Squeeze and Heaven 17 at The Sage

Squeeze and Heaven 17

The Sage, Gateshead

19.10.2019

It is often said that nostalgia isn't what is used to be but three recent shows at The Sage turned back the clock in fine style to deliver three very entertaining shows linked by a 1980s theme.

First up were Squeeze, supported by Heaven 17. This was more of a double-bill than main act and support; Indeed, Heaven 17 were actually billed as 'special guests' rather than the support act.

Heaven 17 played The Sage three years ago for their own headline show. They played a fabulous (shortened) set this time around, with only mis-are being their cover of You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' which I found too frivolous take up one of the eight song slots.

Everyone was on their feet by the time Temptation came their way and I am sure I was not the only one was left wanting more from Heaven 17.

Heaven 17 Set List

Crushed By the Wheels of Industry
(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang
Play to Win
Come Live With Me
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Let Me Go
Penthouse and Pavement
Temptation

It was my third time seeing Squeeze (although I have seen Chris Difford (twice) and Glenn Tilbrook solo (many times).

The audience had been more than warmed by Heaven 17 and there was a definite sense of a party atmosphere in the hall. I find the recent Squeeze material to be not as satisfying as the their earlier work (a cliché, I know) and consequently find a lull in the set whenever they play. Perhaps it is merely that the earlier songs have more of a resonance, fuelled by nostalgia.

Squeeze Set List

Footprints
Big Beng
Hourglass
Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)
Up the Junction
King George Street
Mumbo Jumbo
Cradle to the Grave
The Day I Get Home
Someone Else's Heart
Is That Love
Third Rail
Please Be Upstanding
In Quintessence
Slap and Tickle
Labelled With Love
Love's Crashing Waves
Tempted
Cool for Cats
Annie Get Your Gun
Goodbye Girl

Encore:

If I Didn't Love You
Take Me I'm Yours
Black Coffee in Bed

It was, of course, a very entertaining evening, but I was left with the feeling that the bands could have easily swapped places in the schedule.

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