DEACON BLUE // CAIRD HALL, DUNDEE
A Dandy Night in Beanotown
★★★★★ (5/5)
DEACON BLUE PERFORMING AT DUNDEE’S CAIRD HALL
PHOTOCREDIT: KENDALL WILSON
This gig was a chance for Dundee’s music fans to stand together for one of their own, Keith
Matheson, guitarist in some great Dundee bands including Swiss Family Orbison and Big Blue 72 who played with Deacon Blue and Simple Minds. Keith had a terrible accident at work in April last year in which he lost a hand, a tragedy for anyone but absolutely life changing for someone who loves playing music.
The concert was opened by a band that sits at the heart of Dundee’s musical history with links to Deacon Blue, Big Blue 72 and Danny Wilson, Swiss Family Orbison. And their short slot got the night off to a flier, showcasing the great energy and song writing of the band. Keith wrote the songs with Kit Clark and the audience were quickly drawn in. The band had pre-Covid plans to gig again. Perhaps this will rekindle these ambitions.
Next up were Glasgow indie legends The Bluebells who launched into Daddy was an Engineer from their recent 21st Century album. Harmonica driven, supported by their trademark guitar jangle this was a typically Bluebells crowd pleaser. Next up was I’m Falling, their 1984 love song with its great chorus that the crowd are delighted to join in with. The song may have lost its angsty edge as the band have moved from their 20s to 60s but the Caird Hall crowd loved it and it was obvious that the band’s las tune Young at Heart resonated as they belted out the chorus.
Kathryn Joseph is from a different generation of Scottish musician and she was joined by composer and member of the Hazey Janes, Andrew Wasylyk with Kathryn on piano and Andrew on Juno bass + keys. Kathryn is a well-kept secret, an artist who should be better known and her voice and music worked very well in this old room, hauntingly beautiful and individual that will make you think of Bjork or Kate Bush. The crowd responded positively and surely many of them will want to hear more from this real talent.
Next up was Gary Clark ex singer of Danny Wilson, the much loved Dundee heroes, who many of this audience would have been charged up to see and spotting the band’s other members Gary’s brother Kit and bassist, Ged Grimes on stage built the excitement further.
Sitting behind the grand piano Gary kicked off with We Sail on The Stormy Waters from his post DW, Ten Short Songs about Love album. Oh that voice, powerful, unique soaring above the crowd entwined with the complex harmonies from the stage.
The jazz vibe of The Ballad of Me and Shirley MacLaine from Danny Wilson Bebop Moptop showcased the musicality of Jed’s bass playing and unleashed Kit’s Parisian accordion accompaniment. The audience were purring now and ex Big Blue 72 member Chris van der Kuyl joined the musicians on stage, freeing Gary up to move onto guitar for his track Nancy then Make a Family, both from Ten Short Songs about Love.
After a brief intermission to allow the audience to lubricate their singing voices, it was time for Deacon Blue to take the stage and deliver an acoustic set. With an extensive catalogue to choose from, hearing their songs in an unplugged format was a true delight.
Ricky Ross, the lead singer and a proud Dundee native, stepped forward, accompanied by James Prime, the band's talented piano player. They enchanted the audience with a beautiful, slowed-down, and ethereal rendition of The Queen of the New Year, casting a spell over everyone in attendance. Joined by the rest of Deacon Blue—Lorraine McIntosh on vocals and guitar, Lewis Gordon on bass, and Gregor Phil on guitar—the band then treated the crowd to a reflective performance of In Our Room.
Ricky, who also hosts the popular BBC Scotland radio program "Another Country," brought a touch of country flavour to the acoustic set with a stripped-down version of Chocolate Girl, a delightful combination of guitar and vocals that turned the audience into a harmonious choir. The Americana vibes continued to flow as the band launched into an acoustic rendition of Springsteen's stadium-filling anthem, Dancing in the Dark.
Lorraine took centre stage next, delivering a lesser-known gem with the heartfelt and down-home country ballad, Cover From the Sky. Her soulful performance resonated with the audience, captivating their hearts.
Of course, no crowd-pleasing set would be complete without a couple of anthems, and Deacon Blue knew exactly how to deliver. First up was the infectious Wages Day, followed by the ever-magnificent Dignity. As the band kicked off, the crowd leaped to their feet, spontaneously bursting into the first verse and chorus before Ricky could even start. It was an extraordinary moment, with everyone joining together in unison, singing and shouting out the powerful chorus. Goosebumps abounded, creating a truly spine-tingling experience.
The band's segment concluded with heartfelt renditions of I Will and I Won't and "All over the World," leaving the crowd still on their feet, cheering the band with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Next came the highly anticipated sing-along, as the band invited all the evening's performers back to the Caird Hall stage. This Dundee super group launched into a Deacon Blue crowd-pleaser, When Will You (Make my Telephone Ring), showcasing exceptional vocal harmonies and musicianship across the stage. The Danny Wilson boys took centre stage with their 1989 single, The Second Summer of Love, sparking hope for a possible reunion in the future.
After a soul-stirring rendition of Dylan's classic Forever Young, the night drew to a close with Dundee's poet laureate, Michael Marra's beautiful composition, All Will Be Well.
Keith stood at the centre of the stage, resplendent in a bright white suit, as the song's poignant lyrics resonated deeply with the unique atmosphere of the evening. It was a perfect fit, conveying a message of hope and love. "If you feel like dancing, I'll be by your side, with a big band, a fountain, an aerodrome. All will be well."
This extraordinary night will be etched in the memory of all who were present—a gathering of stunning voices, incredible tunes, and heartfelt sentiments that found a home in the hearts of the Dundee audience. It was a night dedicated to Keith, one that will hopefully contribute to his swift recovery.
