Hugh Cornwell & John Cooper Clarke @ Manchester Ritz 03/12/16

Saturday in Manchester had it’s fair share of early Xmas drinkers and a lot of the pubs I usually frequent before a gig were rammed. That said I managed to get sufficient ale and took in a wonderful Tofu dish in Chinatown with my mate Johnny before the gig.

Never been to the Ritz in Manchester and I was surprised on entering just how big it was. Hugh and Johnny Clarke had managed to sell this out (or very close to it) as the place was packed.

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An appreciative audience delighted in Hugh and John’s run through of the album. The songs really shined live helped by a great backing band. There’s a genuine friendship between Hugh and John which came across in between songs. Cool bantz guys!.

Great to see Windsor or drums and Phil Andrews on keyboards. There was a couple of chaps stood behind me commenting on Phil. “Who is he? He has luscious hair!” . Once the album was out of the way John went off stage for a ciggie whilst Hugh delighted the crowd to some old Stranglers classics and a couple of solo numbers. Phil providing the Dave Greenfield-esque freakout on Walk on By.

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Was good to meet up and chat with Hugh after the gig.

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Hugh’s drummer Windsor has to be one of the greatest drummers out there at the moment.

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Great also to see Phil Andrews who handed me a copy of his solo album which I will review on here in due course.

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