Originally published by the Birmingham Mail. March 2009.

Every time Hugh Cornwell plays a gig, he seems to defy age and convention with a host of great songs, either from his days as the frontman of The Stranglers or his equally long solo career.

The first part of the set was taken up with Cornwell playing his brilliant new album Hooverdam in its entirety, which included the opener Wrong Side of the Tracks and Going to the City before going into some truly memorable songs.

The second half was just as relentless with Lay Back On Me Pal from the classic album Hi Fi and the delightful Golden Brown among the highlights.

Cornwell finished with an excellent set with the encores which included the iconic Stranglers’ tracks Down in the Sewer and No More Heroes which showcased the work talented bass player Caroline Campbell.

Ian D. Hall