 I immediately feel out of place as I arrive at
the majestic Symphony Hall, surrounded by middle
aged ladies and gentlemen taking their seats.
This isn’t the usual Alternative Vision
assignment; I’m used to pushing my way through
crowds of teenagers in pokey clubs, getting drinks
spilt on me, and being deafened by the sound system
simultaneously. That’s not to say I’m
not looking forward to this. When the opportunity
of photographing and reviewing the mighty Proclaimers
presented itself, how could I refuse?
I feel positively pampered as I’m shown
to my front row seat (yes, seat!) and shown where
I can put my bag (how civilised!). The lights
dim almost immediately, and Miles Hunt and Erica
Nockalls take to the stage. They are two parts
of The Wonder Stuff, and have recently released
material together as a duo. Miles plays acoustic
guitar and sings, while Erica backs with the violin.
Miles has a great sense of humour, which shows
in his song writing and lyrics. ‘The Cake’,
a song about someone sending him a cake, is a
good example; he even gives his postcode out in
the hope that the song might come true. There’s
also a good mix of slower, folksier songs, which
really let Erica’s violin solos shine through.
Although they play well together, I find the chemistry
between the two a little lacking, and while Miles
chats to the audience between songs (including
a great story about how he persuaded the late
Kirsty MacColl to record a song with him), Erica
remains quiet and slightly removed. The set is
longer than I’m used to for a support act,
but I’m happy to listen (the comfy seat
helps), especially when Erica finally breaks her
silence to sing beautifully on one of the final
songs of the set.
 There’s a quick break before The Proclaimers
take to the stage and I’m not quite sure
what to expect from them. As soon as they launch
into their first song though, I’m glad I
came. Their years playing all over the world have
obviously made them top class performers, and
every song is note perfect and without a single
mistake. I must admit, I did wonder whether the
night would be filled with cheesy, forgotten songs
from the eighties, but what we got was good, old-fashioned
pop rock from a bunch of seasoned professionals.
These guys are far from past it.
I’d always imagined Charlie and Craig to
be very serious, so I’m surprised by how
down to earth and relaxed they seem. I enjoy every
minute of the show, even though I know very little
of the material. From the songs I recognise, ‘Letter
From America’ and ‘Let’s get
Married’ are clear favourites. The middle
aged crowd comes alive too, dancing in the aisles.
Just before the encore they play the song everyone
has been waiting for (or at least, I have), ‘I’m
Gonna Be (500 Miles)’. By the time they
reach the first chorus, the entire auditorium
is on its feet, singing along. It’s incredible
to see so many people, and hear so many voices
singing in unison. They return after a short break,
with Erica Nockalls, to play ‘My Old Friend
The Blues’ and ‘Wages Of Sin’.
Maybe it’s not ‘cool’ for me
to like the Proclaimers, but I’m unashamedly
their latest (and probably youngest) fan.
Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls– 3/5
The Proclaimers – 5/5
Review By Helen Williams |
