Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Whether you are a dedicated music fan or someone who goes once a month in search of something to listen to to avoid the endless repetition of uninspiring music talents shows that television produces in the name of making money, occasionally you can’t help but feel that you may just have witnessed the finest gig by the artist you are ever likely to see them do. It doesn’t matter if it is the second, third or tenth time you have seen them perform on stage, something whispers to you at the back of your mind, “Wow, you will never beat that for a superb night.” Your instincts maybe correct but there is always hope that the artist may surprise you.

With Steve Harley’s career stretching back so far, it might be a difficult ask to pin down the greatest stage show of his time at the forefront of writing some of the most incredible tunes over the last 40 years, however a particular night at the Bilston Robin 2 in front of an avid, awestruck audience could well be discussed in years to come as being the definitive moment.

There are artists and then there are legends; Steve Harley learned the hard way growing up busking in London, passed over by legions of tourists who would walk on past the man in a girl’s coat and long hair. The indomitable spirit that has burned through him for five decades never strayed, never gave in and the crowd that had gathered in Bilston were treated to something very special, a man who was at all times reflective, sincere, your best pal and the man who could give audiences that tingling feel of the approaching goose bumps with just one long look. With many councils trying to curb busking as an outlet for young musicians to hone their skills and to get them to perform in front of crowds at early age, perhaps Steve’s generation will be the one that had the most kindness shown them. It was the only down thought on what otherwise was a superb night of music.

With an array of songs from his illustrious early years through to the last great couple of studio albums, including the fantastic 2010 release of Stranger Comes To Town, Mr. Harley and his band took the eager crowd, some having travelled over from as far as America to the quiet Midland’s town, through the many highlights of his artistic time. With two sets and an almost unyielding amount of hours to play for the crowd, Steve performed tracks such as Best Years Of Our Lives, Promise, Judy Teen, Quality of Mercy, the superb Mr. Raffles, No Bleeding Hearts, the incredible Lighthouse, complete with an amazing violin solo, Stranger Comes To Town, Tumbling Down and the Progressive epic Sebastian before finishing with the much loved Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me).

For the audience who made their way to the Robin, a venue which is held with great regard by music lovers throughout the area and indeed the country, Steve Harley arguably never sounded better, never seemed more resolute in his life and above all was as magnificent as could ever be expected. A triumph of determination and musical ability.

Ian D. Hall