DEACON BLUE are more than just a band – they’re icons. Having produced in 1987 one of the best albums ever made, they have long firmly held the hearts of their many fans, not least those who have a soft spot for Glasgow and other dark rainy towns. It’s hard to believe that it’s 26 years since their debut Raintown first hit my ears and remained in my tape-deck for months on end. Since then, they’ve continued to produce outstanding albums, and are now in the throes of promoting their seventh album The Hipsters. Vocalists Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh fast became known as two of the most talented, intelligent and humble writer-performers of their generation, and have garnered further respect as they make time to support various charity campaigns close to their hearts.
Manchester Apollo is packed to the rafters with fans of all ages, and there’s a unique electricity in the air. As the lights dim and the spectacular light and electronic sound show begins, screams greet Ross and McIntosh as they enter the stage and begin with Circus Lights. We are immediately transformed back in time – the vocal harmonies and band sounds spot on, as Lorraine bops in her usual style – their onstage smiles and energy a reminder that these are musicians who sincerely love each other and what they do, while the fans don’t hold back in demonstrating their boundless affection for the band. Ross follows up with Raintown which literally reduces me to tears, as it does many others in the room – it remains one of the most beautiful songs ever written and it never tires.
Ross welcomes the Manchester fans, acknowledging the occasion: “This is one of the most special gigs in the world! It makes me nervous even walking around this building… high expectations. We’ve just gotta have the night of our lives!” and we all do.
Queen of the New Year has the crowd up on their feet while Ross and McIntosh bow down to guitarist Gregor Philp, egging him on with his intense riffs. The chemistry between Ross and McIntosh is absolute magic, and that’s not just because they’re married – they ooze a real passion and joy in what they do and they belong on the stage together. Ross then takes a backseat as McIntosh takes to the mic on lead vocals and guitar for Cover From The Sky.
My favourite track Your Town is again greeted with screams of support, and Real Gone Kid is another massive crowd-pleaser. Scattering the set with tracks off their Christmas charity EP, they also play tracks off the new album including the brilliant Turn. Classic Raintown tune Loaded brings emotions up to the surface again, as Ross explains how the best thing that ever happened to him was finding an audience: “I’ve found an answer…” They close the main set with Fergus Sings The Blues but the crowd don’t need to wait long for the generous encore which features hits Dignity and Wages Day.
The band look like they’re having the time of their life, as they leap off the drum stand, teasing, kissing and hugging each other at every opportunity. They don’t want it to end, as they get the crowds going again with Twist and Shout, finally closing with Neil Young’s Long May You Run and looking genuinely distraught to have to leave the stage and their adoring crowd. Deacon Blue have a more than impressive back-catalogue and this show stands as one of my most emotive experiences for some years. It may be over this time in Manchester, but as one of those few bands who have truly earned their loyal fanbase, they can rest assured that we will all be back given half a chance.