Deacon Blue Paint The Town Red In Halifax

With the country in World Cup fever, it was only natural that when The Lightning Seeds performed their football-themed track Three Lions when opening up for Deacon Blue at the Piece Hall in Halifax, the response would be jubilant, as the iconic football anthem proved the perfect soundtrack ahead of the finale of the football competition.

As giant inflatable footballs bounced around the historic Yorkshire venue, the Merseyside band was on a winning streak with a set that included some of the best pop songs of the last two decades.

Celebrating 40 years since their formation, Scottish favourites Deacon Blue returned to The Piece Hall for a sold-out headline show.

The concert marked the second of the band's two Halifax dates. The multi-platinum-selling band once again thrilled fans with a hit-packed set that featured classics including Real Gone Kid, Dignity, Wages Day and Fergus Sings the Blues.

Late ’88 detailed their first bout of success via the video screens showing the band in a more youthful mode from almost forty years ago. “We seemed to do it all, and it all seemed so easy,” sang lead singer Ricky Ross as a reminder of how the band appeared to have the world at their feet in an era of pop music that was more concerned with disposable pop acts.

In a special treat for fans attending both nights, the band refreshed the setlist by adding Chocolate Girl, Your Swaying Arms and Love and Regret.

The inclusion of The Great Western Road, dedicated to keyboard player James Prime, a founding member of the band who passed away last summer, was a fitting tribute on a night where the road ahead for the band looked to be as assured as ever.