Deacon Blue returned to a packed crowd last night at Belfast’s Waterfront venue. They are riding on the recent success and commercial renaissance of their brand new album “Believers” which saw the band achieve their highest chart position in 22 years last week. The album entered the UK chart at No 13.
The band open with the songs “Come Awake” and “Gone” from the new record. Ricky Ross briefly hints at his disappointment with the day’s election results and apologies for Donald Trump being half Scottish before launching into “Loaded”. The seated crowd is subdued as the band play through “Circus Lights” and a brilliant version of “Chocolate Girl” which breaks down into an unexpected but well-done cover of “Human” by Sheffield electronic band the Human League mid-song. It’s not until the opening bars of their classic single “Real Gone Kid” that the crowd leap to their feet and let go as Ricky Ross jumps off the stage and runs past the ecstatic crowd in this amazing extended version of the familiar song.
Everyone remains on their feet to dance away to a rapturous version of “Twist and Shout” from “Fellow Hoodlums” followed by “Love and Regret”. A mix of old songs and crowd favourites such as “Wages Day, Fergus Sings the Blues” and highlights from the new album follow as the crowd move closer to the stage to dance and for Ricky Ross to happily pose for selfies. The band leave the stage and come back moments later for a brilliant encore. Ricky Ross sits down at a keyboard while Lorraine McIntosh remains standing for a mesmerising performance of “When Will You Make My Telephone Ring” from their million-selling debut album “Raintown” and “Believers” a song about the refugee crisis and the title track from their current hit album.
The biggest cheer of the night comes when the opening chords to “Dignity” begin and the crowd take over the verses for a huge sing-along. A medley of covers such as “Jeepster” and “Not Fade Away” pave the way for a triumphant “Queen of the New Year”, bringing a wonderful evening to an end. It’s only the second show of the tour but the band sound tight, Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh vocals were on top form, their interaction with each other and the Belfast crowd throughout the show was such a joy to watch. Deacon Blue continue the tour of the UK throughout November and December. Make sure to check it out, It’s a show not to be missed.
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