WORDS AND IMAGES WARREN MILLAR
On a crisp Liverpool evening, Mountford Hall played host to a musical journey through time as the legendary Deaf School took the stage, supported by the equally iconic It’s Immaterial. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as fans of all ages gathered to witness a night of eclectic sounds and timeless performances.
Deaf School are acclaimed as one of the most influential bands to come out of Liverpool. Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson said “They revived Liverpool music for a generation.” And The journalist, author and founder of Mojo, Paul Du Noyer, went further and said “In the whole history of Liverpool music two bands matter most, one is The Beatles and the other is Deaf School.” They are one of this writers favourite bands to watch live and photograph, so much fun and brilliant songs as well as the fact they are so so talented even after 50 years !!
Kicking off the evening, It’s Immaterial transported the audience back to the post-punk era with their distinctive blend of atmospheric pop. The band, known for their 1986 hit “Driving Away from Home,” delivered a set that seamlessly combined ethereal melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. The crowd swayed to the hypnotic beats, and It’s Immaterial’s frontman, John Campbell, engaged the audience with his soulful vocals and captivating stage presence. This was a laid back very comforting type of set with some of the band members being very young and certainly not part of the original line up, although the brilliant Henry Priestman was on stage. The nostalgic journey through their discography left fans both old and new appreciating the enduring quality of their music.
As the lights dimmed and on came the band minus Enrico Cadillac Jnr and Bette Bright, with Ian Richie playing the haunting sax intro to “Last Night” the anticipation reached its peak, Enrico Cadillac Jnr emerged on stage, and the venue erupted in cheers as he started the intro monolog. Celebrating five decades of musical innovation, the Liverpool-based band proved that their energy and creativity were as infectious as ever. With a setlist spanning their entire career, they showcased the timeless appeal of their eclectic sound.
From the whimsical “What a Way to End It All” to the infectious energy of “Top Man Top,” Deaf School had the audience dancing and singing along. The band’s theatrical performance and charismatic stage presence, led by the enigmatic Bette Bright, kept everyone captivated throughout the night.
The chemistry among the band members was palpable, with each musician showcasing their individual talents while seamlessly blending into the collective Deaf School sound. The interplay of “Cliff Hanger” (Clive Langer) guitar, Ian Richie saxophone, Steve “Average” Lindsey Bass and of course the “Rev Max Rippple” (John Wood) keyboards created a rich sonic tapestry that filled Mountford Hall with the sort of vibrant energy you only get from a Deaf School Gig.
Bette Bright’s vocals soared effortlessly, adding a touch of theatricality to the performance. Her charismatic stage presence, combined with the band’s dynamic instrumentals, created a visual and auditory spectacle that delighted the audience.
Deaf School’s ability to fuse rock, punk, and pop elements into a cohesive and unpredictable sound was on full display. The band’s willingness to experiment with genres and push musical boundaries was met with enthusiastic approval from the crowd. “Deaf School” are on top form tonight sounding brilliant and visually outstanding. It’s no wonder they have a legendary status and fan base.
As the night drew to a close, Deaf School left the stage to thunderous applause, having delivered a performance that showcased their enduring influence on the music scene. It was a night of nostalgia, energy, and pure musical magic that left the audience with a renewed appreciation for the timeless eccentricity of Deaf School and the enduring allure of It’s Immaterial.
Set List
Last Night
Get Set Ready Go
Moonlit Motel
Cocktails at Eight
Where’s the Weekend
Knock Knock Knocking
Darling
Hi Jo Hi
Room Service
Top Man Top
Bigger Splash
Taxi
Thunder & Lightning
I Wanna Be Your Boy
2nd Honeymoon
What A Way To End It All
Encore
Shake Some Action
Capaldis Cafe
Final Act.
FOLLOW DEAF SCHOOL
FOLLOW IT’S IMMATERIAL
Warren is a live music and festival photographer based in Cheshire and covers gigs/festivals mostly in the North West of England. He has been photographing live music for over 10 years and has covered major artists and festivals
