Nick Heyward

"Everybody's Young And Far Too Serious"

As part of a somewhat belated tour to promote last year's Woodland Echoes album, his first release of any kind since 2006, Nick Heyward made his way to the O2 Academy in Liverpool on Saturday evening [2 June] to play for an (in certain cases, over-)enthusiastic audience.

Naturally, most were present on the strength of his earliest and most popular work with Haircut One Hundred on Pelican West and his solo début North Of A Miracle, which between them birthed seven successive Top Twenty singles in the UK and both reached the Top Ten in the album chart. In the 35 years since, he's only graced the Top Forty with three 45s (two in 1984 and the last in 1996).

As such, and combined with his continued presence on 80s revivial tours, the gig could have been a total exercise in nostalgia despite having the new material to plug. This was something he did allude to during the lengthy hour and forty five minutes-long set - "it's nice to be able to play more than the same six songs for a change" - but he was more than game in giving the crowd most of what they'd come for.

Indeed, it wasn't until almost halfway through before one of the Woodland Echoes tracks was aired ['Who?'] following the opening salvo of most of those hits - was it brave or foolhardy to start with 'Love Plus One'? - which were all received rapturously to try and prepare the ground for that far less raucous (and commerical) Van Morrison-esque number.

Attention spans not being what they were, the lesser known songs during the second half (including an enthusiastic cover of 'Doctor Robert', which he appears to have been doing throughout the current UK jaunt, rather than being a nod/appeasement based on last night's location), were the cue for a number of trips to the bar and (worse) a lot of intrusive and overly loud conversations.

But such is the lot of the live gig goer these days - a large-ish minority just seem to want to be (and be seen) at shows, rather than engage with and listen to the performer (unless it's via their smart phone screen, of course).

However, the 'reward' for 'putting up' with some new stuff was a conclusion that consisted of an extended version of 'Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)' to close the main set ahead of a one-song encore of 'Fantastic Day' to end proceedings on a high and send everyone heading home (or (back) to the pub) happy, having had a bit of a bounce around to something that may well have soundtracked similar exuberances in their younger days.

All in all a very enjoyable evening, with a still ridiculously youthful-looking Heyward, who turned 57 a couple of weeks ago, in fine form supported by an excellent younger backing band, that in turn got their chance to shine and take a solo during that longer rendition of 'Favourite Shirts'. (8/10)

Took my good lady to see Nick Heyward acoustic session @ The Flowerpot Derby, my first visit to this music venue which l've wanted to do for a some time now, seizing the opertunity knowing and listening and enjoying Nicks style of music since the days of Haircut One hundred plus his session @ Newark Festival last year l could'nt miss this night, it was a ( Fantastic nighhhht ) had by all even my good lady was singing along needless to say it was a great night great gig Nick and the boys done a great job, not only did Nick sign my personal pictures for my wall of fame but myself and the wife managed to get a pic with him great guy and took time with every fan to speak with them and sign there memorabilia will see him again Thanks for a great night.

This was my first Nick Heyward gig so I wasn't sure quite what to expect but it turned out to be great! Very entertaining, witty, great sound, lots of energy. Very impressed with his impromptu ballad after someone shouted out a request - almost no one every does that but he carried it off very well. Respect! Well worth the trip to Brighton. Concorde 2 never disappoints; easy to get to and friendly staff. All in all a great night out.

Was a fantastic concert, Nick Heyward was brilliant. He seemed a really nice, lovely guy. Had a great night. Would recommend going to see Nick Heyward in concert. Venue was nice, small but had a lovely atmosphere. The team at the venue were friendly.