This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of Tony Hadley vs Martin Fry ABC: -
Bournemouth -
11th February 2005
This
was my third show of the tour and third in 11 days. The weather wasn't the
best for a drive of 80 odd miles on bad A roads, but luckily it wasn't
torrential rain. I was glad that I went because it was the best show so
far. I had 4th row seats as I had delayed booking, looking for a
babysitter for my 12 year old daughter, I didn't find one, so she had to come
too.
The show started really well with the duet of Up Up And Away, Martin's cold that he had at Weston-Super-Mare had gone and he hadn't given it to Tony. The brass section were excellent again and give a different edge to the songs. Richie Barrett, Phil Williams, Phil Taylor and Matt Backer were great and Richard Brooks and John Keeble were both excellent separate and together with their unison drumming.
The sold out audience were up for a party and from the third song onwards were up on their feet, even standing in the aisles to get nearer to the front. My seat was mid row, so I couldn't do that. I think Tony was surprised to see everyone standing so early on, but even when he sang his slower songs they didn't sit down. I'm beginning to know the words to Martin's new song 'The Very First Time' and it is growing on me. I think it is brave to put a brand new song in the show. I was surprised to see 'Drops of Jupiter' crossed out from the set list, I hope it hasn't been dropped completely as it is a beautiful song and Tony's version is really great, but people don't always recognise it from its name when Tony introduces it. It also has an awful lot of lyrics.
This set was longer than at Weston-super-Mare and I'm wondering if there are two shows, they sing less songs. The second half was as good as the first, my favourite duet is 'Soul Love' and my favourite Tony solo song is 'Time in a Bottle'.
At the end of the show it was time to head round to the stage door. It was trying to rain again, but not too hard only drizzling. I was busy chatting to people I know, so I didn't notice whether it was cold or how long it took Tony to appear. Martin Fry appeared first and chatted with the fans. When I got to speak to Tony, I asked him to sign my tour CD, he looked at me and said 'I should know your name - its Judith', no I said, 'its Denise', 'but you look like a Judith' said Tony. I'm wondering if I should change my name by Deed Poll, just so Tony can get it right! I asked my daughter if she would like her photo taken with Tony, she said 'No' and Tony said 'I don't blame you'. A great end to a lovely evening and Tony wished me a safe journey home.