The eagerly anticipated FOOD FOR THOUGHT tour finally arrived in Manchester on Saturday night and not only do fans get to listen to nearly half a decades worth of outstanding songs but they will also be helping so many people throughout the country who rely on food banks.
All donations, whether it be money or food, will help the TRUSSELL TRUST distribute to those who are struggling in this cost of living crisis, the folks collecting the donations are ever so friendly so be sure to bring some items with you. Also all profits from the bands new FOOD FOR THOUGHT E.P (containing the brand new title track, 2 re-recorded golden oldies and 3 live tracks) will also go to local food banks accross the country.
The tour support act is Salfords very own hilariously talented performance poet Dr. JOHN COOPER CLARKE. The Apollo was still in the midst of filling up as he began, which was a bit disrupting for a non musical act, I struggled to hear at first as people blundered down the aisles looking for their seats. Although his humour may not be appreciated by everyone, and can provoke controversy, I think he’s highly amusing and I laughed out loud quite a lot but if you’re not a fan of the odd swear word and are easily offended then this may not be for you, especially EVIDENTLY CHICKENTOWN.
SQUEEZE have been a band I’ve been trying to catch live for quite a while (it was 1988 when I first saw them at a festival in Sheffield). I have seen Glenn Tilbrook at a couple of solo shows but the full band have always eluded me until now. The old songs have definitely stood the test of time and the majority of this seated audience didn’t stay seated for very long as they strayed into the aisles to sing and dance to classics like UP THE JUNCTION, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and PULLING MUSSELS FROM A SHELL. There were also a few tracks in the set which only the die hard fans would know and also the first new song they have written for 5 years, FOOD FOR THOUGHT, which is about the current cost of living crisis. I was totally made up they played my favourite tune ANOTHER NAIL IN MY HEART, I actually got quite emotional several times just at the occasion of being there but that one made my eyes flood.
The bands current line up are fantastic, full of energy and personality, especially Stephen on keyboards who was mesmerising during the solo presentation finale. Chris’s gnarly vocals along with Glenn’s angelic voice still marry together perfectly and the whole gig was a showcase of true professionalism, performance and talent which hasn’t aged a day. Well worth the wait and I hope I get to see them again soon.
Words by Joanne Marsland
Photos by Philip Goddard
Setlist :-
TAKE ME I’M YOURS
HOURGLASS
UP THE JUNCTION
WHAT HAVE THEY DONE
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE
I THINK I’M GO GO
F HOLE
LABELLED WITH LOVE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
PULLING MUSSELS(FROM A SHELL)
IS THAT LOVE
LETTING GO
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
SOMEONE ELSES HEART
ELECTRIC TRAINS
THE VERY FIRST DANCE
GOODBYE GIRL
ANOTHER NAIL IN MY HEART
TEMPTED
COOL FOR CATS
~Encore~
SLAP AND TICKLE
BLACK COFFEE IN BED
