Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

There are some people that just can hold an audience’s appreciation of their craft so well that it is a privilege to watch their response to their heroes on stage.  Even keeping yourself at a respectful distance so that you can take in the message of the evening, watch both the reaction of performer and crowd, somehow observing one of the greats of rock Brian May and the sensational singer Kerry Ellis draws in the most impassive of spectators.

Both Ms. Ellis and Brian May were afforded an incredible welcome, with the audience remembering all that the Queen man had given to them musically in a long career and the exceptional voice that Kerry Ellis possess and their storming gig the last time the pair performed on stage at The Philharmonic Hall.

This though was not a night of high rock drama, which may have thrown a few unknowing fans but this acoustic set was simply beautiful, heart-warming, gratifying and touchingly affectionate. It stirred something deep within all assembled in the Philharmonic Hall as tracks played on the night, which had been picked for the Born Free Charity, were played with acknowledged admiration by the crowd. From the stunning I Who Have Nothing to Kansas’ Dust in the Wind, Virginia McKenna’s own song that Brian and Kerry re-recorded Nothing Really Has Changed, the graciousness of the song Born Free to the three Beatles tracks hand- picked on the night, Tell Me What You See, Something and the regretfully apt The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill, each and every track was played with astute brilliance.

No matter how many times you hear Kerry Ellis sing, her dynamic voice cuts through any reserve you may hold and grabs the shackles in which you might place your love of certain songs until she has released you from musical repression.

Although not a Queen gig, it would be nearly unforgivable not hear a selection of songs that made Brian, Roger, John and Freddie’s names famous world-wide. Whether the superb Somebody To Love, the futuristic tale of ’39, We Will Rock You, the much loved anthem of We Are The Champions or the excellent Only The Good Die Young, all were handled in such a way that would have raised a grin on the much missed icon’s face.

A fantastic night of music by a living legend and a woman who makes music sound raw, exciting and stunning.

Ian D. Hall