, tribute act RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC head out on tour to take a journey through the band’s history, touching on the rocky roads that led them up to recording the iconic album. 

From the opening number, it is easy to see why RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC is endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himse...

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The Hollies Review: The British group return to the stage with a refreshed format for 2018 with A HIGHWAY OF HITS

The Hollies A HIGHWAY OF HITS Tour 2018

The Hollies return to the stage with a refreshed format for their 2018 show A HIGHWAY OF HITS

This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub.

With over 60 singles and 26 albums to their name, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of The Hollies. Best known for their distinctive three-part vocal harmony style, The Hollies were one of the leading British groups of the 1960s and 70s, with major hits on both sides of the Atlantic.

Formed in 1962 by Allan Clarke and Gra...

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