The legendary rock band Squeeze recently captivated audiences at The Piece Hall in Halifax, delivering a performance that reaffirmed their enduring musical legacy. Celebrating over five decades since the initial collaboration of Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, the band proved definitively that their creative fire and stage presence remain as vibrant as ever, promising many more years of electrifying live music experiences.
The evening commenced with the understated, yet compelling, support of Badly Drawn Boy, still recognizable in his signature woolly hat, setting a mellow tone for the eagerly anticipated main act. As Squeeze, now expanded to an eight-piece ensemble, took to the stage, they were met with enthusiastic applause from an almost-full, seated crowd enjoying the pleasant evening atmosphere within the historic confines of the Halifax venue.
Squeeze embarked on a formidable 20-song set, a comprehensive journey through their illustrious career. While revisiting beloved classic songs from every decade, the band infused them with a fresh dynamism, applying a new sheen that resonated deeply with both long-time fans and new listeners. The opening number, “Black Coffee in Bed,” immediately showcased the collective vocal harmony of the entire band, alongside the remarkably preserved vocal prowess of Tilbrook, who continues to demonstrate his superb and often underrated lead guitar skills.
The concert seamlessly transitioned through an impressive array of hits, with “Is That Love?” leading into the iconic “Up the Junction.” Chris Difford’s poignant narrative of unfulfilled London life in the latter track resonated particularly strongly, prompting many in The Piece Hall crowd to rise and dance joyfully in the aisles, a testament to the timeless appeal of Squeeze’s songwriting.
Despite their prolific output and critical acclaim, Difford and Tilbrook are curiously often overlooked in discussions of classic songwriting duos. However, their distinct blend of witty and profoundly poignant lyrics, coupled with consistently melodic and catchy tunes, defines their unique artistry. The band’s signature high-low harmonies further distinguish Squeeze, cementing their status as a truly special and innovative rock band in the annals of music history.
Looking to the future, the band also shared insights into their upcoming releases: an album comprising revisited early tracks and another featuring entirely new compositions. These forthcoming works, exemplified by the warm reception given to tracks like “If I Didn’t Love You” and “Trixie’s Hell on Earth” during the Halifax concert, indicate that their newer material holds up remarkably well against their established hits, promising exciting developments for fans of Squeeze’s enduring sound.
Instrumental brilliance was a recurring highlight throughout the evening. “Slap and Tickle” provided another powerful demonstration of Tilbrook’s exceptional guitar work as he delivered a searing solo, showcasing his masterful rock technique. Later, his rendition of “Tempted,” incorporating Paul Carrack’s original lines, revealed his equally impressive white soul voice, underscoring the multifaceted talent within the classic rock band.
The concert culminated with the powerful performances of “Hourglass” and “Take Me I’m Yours,” tracks that evoke nostalgic memories for many, reminiscent of their appearances on classic music shows. Squeeze continues to be a superb live band, concluding the memorable evening with Tilbrook introducing individual members for solo spotlights, notably allowing vocalist Danica Dora to shine with a captivating snippet of The Velvet Underground’s “After Hours,” a perfect close to an unforgettable Squeeze concert.
