Waited a long time this year to get to see Richard Hawley - lots of sell outs - he even played Pocklington Arts Centre recently , but last night was an extra date in one of my favourite venues.
Support from Lisa Hannigan put me in a good mood - not one of those support acts where you wish they would finish soon - lovely voice and an excellent tribute to Levon Helme with a version of “Night they drove old Dixie down”

Once the talkers, chewers, farters and leg jigglers around us has settled down the audience were well behaved. A good mix of young and old - lots of “Vintage” clothing and a few Hawley “lookalikes”

The Guitar techs were busy tuning in the wings through the support - a brief interval and straight into ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge” - Title track of Hawley’s new album. Guitars appeared from stage right for every song. Gibsons, Gretches and Rickenbackers - this man obviously loves his classic guitars , though two or three would have been sufficient. Keeps the roadie in a job though. A lot of the guitar playing was done by Shez Sheridan. Even the bass player used three guitars .
Full praise to Richard Hawley , he thanked his audience and his fans numerous times and is grateful for his rise to fame from busking on Sheffield streets . A bit too much football talk for my liking but great rapport with the audience .
Also full marks to the sound crew - the acoustics are good in that hall and they made the most of it - perfect clear vocals in even the loudest of songs .
“Seek It” and “Don’t Stare at the Sun” my favourite songs , and a guest appearance by Martin Simpson at the end.


Set time 2 hours 10mins http://richardhawley.co.uk/home/