The Brighton Centre

Amazing show..refreshing new, talented singer Matt who has fit in just right within the band.Personally I would much rather look at him than the original singer.The band is still wonderful after 35 years of my fandom and gave us a great night in Brighton.Keep it going!! (Bring back ‘Reggae Music’ though ‘Baby’!😎

Amazing, stunning, powerful. Such a good gig Rebecca Taylor is incredible on stage, with one of the best voices out there. Great show from the wimples to the f**k of Farage jacket, so worth seeing. Looking forward to the next time.

On Tuesday, I saw Simply Red and Rumer as a double bill at the Brighton Centre. And Money's Too Tight To Mention. I mean that can be the only reason why a tour programme cost £25. Those for whom finances are less of a problem queued up to receive a glossy gift box that contained branded tote bags, a tour lanyard, etc that, together with the concert ticket, ran into hundreds of pounds. Simply Red are not unique in setting out on the road to maximise income, so I dismissed the temptation to be disapproving, purchased a beer and took my seat. Rumer wasn't a perfect match as a "support act". I love her voice, have her albums and have seen her many times. But the 40 minutes she showcased was one-paced and came across as a little flat for an audience buzzing (and talking) in anticipation of Mick Hucknall and his crew. This was a shame - Rumer was in fine voice, she dressed in a diaphonous gown and she repeatedly told the audience how grateful she was for the chance to tour with Simply Red. I just felt the audience failed to appreciate her, though there was polite applause when she bid goodnight. No, Mick Hucknall was what what people had mostly come for and he kept us waiting an extra 15 minutes. When he finally appeared, he hit the black lacquered stage and launched a chronological set of Simply Red material with admirable gusto. After a sizzling opening of "Sad Old Red", "Jericho" and "Money's Too Tight To Mention", Mick addressed the crowd with some wistful acknowledgements of time passing (this is Simply Red's 40th anniversary, though obviously Mick was a Frantic Elevator before that), not feeling "a day older than 65" (his actual age) and an apology for the late arrival caused, he said, by the late kicking in of tablets for an inflammation. The first few songs truly showed what a great voice he has, but he did show signs of tiredness towards the end of the 100 or so minutes, when he veered dangerously towards pub singer territory. The chronological order was as structured and precisely designed as everything else about the night's show, and it worked. Maybe there were a few too many mainstream covers ("The Air That I Breathe", "You Make Me Feel Brand New", "Reach Out I'll Be There") for my liking in a set that already includes a cover of Barry White's "It's Only Love", the aforementioned MTTTM and, of course, "If You Don't Know Me By Now", but every one is a crowd pleaser and pleasing the crowd is what the night was all about. And leaving everyone with a little less moolah. If starting out with strong material risked an anticlimactic end, Mick had that sorted too with a rousing closer of "Fairground" by which time he was brave enough to attempt a samba, swivelling his hips in the manner of a Latin lothario, a character he has attempted for most of his life, allegedly. The competing rhythms of Latin America highlighted the only quibble I could have with the evening. The woman immediately in front of me decided that any song faster than a death march meant she should stand up. For most of the evening, she was the only person in a tilted bank of seats who felt this way and, asserting her right, she spun around frequently, glaring at fellow audience members as if to say, "Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough". As if to further discourage this option, she punched the sky from time to time, quite comically but eliminating any possibility of seeing over her and her Crystal Tipps hair do. The strangest thing about her was that, like Strictly dancers in their first week on the show, no matter what rhythms were presented in the songs being played, she somehow detected one that wasn't and jigged up and down violently in opposition to the music. Meanwhile, by complete contrast, her husband slept through most of the show (genuinely) only to have her massage his face, whenever she noticed. A truly odd couple. I did wonder if white powder might be involved, which is possibly why I heard a clarification by Mick Hucknall in a particular light. On returning for the encore, Mick reassured the audience that he wasn't ill. He said, "I don't have a cold or the flu or anything like that, I just have a simple inflammation in my nose and behind my eyes, so don't worry about me". I didn't. But call me a cynic - he came out for the show like a middleweight boxer, ready to win back the title, with a roaring voice and he'd needed medication to quell a nasal inflammation. Just saying. Maybe it was just the arythmic dancer on a spring in front of me. Luckily, the promoters had chucked money at screens, graphics, videos, lighting (lighting and screens were noticeably absent when Rumer was performing) and great sound (which admittedly might not always be the case in my recordings). Nothing, not the exorbitant costs (borne by many, but not by me), the punching dancer, not the potential jeopardy of an inflamed (a new flamed?) singer, could detract from an excellent set, expertly performed, happily received. I know Mick Hucknall is Marmite to most. Whether it's his ginger hair, his gnomic looks, his dread locks, he's a figure of fun to many. But he can sing, he loves the music (both his and that of those to whom he pays tribute in the show - sad that he had to explain who Lamont Dozier and Joe Sample were) and he does put on one hell of a show.

