Andy Howells goes back to the 60s for an evening of classic hits performed by PP Arnold, Chris Farlowe, The Merseybeats, Mike Pender, New Amen Corner and Billy J Kramer.
“I was there!” stated soul legend PP Arnold to the audience as she recalled the 1960s on the stage of St David’s Hall on Wednesday evening. Miss Arnold’s youthful looks betray the longevity of her half-century music career but as she belted out classics such as The First Cut Is the Deepest and Angel of the Morning with backing from 60s revivalists New Amen Corner, it became apparent this really was PP Arnold!
PP Arnold was one of several original 1960s acts taking part in the incredible 30th anniversary show for the Solid Silver 60s.
Upbeat Solid 60s Duet From PP Arnold and Chris Farlowe
Chris Farlowe joined PP on stage for an upbeat version of Private Number before launching into his own set. Among the many Farlowe favourites were renditions of Handbags & Gladrags (penned by Manfred Mann’s Mike D’abo and a hit for many others – including Wales own Stereophonics) and his chart-topper Out Of Time (penned by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards).
The first half closed with The Merseybeats lead by founder members Tony Crane and Billy Kinsley performing rousing renditions of Cavern Club favourite Hey Baby as well as their own hits I Think of You and Sorrow.
Solid 60s Return For Billy J Kramer
There were more Mersey Sound legends in the second half. The original voice of The Searchers’ Mike Pender delighted fans with favourites Sweets for My Sweet and Needles & Pins as well as the rarity Four Strong Winds.
Finally, Billy J Kramer made a welcome reappearance for the first time in two decades. Billy performed many songs written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney including From a Window and Bad to Me.
Every artist was on stage for the finale, a rendition of the Dave Clark Five’s Glad All Over, summing up the feelings of both the performers and audience perfectly.
Review Archived: July 2021