When I think back to my younger days, there are certain songs that pop into my head. They were classics that I listened to over and over. One of those songs is “Black Coffee In Bed” by Squeeze.
I wasn’t a huge Squeeze fan. I mean, they are no Depeche Mode or The Cure. But, they have a handful of songs that I loved.
We went to see Sammy Hagar and The Circle at the Parx Casino several months ago. After the show, my husband was checking out the merchandise and I happened to see a sign for upcoming shows. Squeeze! What???? I mean, you have to go see a show where they are going to probably play several songs you loved when you were younger, right?
So, did they play the songs I wanted? Was the show everything I hoped for? Keep reading to find out!
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THE VENUE
This show was at the Parx Casino at what they call their Xcite Center. As my husband says, it looks a little like they took an unused banquet hall, added a stage and some seats, and called it a live music venue.
The good news is that it’s small. The bad news is that there isn’t much of an incline, so if you are in the back and short, the chances of you being able to see the stage if people are standing are slim.
But, it’s a decent place to see a show. Plus, there are restaurants inside the casino that make grabbing a bite and a drink before or after the show easy. And, if you’re feeling lucky, you can always put a few bucks in the slot machine!
Tip #1: If you are planning to eat dinner at one of the restaurants inside the casino, I recommend making a reservation. The restaurants are all pretty small and get booked up quickly on show nights.
I had the rotisserie chicken at the Liberty Bell Gastropub before the show. It was delicious!
Tip #2: There is a bar and bathroom, but note that they are technically outside the doors of the venue and inside the casino. Make sure if you exit the venue, that you get a stamp on your hand for re-entry.
THE SHOW
SQUEEZE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Squeeze officially formed in March of 1974. As the story goes, Chris Difford hung a sign in a storefront in 1973 advertising that he was looking for a guitarist for his band. Glenn Tilbrook was the only one who responded and the beginnings of Squeeze formed.
Squeeze released their debut album – Squeeze – in 1978. In 1979, they released Cool for Cats, which produced two hit songs – “Cool For Cats” and “Up The Junction”.
In 1980, the band released Argybargy, which contained “Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)”. That song became Squeeze’s first hit in the U.S. In 1981, the band released East Side Story. That album had the song “Tempted” on it, which became Squeeze’s biggest hit to date.
Following up on the success of “Tempted” did not prove to be easy. In fact, in 1982 Difford and Tilbrook decided to break the band up. Although the two of them continued to work together and make music, Squeeze no longer existed.
I think one of my first Squeeze albums was on cassette tape, so this video graphic was pretty on point!
In 1985, the five members of the band from the time of Argybargy reunited to play a charity show. The show was a big success, and Squeeze decided to reform as a band. From 1985 through 1999, the band continued to rotate through members and make music. Only Difford and Tilbrook remained constants. On November 27, 1999, Squeeze called it quits again and broke up.
In the early 2000’s, Difford and Tilbrook pursued solo careers, but continued to be friends and remain in contact. By 2007, the duo announced that they were re-forming Squeeze for a series of shows that would highlight their past hits.
In 2015, Squeeze released their first album of original music – Cradle To The Grave – since 1998.
Squeeze is currently on the road with their Songbook tour. The current line up of the band consists of Glenn Tilbrook (lead vocals and guitar), Chris Difford (guitar and vocals), Simon Hanson (drums), Stephen Large (keyboards), Steve Smith (percussion) and Yolanda Charles (bass guitar).
THE PERFORMANCE
There was no opening act and Squeeze took the stage just a few minutes after the 8 p.m. advertised start time. A video showing each band member serving ice cream out of an ice cream truck was played as each member was introduced and walked on stage.
Squeeze took the stage just after 8 p.m. and dove right into their hits.
The Squeeze fans at the show were definitely a bit on the “older” side and most sat for the majority of the show. I was personally having a hard time sitting – I wanted to be up and dancing to these classic pop songs!
Not being a huge Squeeze fan, I didn’t recognize all of the songs. But, Squeeze sprinkled in their big hits throughout the show. “Pulling Mussels (From The Shell)” was the fourth song played and “In Quintessence” was about midway through the show.
Squeeze played all their hits, which was great!
I was a bit surprised that Tilbrook and Difford weren’t a bit more chatty. There was very little talk from either in between songs. I would have loved to hear some of the history of the songs as they were played.
Squeeze sounded fantastic! Tilbrook’s voice was strong and sounded just as it did 45 years ago. The band was tight. You could tell these were legendary musicians.
Squeeze sounded amazing! Just like their old recordings.
By the time Squeeze wrapped up their main set with “Take Me I’m Yours”, a good number of fans were finally on their feet. That set things up for me to be up and dancing for the encore, which was packed with Squeeze hits.
Squeeze closed out the show with their hit (and my favorite) “Black Coffee In Bed”. By then, the crowd was dancing and singing along. It was really a great moment in this 80’s music fan’s live music life!
The crowd was finally on their feet by the encore!
While I’m not sure I would go see Squeeze again (my poor husband was bored out of his mind since he doesn’t know their music), I’m so happy I followed my advice – #justbuythetickets!
Squeeze taking a bow for their fans.
You can catch Squeeze on the road during their current tour. Check out their website for upcoming dates!
The set list from the sound board.
Set List (click on any link to purchase the song directly on Amazon): Footprints, Big Beng, Hourglass, Pulling Mussels (From The Shell), King George Street, Annie Get Your Gun, Third Rail, Someone Else’s Heart, In Quintessence, Please Be Upstanding, Cool For Cats, Cradle To The Grave, Slap & Tickle, Love’s Crashing Waves, Tempted, Goodbye Girl, Up The Junction, Take Me I’m Yours Encore: The Day I Get Home, If I Didn’t Love You, Is That Love, Black Coffee In Bed
Are you a Squeeze fan? Have you seen them live? What did you think? Let us know! Please comment below or e-mail me at tips2livebywriter@gmail.com.
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