Andy Bell Erases Any Doubts In York

Andy Bell’s name might not be familiar to everyone unless you happen to be a fan of the electronic pop duo Erasure. Bell has enjoyed a successful career for over thirty years as the lead singer of the duo, with a new solo album, Ten Crowns, just released, including a tour to support the album's release.

Even though the new album stands proudly alongside his other work, many of the fans in attendance at York Barbican on the inaugural night of his current tour were not there to hear his solo tracks; they wanted to hear the Erasure hits – and they got them in abundance.

The new songs fitted in seamlessly along the more familiar tracks, with opening track Breaking Thru the Interstellar providing a good launching pad to start the evening.

The audience were soon on their feet as the first Erasure song, Blue Savannah, was performed. With a live four-piece band, the sound became stretched out, especially the live drums, which added a more authentic feel to the otherwise characteristic Erasure sound.

Musical duo Steele Fountain form part of his touring band, with Hailey Steele adding vocals to the majority of the tracks – her voice took the songs to a higher level, adding a new dimension to the live experience.

Dressed in a red sequinned suit, Bell sparkled alongside a set list that contained some of the best pop songs of the last three decades. Drama! sounded magnificent, Love To Hate You, emotional with Victim of Love becoming joyful.

A cover of the ELO and Olivia Newton-John hit, Xanadu, felt misplaced in an otherwise perfect setlist; even Bell had to have the aid of an iPad with the lyrics displayed, though he could be forgiven, being that this was the first night of the tour. 

Oh L’amour closed what had been an uplifting and engaging experience, though Bell wisely saved one of the biggest Erasure hits, A Little Respect, to finally conclude the night where respect indeed was due.

The Ten Crowns tour continues with further dates in the north:

8th May - Gateshead Glasshouse 

18th May - Liverpool Philharmonic

Read a review of Ten Crowns Albums-Andy-Bell-Ten-Crowns