Deacon Blue

Deacon Blue’s performance at the Cambridge Corn Exchange was not initially on my list of 2025 gigs. However, after a message from Jimmy less than a week before the show, asking if I fancied it, tickets were swiftly purchased. The Scottish band, renowned for their soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics, has been a favourite of mine since the late-eighties, and having only seen them once before, I was eager to add them to my concert roster.

The setlist was evenly split between 20th and 21st-century songs. Lead singer Ricky Ross’ vocals were as powerful as ever, effortlessly conveying the emotions of each song and establishing a personal connection with the audience. Admittedly, I was not as prepared for the gig as I should have been, having only listened to the new album twice. The acoustics of the Cambridge Corn Exchange can be unpredictable, and unfortunately, this time was not one of its better performances. Adding to the challenge, the crowd consisted of individuals who had all seen at least half a century.

Although the eight songs from the 1980s were personal highlights for me, my lack of familiarity with the newer material did slightly dampen the overall experience. This, however, was entirely my responsibility and in no way a reflection of the band’s performance. Musically, they were superb, with Ricky and Lorraine’s vocals as sweet as ever, though I must admit that I felt Lorraine was somewhat underutilised on stage.

Reflecting on the evening, I am glad I attended, but I resolve to be better prepared for future concerts. On a lighter note, I must caution against entrusting me with directions. As we headed to the show Jimmy, Hacks, Chef, and myself navigating our way from Wetherspoon to the venue proved that my sense of direction may not be the most reliable. Despite a few wrong turns and some Google Maps misinterpretations, we eventually arrived at the venue, albeit after several thousand steps. Lesson learned: always turn left out of the pub for a faster journey.