The Quireboys Gig Review

GIG REVIEW – THE QUIREBOYS

Lovers of classic British rock’n’roll were out in force at the Borderline last month to see the Quireboys on the last night of their Autumn acoustic tour of the UK. LGA gig reviewer, Paul Wood, and LGA owner, James Stratton, were in the crowd to see the band liven up a chilly night with a selection of songs from their classic back catalogue.

GIG REVIEW – THE QUIREBOYS

Best known for their late 80s/early 90s live shows and high charting debut album “A Bit of What You Fancy”, the band reformed in 2001 and have issued three fine albums over the last 3 years – the most recent being “St. Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul” – a 4 album set which combines the new “St Cecilia” album with a reissue of the “Halfpenny Dancer” album plus 2 CDs worth of live material from the “Halfpenny Dancer” tours. Available on Amazon for less than £20 the set is an absolute bargain.

Here’s a link to a taster for the new album “Gracie B” (a swampy Quireboys classic):

The live acoustic shows feature the current lineup of  four permanent members – Spike (vocals) alongside fellow long term Quireboy, Guy Griffin (guitar), and stalwarts of the current lineup Paul Guerin (guitar) and Keith Weir (keyboards), who have both been on board since 2004.

Support was provided by Welsh band Fireroad and their drummer Matthew joined the Quireboys to add a percussive punch for the last few songs of their set.

The acoustic setting gives you a real chance to hear the distinctive Spike vocals in full flow and the band didn’t disappoint with a set combining old favourites and recent material.

Here’s a link to Youtube acoustic footage of “Hates To Please” (from their 2^nd album):

Traditional curtain closer 7 O’Clock brought the packed Borderline (including original guitarist Guy Bailey) to a rousing finale (even though Spike seemed to have the wrong harmonica for the normal harp blowing introduction).

Brought back by the crowd for two sweaty encores the set ended with the classic rock ballad “I Don’t Love You Anymore”.

Here’s a link to Youtube acoustic footage of “I Don’t Love…” from 2015:

Back on form and touring regularly both in the UK and Europe try and catch the Quireboys live – acoustic or with a full electric set, you won’t be disappointed. For 2016 dates and merchandise see their website:

http://www.quireboys.com/

SETLIST

1. Roses and Rings
2. There She Goes Again
3. Devil Of A Man
4. Mona Lisa Smiles
5. Out Of Your Mind
6. Whipping Boy
7. The Promise
8. Late Night Saturday Call
9. Hates To Please
10. Stubborn Kinda Heart
11. Misled
12. Sweet Mary Ann
13. 7 O’Clock

Encores:

1. I Love This Dirty Town
2. I Don’t Love You Anymore

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Here’s a link to footage of the Quireboys rockin’ out with full electric swagger on “Hey You” from Top of the Pops in 1990: