How to put on a show, deliver it, and appreciate it. This was a credit to everyone concerned: Hard Rock Café Leeds, the punters, and Glen himself.
The
Hard Rock Café is an excellent venue for a solo show, blessed with
an ample-sized stage and relaxed atmosphere where you can treat yourself
to a burger and a drink. Perfect intimate surroundings for an acoustic
show. Hats off to the Hard Rock Café for some decent promotion
and to all those who attended, making it an excellent turnout of a couple
of hundred. Ideal for the venue.
Glen kicked off with Burning Sounds followed by Mugs Game, both going
down well. It was heartening to be part of a crowd devoid of any cynicism,
who were as delighted by the solo material as by the obvious hits. There
were no irritating shouts of 'Vacant' (it's the expected encore anyway,
so you may as well call out for something original). The Leeds crowd were
here to listen to the man and his music, and the between-song banter.
It must be hard to think of original anecdotes to use as song introductions,
but Glen delivered a fair few good humoured stories that were new to me,
and helped shape the feel good vibe in the audience, who responded with
laughter and red-hot appreciation. I won't reveal any anecdotes for you
here, go and see the man.
Ambition, plus Idiot with its raucous audience participation, galvanised the crowd, and the rockabilly take of God Save The Queen remained ever popular. Live staple Different World acted as a nod towards his 1996 solo album, while Sad Meal For One remains one of the best of Glen's Philistines compositions, showcasing his attention to detail in both tune and lyrics, leaving no doubts as to why Glen is a top songwriter. Ghosts Of Princes In Towers was a blast from his Rich Kids past, and was accompanied by the story of its origin.
Glen put such energy into Stepping Stone, augmented by the audience, that the microphone stand flew off the stage at the end of the song! It happened so fast, quite how I don't know, but there was an energy spike from somewhere! Quick repair work by fellow Philistine Koozie Johns, acting as roadie tonight, added a further touch of humour to the event with some good natured back-chat between the pair.
White Knuckle Ride and On Something, two recent highs, rounded off the main set, before the previously mentioned Vacant encore. After a short rest, Glen was available for a signing session, and there was no shortage of people wanting to meet the man. When, eventually, the end of the line was in sight, the Hard Rock Café staff seized their chance to have pictures taken with Glen. The show had been a hit, and the reaction from the staff was a reflection of that. Everyone went away happy.
If this is representive of a Hard Rock Café gig, I can only hope this won't be the last collaboration with Glen. Top night out.
Review by Phil Singleton
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