Originally published by L.S. Media. August 1st 2009.

Even before Ricky Ross and the rest of the band finished walking on stage, the Liverpool audience anticipated that they were in for a very special evening of soul/pop from one of Scotland’s finest musical exports, and from the very first words, they were not disappointed. With the aforementioned Ricky Ross and fellow vocalist Lorraine McIntosh coming on stage to sing briefly a vocal only version of The Very Thing which the loyal gathering lapped up totally and from that moment on the crowd never sat down.

The very soulful and yet energetic Circus Lights made an early appearance in the set which was quickly followed by Your Town from the studio album Whatever You Say, Say Nothing.

Ricky Ross showed his unique sense of humour early on by saying that it is always sunny when he plays in Liverpool, and with the rain clouds already gathered over head and with raindrops the size of marbles hitting the already soaking wet pavements, he introduced the fantastic Raintown.

The band even managed to off script for a while during Love and Regret by segueing into Up on the Roof’by Gerry Goffin and Carole King which brought ecstatic applause .

Surprisingly some of the bigger hits came half way through the set but this didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the night. The crowd, which had been building up to this particular moment, went crazy as the opening notes of 1989’s Real Gone Kid and the excellent Wages Day which highlighted the vocalisation of Lorraine McIntosh superbly.

The band seem to genuinely love Liverpool and its very special audience, and it was with heavy heart on Ricky’s part that he urged the people of Liverpool to never forget the Hillsborough Disaster as the truth will finally be known. This one act by the band endeared them to the public, some who were not alive when that terrible day struck, but to those that were, it was a very touching and heartfelt gesture.

Deacon Blue can honestly say that they were one of the highlights of this year’s Summer Pops and anybody playing next year has a high standard to reach.

The members of Deacon Blue then came out on stage for possibly the last time for a while as a whole to do the encores which included the hit single Dignity from the 1987 album Raintown.

Thankfully the Liverpool audience will not have to wait long to see both Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh in the area again as they are touring together in November and one of the stops will be at the splendid Pacific Road venue in Birkenhead

Ian D. Hall