Whether putting on or
attending an outdoor event in the UK, you make a pact with the devil. The summer months are notorious for chucking
up some terrible weather. And thus it
was with a certain resignation that I drove in the rain to the picturesque Anderton Boat
Lift with the foreknowledge that we were probably going to be a wet audience by the end of the night. And it proved to be an accurate assessment, however when it comes to our music we Brits don't let a little thing like the weather put us off. The small but extremely enthusiastic crowd gathered on a predictable August evening to pay homage to two groups who have earned their place in the hearts of Eurovision fans throughout the world.
ReMinds
The scene was set by
local Northwich band ReMinds. Essentially a Simple Minds tribute band, but
with some extra 80s colour thrown in. A
great little five piece band, they proved a welcome start to the evening. As
the 1980s synth sounds blasted out into the night, feet were tapping and we
were singing along. It proved to be a great way to get us connecting to our
younger selves and the influential musical landscape that was the fabric to the
lives of all that attended.
Brotherhood Of Man performing their winning routine in 1976
Still going strong after 45 years, rocking it in Cheshire
The original vinyl single selling 5 million worldwide
But this evening was about
two icons of the Eurovision Song Contest. The British winners. First up were Lee Sheriden, Nicky Stevens,
Sandra Stevens and Martin Lee, known collectively as Brotherhood Of Man. Brought
together in 1972 to replace a former incarnation of the group, they quickly solidified themselves into a
formidable vocal group. With nine Top 40
entries, including three number ones, they have a powerful arsenal of catchy
pop classics in their repertoire.
Towards the end of their recording career, the Brotherhood descended
into a covers band, issuing albums of Disco and Love Songs. Two of the members though Lee and Martin –
together with long term record producer Tony Hillier – wrote all their hits and
its perhaps a pity the team were not allowed to flourish more as their record
contracts came to an end. However, none of that is important here. Kicking off with a powerful version of “Love
Grows Where My Rosemary Goes” (a hit for Edison Lighthouse in 1970) it marked
the start of a hugely enjoyable journey through the 1970s. Nicky Stevens and Sandra Stevens (no
relation) are often compared to ABBA’s Frida and Agnetha, which is rather
unfair, the double Stevens combination have terrific voices in their own right.
When harmonising together they make a powerful pop sound. Tearing through their
own hits we were given “Figaro”, “Angelo”, “Beautiful Lover”, “My Sweet Rosalie”,
“Oh Boy! (The Mood I’m In)” and “United We Stand”. Added to that string of
chart successes, they threw in the Bay
City Rollers, Kiki Dee, The Beatles and even The Wombles. No retro stone was left unturned and the
crowd lapped it up. However the mere
mention of their legendary Eurovision win earlier in the show had the crowd
whipped up into a frenzy. Therefore there was only one way to end this
set. “Save Your Kisses For Me” is still
the biggest selling Eurovision winner ever.
Five million units sold and number 1 in 33 countries. There was not a
single person who didn’t sing it along with the Brotherhood. We were instantly
transported back to 1976, the biggest moment in the career of Brotherhood Of Man and part of the soundtrack to the lives of everyone there. After all these years, the Brotherhood have
still got it. Long may they continue to
delight the faithful.
When four become three... poor Paul (right) was ill on the night
Next up were Bobby G’s Bucks Fizz. Although due to illness there was still
plenty of Fizz but less Bucks. Group
member Paul Yates’ illness reduced the group to a threesome. Original member
Bobby G, his wife Heidi Manton with Tammy Choat completing the trio. Again with three number 1’s to their credit
amid thirteen Top 40 chart hits, all masterminded
by producer Andy Hill. Sadly the Bucks
Fizz brand has been soured over the past few years by legal action over the
name and Bobby’s fellow original members launching into sporadic bitching in
the press. However, all this was brushed aside as the 2017 official holders of
the brand name opened with the tribal pop anthem “New Beginning (Mamba Seyra)”.
If there was a small criticism it is
that there was mercifully few of the well remembered Bucks Fizz hits. We were
treated to “You And Your Heart So Blue” and “My Camera Never Lies” in the early
part of their set but it was then given over to cover versions of classics by
Tiffany, Meatloaf, ABBA, Toni Basil and many others. One criticism that cannot
be levelled at Bobby G’s Bucks Fizz
is that they cannot sing. All three boasted
powerful voices, Bobby G’s vocals effortlessly
conjured up the sound that fronted so many of the original hits whilst Heidi
and Tammy both handled their solo opportunities with terrific
professionalism. Finally the group
returned to the brand with their last two numbers. "The
Land Of Make Believe" is one of those songs which has had a life beyond the
era that it was recorded in, and joining in was a must for the audience who were now all on their feet and
dancing. As with Brotherhood Of Man, the
final song is the one that Bucks Fizz
will always be remembered for: "Making Your Mind Up". Thankfully Bobby
managed to rip both girls skirts off.
What a guy, not bad for 64!
Keep up to date with both groups on their official websites:
www.bucksfizz.co.uk
www.brotherhoodofman.co.uk
Me sneaking in a quick cuddle with the legends themselves,
Brotherhood Of Man
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