Holly Johnson Cabaret

His arrival on stage at the Albert Hall was was prologued  by The World is my Oyster  and then Welcome to the Pleasure Dome which was exquisitely formed with the classic vibe building and a feature I had not seen before, 2 lamps shone on a backdrop like a scene from Jurassic Park in the caves identifying prehistoric drawings. but was really noticeable was his attire. All black leathers with bugling cod piece, a beer belly and a snaggle of chains, white hair and black sunglasses – quite an ensemble. Just to say, Joe Walsh can do it much better & with style.

It was certainly a set all about Holly with the odd olive branch to others like Wolfgang his manager and partner for 40 years – but the supporting act were barely mentioned. Holly moved onto songs from his solo album Blast, all a little bit lame, perhaps Atomic City & Americanos stood above the rest. Born to Run cover was a pale imitation of what Bruce S can deliver as was War which lead to the finale- which WAS worth the wait.

Two Tribes & Relax are still pieces de resistance – their power had not faded, but The Power of Love was the stand out. ‘The hooded claw’ still has magnetism and brings me back to Christmas 1984 Top of the Pops and later when living in Ealing – it still has enduring resonance.

Set List

The World Is My Oyster (Frankie Goes to Hollywood song)
Welcome to the Pleasure Dome (Frankie )
Black Night White Light (Frankie )
Rage Hard (Frankie )
Happy Hi! (Frankie )
Wish (the Lads Were Here (Frankie )
Americanos
Atomic City
Heaven’s Here
Love Train
Penny Arcade
Watching the Wildlife (Frankie)
Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen cover)
War (The Temptations cover)
Two Tribes (Frankie)
Relax (Frankie)

Encore:
The Power of Love (Frankie)

Prior
Walk through Hyde Park seeking out the parakeets and enjoying gardens
Coda restaurant – still able to deliver special dishes – but at a price !

Fawkes & S

Posted by: Fawkes