Squeeze Squeezes Five Decades of Pop Perfection into One Unforgettable Night

★★★★★ (5/5)

**SQUEEZE PERFORMING AT EDINBURGH'S USHER HALL**
**PHOTOCREDIT: ALLAN PETRIE**

On a crisp autumn evening, Edinburgh's Usher Hall buzzed with anticipation as post punk pioneers Squeeze took the stage, kicking off this celebration of their 50th Anniversary with a bang. The venerable venue, packed with fans spanning the generations, proved the perfect setting for a night of nostalgia and musical brilliance.

As the lights dimmed, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, the songwriting duo at the heart of Squeeze, launched into the iconic opening riffs of "Black Coffee in Bed’. Squeeze had arrived.

The crowd erupted, and it was clear that despite the passing decades, Squeeze's power to captivate an audience remained undiminished.

The setlist was a journey through the band's extensive catalogue. With a twenty-two song set, the band took the audience through the highlights of their 50 year career. From ‘You Get the Feeling’ that Tilbrook and Gifford wrote in 1974 for the unreleased ‘Trixies’ album to the more recent ‘One Beautiful Summer’.

The band shared both fan favourites and their own, and it was their hits that got the audience out of their seats. ‘Cool for Cats’ had the audience singing along word for word, its witty lyrics and infectious melody as fresh as ever. The poignant storytelling of ‘Up the Junction’ showcased the band's unique ability to weave simple stories into three-minute pop gems, a skill that has set them apart for half a century.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the night came with a heartfelt rendition of ‘Some Fantastic Place’ a song about Chris’ late wife. Tilbrook's voice, remarkably preserved, soared through the hall, imbuing the lyrics with a new depth that spoke to the band's long journey. Tilbrook’s guitar playing was top drawer.

The sound quality was impeccable throughout, allowing every nuance of Difford and Tilbrook's legendary harmonies to shine. The rhythm section, anchored by Simon Hanson on drums, Steve Smith on percussion and Stephen Large on keyboards, provided a rock-solid foundation that propelled the songs forward with an energy belying the band's years.

Squeeze's stage presence was great to see. Tilbrook, ever the showman, prowled across the stage with infectious enthusiasm, while Difford's laid back style provided the perfect counterpoint. Their chemistry from 50 years of collaboration since Chris answered Glen’s advert, was palpable, each knowing instinctively how to complement the other.

As the night drew to a close, the band launched into hit after hit that included the timeless ‘Tempted’, ‘Labelled With Love’ and ‘Hourglass’ and signed off with a heavy rendition of ‘Take Me I’m Yours’. The Usher Hall became a sea of swaying bodies and raised voices, a communal celebration of a band that has soundtracked so many lives for so long.

In the end, Squeeze's 50th Anniversary Tour stop in Edinburgh was more than just a concert. It was a celebration of their status as one of Britain's most loved and enduring bands. From their new wave beginnings to their later, more contemplative work, Squeeze proved that great songwriting is timeless.