SQUEEZE: BOURNEMOUTH, UK
Squeeze with support from Dr John Cooper Clarke
at The Pavilion in Bournemouth, UK
photos and words by Phoebe Reeks
Having released their six-track Food for Thought EP on November 4th, British music legends, Squeeze returned to Bournemouth’s Pavilion as part of their 25-date tour in support of its release, with the EP profits going to independent food banks, namely the Bournemouth Food bank for this particular show.
The new EP’s opening track ‘Food for Thought’ written by Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook focuses on the current issues in society, surrounding the cost-of-living crisis, and the increasing reliance on food banks. Also included in the EP are new recordings of previous releases, including ‘The Very First Dance’ and a live version of ‘The Day I Get Home’. Profits from the EP release, digital and physical CD sold at the shows, will go to Independent UK food banks. Squeeze also continue their partnership with anti-poverty charity, The Trussell Trust, inviting attendees to bring both food and monetary donations to show support.
Opening the night was the legendary special guest Dr John Cooper Clarke who entertained the audience with his poetry and witticisms, performing an array of poems covering cultural and societal topics and his life experiences, including crowd favourites ‘Beasley Street’ and ‘I Wanna Be Yours’.
The audience, broad in age, anticipated Squeeze’s arrival on stage, cheering as Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford and their band arrived on stage, kicking off their set with ‘Take Me I’m Yours’ followed by ‘Hourglass’ and the classic track, ‘Up the Junction’.
Glen Tilbrook showed appreciation throughout the night for the fans and their support, “thankyou lovelies”. He introduced ‘Food for Thought’ from the new EP, explaining the purpose and thanking the audience for their support and to donate if they can.
The evening saw Squeeze delve into their extensive back catalogue, performing almost two hours of songs from decades gone by, including ‘Labelled with Love’ which the crowd sang loud and clear, almost independently, ‘Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)’ and ‘Another Nail in My Heart’ before closing the first part of their set with fan favourite, ‘Cool for Cats’.
The crowd cheered for an encore, with the band returning to the stage for ‘Slap & Tickle’ and ‘Black Coffee in Bed’ which finished in an energetic frenzy, with Glen Tilbrook introducing each band member as they showcased their musical talent with individual solos.
Though this band have been on the go since the late 70’s they didn’t fail to put on a brilliant show, which had the crowd singing and dancing up on their feet, all in aid of a good cause, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE
SQUEEZE
