Set off fairly last minute for Leeds from Hull. A journey that would ordinarily take about 50 minutes but with roadworks and a horrendous 1 way system we arrived at the Duchess a little late and Ian was already on stage. Further frustrations trying to get in as they'd ran out of change. Anyway we could hear the acouatic strains of "I'm Game" so a good night promised. We were not to be disappointed.
The first set consisted of a mixture of old and new with highlights being "Hollow Horse" and "When It All Comes Down" with massive vocal accompaniement from the large, enthusiastic crowd. The 1st set ended with Ian promising to be back in 15 mins with just enough time for us to refill our glasses. However, I'd spotted Gaz Grimmett at the front and decided to reacquaint myself with him. We'd met earlier in the year at Ronnie Scott's. Just an excuse really to get closer to the stage!
The 2nd set opened with Ian telling a lengthy but very amusing story about Crazy Horse, followed up later by an equally amusing story about Noel Gallagher. I won't spoil them by recounting them here. Ian explained that it was all to do with his new comedy profile.
If anything the 2nd set was even better than the 1st. A variety of songs were played though little from the new album. "I refuse to promote my new album" he said. "When something's that good it doesn't need promoting!" he explained.
Mokka and Roy Corkhill joined an for "Still Got The Fever" and for the encore "Who Do You Love". A marvellous night with the new cd being purchased on the way out. I even managed to get the great man to sign it and shook his hand whilst pulling his leg about the cancelled gig in Beverley the week before. "Sorry" he said. "I had a really bad sore throat." "But I drove nearly 6 miles to get there," I said to which Ian looked at me in sympathy before realising what I'd said.
A wonderful gig. I can't wait for more.
31 October 1998.
This review Copyright © 1998, Neil English. All rights reserved. Reproduced with
permission.
The right of Neil English to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in
accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
[Back] to the Ian McNabb News Page