Tag Archives: 53 Degrees

Reverend and the Makers / Liberty Ship – Preston 53 Degrees

While we seem to have a surfeit of young pretenders to the throne when it comes to junior troubadours, I’ll gladly add a writewyattuk thumbs-up to Sheffield’s Liberty Ship. If you’re off to see Reverend and the Makers promoting new … Continue reading

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A life in denim, leather and spandex – the Biff Byford interview

With heavy metal survivors Saxon’s wheels of steel set to grind to a temporary halt at Preston’s 53 Degrees on Saturday, February 15, I managed to lure lead singer Biff Byford away from the studio to talk heavy metal. Quite … Continue reading

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Martha inspires 53 Degrees in a December Heat Wave

I’ve just re-read the chapter dedicated to Martha Reeves in Gerri Hirschey’s excellent 1984 biography Nowhere to Run – The Story of Soul Music. It includes a description of the Alabama-born, Detroit-raised chanteuse warming up for a post-Vandellas era show … Continue reading

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Glenn Tilbrook – 53 Degrees, Preston

I’ve said it before, but I’m pleased to see 1991 Squeeze LP Play getting some kudos again all these years on. And it seemed fitting that Glenn Tilbrook started off his solo show at Preston’s 53 Degrees with one of … Continue reading

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Frat’s entertainment

FOR someone who gives so much during a live performance and on record for his band, Jon Fratelli is one laid-back dude in conversation. You’d think The Fratellis’ lead vocalist and guitarist – born plain John Lawler – would be … Continue reading

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Hugh Cornwell – Preston 53 Degrees

HE’s still got it, you know, and more than 20 years after leaving the band with whom he made his name, there’s still plenty of fire in Hugh Cornwell. The former Stranglers front-man doesn’t look any older than when Golden … Continue reading

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Thankful for Evan’s continued presence

FROM the moment Evan Dando ambled onto the stage upstairs at Preston’s 53 Degrees on Thursday night, a surprisingly-small but nevertheless appreciative audience was hooked. The charismatic frontman of 1990s’ US success story The Lemonheads has occasionally made headlines these … Continue reading

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Sound affects on a midsummer’s night

ON such a warm and sticky night at a packed 53 Degrees in Preston, there were always likely to be technical imperfections in this From the Jam performance. But while I couldn’t quite hear enough of Bruce Foxton’s backing vocals … Continue reading

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Reasons to be Grateful, Part 53

OI OI! They may be missing the main man these days, but The Blockheads are going strong, judging by Friday night at Preston’s 53 Degrees. Cutting to the chase, Derek Hussey – familiar on-stage long before his promotion to front-man … Continue reading

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Public Service Broadcasting – 53 Degrees, Preston

FROM the moment corduroy-clad eccentric J Willgoose Esq. and his drumming companion Wrigglesworth entered stage-right upstairs at 53 Degrees, a clearly appreciative Preston audience was feeling the love for this inventive duo. For those not yet in the know, how … Continue reading

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