HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES

AT THE PARR HALL AND HIPPODROME

BY VALERIE ALDRED

If you only get round to seeing one concert this year then don’t miss 10cc featuring Graham Gouldman and friends. At the fan club, Dave and I (Val) were fortunate to see two, the first at Parr Hall Warrington followed by Tameside Hippodrome Ashton. Graham Gouldman is joined on stage by the talented Rick Fenn, Mike Stevens, Paul Burgess and the unforgettable Mick Wilson. On offer was a roller coaster ride of many favourite hits including Mandy, Donna and Minestrone to name a few. Each night we were expecting a polished professional slick performance…and that’s what we got.

Highlights had to be the classy guitar instrumental by Rick Fenn, which had tinges of Floyd and the Enid. Mick Wilson portrayed a humorous element throughout which only enhanced the shows and broke a few hearts along the way. The 60s segue slowed the show nicely with Graham providing an intimate insight into the history of each song, the star of the show at his consistent best, before more 10cc hits meandering up to the jamming session towards the end. As a band there is an unmistakable delight evident as they deliver time after time and also a true likeability for each other, which develops into a rapport with the crowd. The audiences voted on their feet - and wanted more… much more.

I DON’T LIKE 10CC… I LOVE ‘EM

The wonderful photo's of Mess'rs Gouldman, Stevens, Fenn, Wilson and Burgess were taken in Ringsted, Denmark, by Rickard Sandberg. Thank you very much, Rickard, they are excellent!!!