‘I kind of forgot that this might be amazing’

REVIEW VERDICT DEACON BLUE @ THE OVO HYDRO

DEACON BLUE frontman Ricky Ross praised Glasgow as the “most patient audience” he has ever known after the band finally delivered their Hydro show on Saturday night.

The Glasgow band were due to perform at the Finnieston venue before Christmas but were forced to pull the plug on the show due to the threat of the Omnicron variant.

But they more than made up for the delay by delivering a night of hits old and new during a set which lasted more than two hours.

Opening up with tracks from their ninth studio album City of Love, Ross teased the crowd: “Have you got any plans for Christmas?”

He then praised: “You guys are the most patient audience I have ever known.”

And with his wife Lorraine McIntosh by his side, he rewarded that patience as the pair were in sync to take on the sublime Chocolate Girl, a track that was released from their debut album Raintown which turned 35 this month.

The title track from that same album then proved to be a moment to remember with Ross showing off the prowess’ in his vocals as well as his unique tone which simply proved to be equally flawless.

Emotional, he then said: “I kind of forgot that this might be amazing,” before he performed the powerful Weight of the World which he dedicated to those who found that things got too much for them during the pandemic.

Backed by longtime drummer Dougie Vipond, keyboardist James Prime, guitarist Gregor Philp and bassist Lewis Gordon, McIntosh took centre stage for Cover from the Sky. A moment which proved to be just magical with her voice commanding the attention of the Hydro arena.

Deacon Blue feel like part of the fabric of this city, their lyrics are woven into Glasgow’s musical history and for that reason anytime they play in their hometown it’s gonna be special.

Over three decades of albums and Glasgow still receives this band with open arms from the electrifying atmosphere that was launched when they performed Real Gone Kid to the sombre mood for Peace Will Come dedicated to Ukraine.

Ross’ and his bandmates ability to tell a story with each song is captivating and it is the reason why you don’t just listen to Deacon Blue, you really listen.

Fergus Sings The Blues and Dignity completed the setlist. And it is perhaps of no surprise that a cover of another great storyteller Bob Dylan’s Forever Young rather poignantly rounded off the night in spectacular style.

You guys are the most patience audience I have ever known