Paul Heaton wows crowds
BANDMATE WAS ABSENT DUE TO HEALTH ISSUE
CROWDS were blown away on Sunday night as Housemartins star Paul Heaton took to the stage at Hull’s Bonus Arena.
The frontman played solo without bandmate Jacqui Abbott, after it was announced she would have to pull out after medical advice.
But the Caravan of Love singer did her proud, said fans, as he performed the first of two dates in the city for their current tour.
The shows were due to be held 18 months ago, but were cancelled due to Covid-19.
The wait was well worth it, however, as fans lauded Paul’s solo performance as “exceptional” and “sensational”.
One fan tweeted: “Tonight in Hull Mr Heaton you were exceptional.
“The last time I witnessed such a performance was Keith Edwards circa 1979. Hope Jacqui makes a speedy recovery”.
Paul Heaton confirmed on Sunday that
Jacqui had to stand down for health reasons, adding that the show would go on in her absence.
Tweeting to his thousands of fans, Paul wrote: “Paul and the band are going to continue to complete the remaining tour dates and look forward to putting on a great show for you all in Hull, Birmingham and London over the next few days.”
Paul was supported last night by guest act Keston Cobblers Club, and is due to perform at the Arena again this evening.
Another fan tweeted: “@Paulheatonsolo and the band were absolutely sensational tonight in Hull.
“Jacqui Abbott you were so missed, but they did you proud”.
Paul Heaton moved to Hull in 1983, where he founded the band The Housemartins.
The group is best known for its hits Caravan Of Love and Happy Hour.
He later went on to form legendary group The Beautiful South with bandmate Dave Hemingway. His current bandmate Jacqui
Abbott joined as singer later in the 1990s.
Paul and Jacqui reunited as a musical duo in 2013, and have since released three albums together, the latest being Manchester Calling, which came out last year.