Paul Heaton at First Direct Bank Arena review: "Something to savour"
“Fifteen shows in your fine city, Leeds,” enthuses Paul Heaton to a sold-out crowd on Saturday night (Oct 31).
“It doesn’t sound that many, does it? But every one has been a privilege.”
Well, the feeling was certainly mutual as Heaton put on a brilliant 26-song career-spanning setlist along with fabulous guest vocalist Rianne Downey which showcased so many old favourites along with material from his new album Jenius.
First up were support act The Lightning Seeds, who played all their best-loved tracks including Lucky You, Change, Sugar Coated Iceberg, Lucky You, Life of Riley and Pure.
The Liverpool band were formed in 1989 by Ian Broudie and the 68-year-old remains a fantastic frontman.
After a fine 45-minute performance which sets the tone for audience reading and willing to bathe in nostalgia, it is time for Heaton to take centre stage.
The former Housemartins and The Beautiful South legend is in fine form from the off as he delivers a delightful mix of hits.
He begins with One Eye Open from Jenius, which was released in August and was produced by Broudie and recorded at Blueprint Studios in Manchester.
It features 15 new original songs, is Heaton’s 23rd album and comes almost exactly 40 years since his first, The Housemartins’ era-defining ‘London 0 Hull 4’.
The 64-year-old clearly still loves what he does and the adoring crowd lap up which flows beautifully from start to finish.
The main set also included I Want the Job, Fish 'N' Chip Supper and Good for the Bees alongside notable covers like The Housemartins' Sitting On A Fence, Sheep, Five Get Over Excited and Me and the Farmer.
Of course there are The Beautiful South staples including I'll Sail This Ship Alone, Song for Whoever, A Little Time, Don't Marry Her, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Perfect 10 and collaboration tracks with Jacqui Abbott.
The first encore brought performances of Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) and You Keep It All In, while the second encore closed the night with Prettiest Eyes and a cover of Caravan of Love.
Personal highlights include Happy Hour and Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud) but the whole performance was something to savour on a night when Heaton reminded everyone, yet again, just how good he is.