Steve Hogarth at the Cavern. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. May 17th 2010.

Steve Hogarth last entertained his loyal Liverpool fans nearly 18 months ago when he played at St Brides Church, a cold evening that was warmed up beautifully by Steve’s vocal talent and the joy and warmth that was felt by the audience.

This time Steve decided to play the atmospheric underground venue of The Cavern, a location that is synonymous with great music and great times. There was certainly no danger in Steve not adding to this great tapestry of musicians that have thrilled audiences down the years at Liverpool’s most iconic venue and despite the ever increasing hit and sweat that ran down the walls, the audience were treated to Steve at his best… playful, soul searching, teasing and melancholic best.

The Marillion front man opened up 80 Days and You’re Gone, the latter from the critically acclaimed Marbles album before giving the crowd a mixture of his own songs with Marillion and a collection of his personal favourites from other artist’s. These included a slowed version of The Beatles I’m only sleeping, Kate Bush’s Cloudbusting and Peter Green’s brilliant Man of the World.

Steve is at his best when he deals with hard hitting issues and song that deal with the intensity of emotions, these were showcased with songs such as No One Can, the incredible Fantastic Place, the sensationally charged Afraid of Sunlight and the often called for and firm fan favourite Easter.

Steve left an audience hungry for more (even after two hours) with songs as diverse and superb as Leonard Cohen’s Famous Blue Raincoat, Marillion’s Hollow Man from the album Brave and the bouncy Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys.

The Cumbrian born and Doncaster raised entertainer finished a laid back and joyful gig with the encores which included Paul McCartney’s 1970 song Maybe I’m Amazed and Marillion’s Three Minute Boy.

With Marillion busy on the road from the summer, taking in the High Voltage festival and as support to Deep Purple in Germany in the autumn, it might be a while before we see Steve’s talent in Liverpool again but judging by his night in the Cavern, it will be gratefully received.

Ian D. Hall