The Proclaimers - City Hall, Newcastle - 9th November 2012 (Live Review)
Monday, 12 November 2012
Written by Lara Rainsforth
It has been a while since I was last at a gig at the City Hall and it is hard to forget how much of a small venue it is. I’m more of an R&B fan myself so I arrived with a completely open mind about seeing The Proclaimers live.
The Proclaimers have been in the industry for 25 years and to celebrate this, as well as the release of their new album 'Like Comedy', they have hit the road to tour the UK.
The Scottish brothers took to the stage to a venue filled with screams and claps from fans of all ages as they proceeded with their opening track ‘Whatever You’ve Got’. ‘Let’s Get Married’ was dedicated to a couple who had recently got married and this seemed to be the track that got the crowd up and dancing out of their seats, as up to now they remained seated. The crowd’s applause and screams were getting louder at the end of each song. Craig and Charlie briefly spoke to the crowd after this track to introduce the next song entitled ‘Sean’ which they told the crowd was written after the birth of Charlie’s son.
The next track was ‘I’m On My Way’, which the band performed on Emmerdale a few weeks ago, and the band encouraged the crowd to get up and dance along. They didn’t need to be told twice and they were up on their feet. To me this was the only track to actually get the crowd well and truly going all night. It actually looked like a real gig! Towards the end of the track two girls managed to climb onto the stage and danced around together. The band remained professional and continued to sing and play the track as the crowd laughed and danced along as the two girls were escorted off stage much to their disappointment.
The most popular track of the night and possibly of the band’s career was ‘500 Miles’ and I have to be honest I had goosebumps as I stood and listened to the crowd sing the lyrics as they overpowered the band themselves. It was great to see everyone of all ages up on their feet singing and dancing in the aisles of the City Hall.
At times it was like the crowd had to be encouraged to enjoy the gig which felt like a shame for Craig, Charlie and the rest of the band as throughout the show the vocals were on point and the duo gave more than 100% in each performing each track.
It is hard to ignore the fact that The Proclaimers are talented. After all, they have survived the music industry for the past 25 years. They still have a loyal fan base as well as gaining new fans. I briefly spoke to fans after the show, with someone commenting that the show was fantastic and they couldn’t have been better.
Overall, The Proclaimers were great and they certainly know how to put on a show. I only wish the crowd were a bit more lively for them.
Set-list was as follows:
Whatever You’ve Got
Notes and Rhymes
Hate My Love
Shout Shout
Letter
Spinning Around In The Air
Thought Of You
Let’s Get Married
Just Look Now
Cap in Hand
Women & Wine
Sean
I’m On My Way
Sorry
Sunshine on Leith
Sky Takes The Soul
What Makes You Cry
I Met You
There’s A Touch
500 Miles
Life With You
My Old Friend
One More Down
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The Proclaimers have been in the industry for 25 years and to celebrate this, as well as the release of their new album 'Like Comedy', they have hit the road to tour the UK.
