Squeeze. Photo by Chyrisse. VNT_0038 — Squeeze. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Chyrisse Tabone and Wendy Hunter, Journalists, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Live Review: Squeeze – 50th Anniversary Tour with Guest Badly Drawn Boy – Royal Albert Hall, London – November 11, 2024

The festivals and bands from the ‘80s have brought pure joy to Rock At Night this year. Perhaps it stems from nostalgia or the unique music produced in this decade. Upon entering the architecturally stunning Royal Albert Hall, the anticipation was palpable. Constructed in the 1870s, this world-renowned theater not only survived the Great War but also has hosted a plethora of events throughout history. In recent years, this esteemed venue has hosted rock concerts, ballets, BAFTA awards, and special events such as the Concert for George. Boxes of donated foodstuffs fill the lobby since Squeeze supports humanitarian causes and fair ticket sales. Concertgoers are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to support local food banks

Damon Michael Gough of Badly Drawn Boy. Photo by Chyrisse.

First up was English solo singer-songwriter Damon Michael Gough, known as Badly Drawn Boy, who scored a few hits in the early Millennium. With his smooth voice and playful humor between songs, this performer showcased intricate fingerwork on the acoustic guitar while engaging in banter with the audience. His final song, “Once Around the Block,” was especially creative, featuring lyrics that state, “Take a left, sharp left, and another left, meet me on the corner, we’ll start again…”

Glenn Tilbrook o Squeeze. Photo by Chyrisse.

After witnessing their recent show in Florida, we are honored to review and photograph the stalwarts of good ol’ London, Squeeze. We just can’t get enough of this band. In many ways, performing in the city felt like a ‘homecoming’ for Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, who formed the band 50 years ago. Frequently compared to Lennon & McCartney, the band remains strong despite experiencing a few breakups and lineup changes over the years.

Squeeze opened the evening with the wildly popular songs “Black Coffee In Bed” and “Footprints.” The audience cheered for these early hits, which were also staples in my car’s cassette player back in the day. Soon after, listeners began dancing. We were treated to some new songs Trixies, an upcoming album with no announced release date. Tilbrook’s song ‘Trixie’s Hell on Earth” was actually written five decades ago but was never recorded. Revisiting earlier songs inspired the duo to create new music, including the striking acoustic-driven ballad “One Beautiful Summer.”

Chris Difford of Squeeze. Photo by Chyrisse.

In addition to Tilbrook and Difford, the band included drummer Simon Hanson, keyboardist Stephen Large, percussionist Steve Smith, guitarist Melvin Duffy, backing vocalist Danica Dora, and bassist Owen Biddle. A special shout out goes to Smith who rocked everything from conga drums to maracas while dancing and singing and to Large demonstrating his skill at the accordion for the reinvented and zydeco sounding “Goodbye Girl.”

Stephen Large of Squeeze. Photo by Chyrisse.

Squeeze saved some of their beloved hits for the final portion of the concert, including “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” and the gorgeous ballad “Some Fantastic Place.” Early hits like the wry and catchy “If I Didn’t Love You” and the driving beat of “Take Me I’m Yours” remind us why we fell in love with the band. Highlights of the evening included a stripped-down version of Tilbrook performing “Tempted” and the bouncy ska tune “Cool for Cats.” Another standout was the punky “Slap & Tickle.” The Beatlesque “Is That Love” sounded pop-perfect and fresh. Squeeze knocked it out of the park last night. Squeeze’s 50th Anniversary Tour is definitely a must-see!