WORDS AND IMAGES BY BILLY SEAGRAVE
Saturday 9th July 2022 Lytham Festival.
As the Fears nearly turned to Tears, the day eventually ended with Cheers as Alison Moyet steps in to Headline the Penultimate night at Lytham Festival.
As the crowds began to gather and make their way to the beautiful seafront at Lytham Green, all basking in a glowing sun. Everything seemed to be falling into place nicely, for those that had arrived early tonight’s hosts Tears for Fears were finalising their sound check. Literally minutes before the gates were to open, news began to run on the grapevine. Tears for Fears had to pull out of the concert tonight.
As fans began to clamour for information, the promoters wasted no time in posting an immediate statement on all media outlets and at the box office, it read.
Tears For Fears have been forced to pull out of their headline performance at Lytham Festival tonight. It comes after Curt Smith injured his rib leading the duo to cancel their headline slot at the last minute.
In a statement, the band wrote: “It’s with sincere apologies that we must cancel tonight’s performance at Lytham Festival. Curt has unfortunately injured his rib and is unable to perform this evening.”they added“ We are so sorry to everyone who planned to be at the festival and hope to see you soon.”
Organisers announced that Alison Moyet and support Natalie Imbruglia were “ready to take the stage so we can enjoy a party.” They added that “all ticket holders will receive a full refund for tonight’s show.”
All credit to the Organisers Rhodes Media , acting so quickly, although not everyone was happy the headline act had to pull out, many were happy that they still got access to the show, and secondly for those who bought tickets a refund was to be forthcoming.
As the set times for the two remaining acts are moved to different times, the crowds didn’t hesitate to fill the venue, As Natalie Imbruglia skipped across the stage giving no indication that she was herself battling illness. A short but enjoyable performance ensued, a real chance to showcase what a fabulous voice she possesses
Is it really25 years since the Australian actress and singer gave us her first album “Left Of The Middle”, that spawned the big single” Torn”, which of course got an outing, and it still sounds as good as ever.
SET LIST
1/ Wrong impression
2/ Nothing missing
3/ Shiver
4/ Wishing I was there
5/ Torn
6/ Big mistake
7/ Build it better
To turn up as the main support for tonight’s show, having only done a handful of shows over the preceding years and with an outbreak of Covid within the band curtailing a lot of band rehearsal time, to literally find out a couple of hours before you are to step on stage, that you are now the headline act for the evening could have been enough for many to head back to the tour bus.
Coming on stage to a packed Lytham crowd having only rehearsed a 45-minute set, which was extended to an hour, was an accomplishment given the circumstances, Alison Moyet steps into the light.
Taking in the warm reception and taking centre stage, “I Germinate”, gets us off the mark, then it was the Yazoo hit “Nobody’s Diary”, that seemed to see the band settle into the task.
A fabulous version of “Beautiful Gun”, really showcases what a flawless performer Alison is. Added to the set list was “Changeling” and “This House”, along with “Should I Feel That It’s Over”, went down well, However, as Alison stated after singing “All Cried Out”, “I drifted away and missed one of the lines”, “I Need To Sing That Again”. I am not complaining, and I never noticed a thing.
A cover of “My Best Day” co-wrote with Ian Broudie of The Lightening Seeds, really does bring out a warm response from the appreciative crowd. Finishing with the old favourites of “Situation”, another Yazoo hit then “Love Resurrection”, with the final song Yazoo’s “Don’t Go”, ironically, we didn’t want the show to end. Looking and sounding amazing, the crowd have been thoroughly entertained, by Alison and the band.
Given the last-minute changes, given the step up to headline act, Alison and the band more than pulled it off, I have no doubt that they could do it all again, But perhaps they would like a little more notice.
SET LIST
1/ I Germinate
2/ Nobody’s Diary
3/ Do you ever wonder
4/ Beautiful Gun
5/ All cried out
6/ Changeling
7/ Wishing you were here
8/ This house
9/ Only you
10/ Should I feel that it’s over
FOLLOW ALISON MOYET
FOLLOW NATALIE IMBRUGLIA
