Anyway; I loved the way in which they did two shortish sets - one in each half. Much better than just one long set, in my opinion. It meant that you saw them twice (on their own) in one night, spread the tunes out a bit more and, of course, gave Cliff the chance to nip off and change his clothes!!! Wish I could have done that half way through, what with all the sweating!!! The choice of numbers was good, all the classics, which, let's face it, everyone wants to hear and will help to sell the DVD. Plus of course, as the Shads didn't take their Final Tour to Aus/NZ/SA, it means that these guys get to experience at least some of the magic that we all enjoyed in 2004/2005. The numbers were played as well, if not better, than I have heard them before. No lack of enthusiasm. Only two disappointments: 1) I had hoped that Brian would play Little B. Still, I guess that would have been too self-indulgent for a show that is, after all, about Cliff and the Shads as a unit. I had been preparing my hand-clapping techniques for the audience participation bit all day. Oh well, maybe it saved me from any embarrassment. Seriously, Little B - always a highlight at any Shads gig, but maybe this one was not the time or place. Fair enough. 2) Oh well, I'll admit it; I have finally given up hoping to see them play Love DeLuxe live!!! What do ya mean, it wasn't one of their better singles! First one I ever bought and it still sounds great to me!! Sorry if I have spoilt things for anyone else who was also hoping to hear this. What do ya mean, I'm on me own there?!
Seriously, I am still buzzing from the gig. Can't honestly think of anything negative about it at all. An experience I shall never forget. The sound, the playing, the presentation, all spot on. The Shads just don't seem to age, they seem to defy the years.
Some people, I know, have been critical of the arena aspect of this tour, but really, this is the only way they could have done it. To play to this many people, in theatres, they'd have been on tour till 2012. Not as intimate as a theatre, sure, but the Nottingham Arena was an awesome place. Absolutely massive and packed to the rafters. I gather the Sheffield Arena is even bigger? We shall be there in two weeks, right near the rafters, as it happens, so I'd better get that vertigo sorted out.
Once again, a fantastic gig. Anyone who is yet to see them, and who is reading this, rest assured - you cannot possibly fail to have an utterly brilliant time.