The K’s were absolutely brilliant. Love them and then meeting three of them at the merch stand. Such a lovely group; always taking the time to meet the crowd. Looking forward to seeing them again next week 🩷 🖤

Well it was a cool summers day ideal for blackberries to start the affray. They tore up the stage with southern state rage and blew all our old timer cobwebs away. Then low and behold a story was told of past of present as one. Life was reborn no longer forlorn but a musical love from heaven above. So it began our hearts our souls a legendary sound, music filled the air and love was a bound. Past present future alive again freebirds a flying and will always remain. R I P our southern stars 🌟

Fantastic band, total pro’s. Charlie has probably the best live Rock guitar sound around right now. Fabulous. He’s a real Starr & carries the band along with Paul’s killer high vocal harmonies that very much add to the band’s unique sound.

Absolutely amazing show, Gary Barlow never fails to provide THE best evening! The show was fantastic! The Brighton Centre venue was very easy to get to (traveled by car from Essex) and the venue itself was great. Once doors opened the entry process was quick and we smoothly moved through the check in. Very well sign posted of seating areas, bars and toilets. First time attending a concert here and the sounds and atmosphere was amazing. The seating was so good (Row B VIP centre stage) was excellent. Plenty of room in the bar areas and around the Centre, toilets were clean and easy to find. A lovely venue and would definitely attend there again. Thank you Gary for another wonderful show, the Song Book Tour 25 was truly amazing and I look forward to seeing you again soon! Please hurry back!

Superb set with each song displaying technical expertise, musicality and showmanship. The set was well balanced culminating in a fantastic finale and then encore. Nice to see other members of the excellent band given the opportunity to showcase their talents. Excellent sound balance. Looking forward to the next concert.

It was lovely apart the acoustics weren't very good. It may have been where we were sitting as there seemed to be a lot of bass & vibration, I heard other people say the same. The new guy Steve has a lovely voice as good if not better than Carlos

I'm a long time Crowded house fan, but have never seen them live .. Neil Finn cleverly interspersed songs from the new album (Gravity stairs) with old established, popular songs, which everybody knew... I was a little frustrated that the show didn't seem to go anywhere but was a presentation of Neil Finns songs bit like a catalogue .. but hey his songs are magic as is his voice ... and the end of the show did satisfy. He seemed to be setting up his son as a star (opening up the show & donating Lead guitar skills) indeed he (Liam) is talented but I think Neil should be careful not too give him too much rope ..and Liam people do care (give a s**t!!!) about the Lyrics in fact its exactly that on which Dad's success is founded ... Very good evening, not sure I'd go again, but Don't dream its over !!!!

The audience at Brighton are simply 'too cool for school' and didn't really 'get' Bill's perfect genius comedy. I have seen him many times since the days of 'The Rubber Bishops', and he was very much short-changed by the 'good people' of Brighton. To be absolutely honest, I have seen Bill give a more dynamic performance, but I believe he was suffering from a virus on the night we saw him, as influenced by the bottle of Benylin he sought solace from. HOWEVER, a reduced performance from THE English comedy genius of the age is worth 100,% of ANY other comedian! ...( Discuss!...whilst pointing unlit pipe at panic-stricken audience member). Having said, that, I'd watch Bill introducing ' Celebrity Monkey Combing' on Channel 945 at 03:45 in the morning than 99% 0f the usual top quality shite! ...oh, and I really had a great night!

For me this was the second time going to see anyone in Concert and Louis Tomlinson was Fantastic a Brilliant show he is a great artist and Amazingly talented brilliant Songwriter, the Concert has a great atmosphere, I felt so safe. Would definitely go To another of Louis Tomlinson shows , if you haven't heard him he is a must, so Download Faith in the Future this Album has no skips and to see him play it live is even better, so if you have a Chance to see him You Need to grab tickets now 💯% BEST SHOW EVER 10/10 5*

Absolutely brilliant! Sean Paul outdid my expectations! Such a great set! He sounded incredible and the energy he brought to the performance was fantastic! Such a brilliant evening I couldn’t of hoped for a better show! I would definitely go to see him again! Thanks for coming to Brighton.

This was the funniest and wittiest stand-up show I’ve ever been to. Jim, and his supporting opening acts were on point and stuck the landings with every single joke. To top it off, an impromptu heckler yelled out something ridiculous and Jim ran with it and turned it into a five minute bit. So happy to have seen him perform live.

I am a Y&Y fan for many years and have been to lots gigs. The metamorphosis to this point in time is just 🤯 A grown up raunchy show with huge back videos and props and s**y dancers. An Olly Alexander solo project now but supported on tour with former permanent band member Mikey Goldsworthy and the drummer Paris Jeffree from the last tour. The staging is s**y, striking and a feeling of being a little bit dirty!! Congrats to the whole team. A fab mix if new songs with re-visited/re-invented old, well known songs. The Brighton gig was the start of the Night Call tour. Anyone attending will never forget it. Olly’s all grown up and maybe a BIT TOO S**Y FOR SOME!!!! 😜

Absolutely brilliant yet again although the venue could go with a make over. As for Bastille so much energy and really good stage show I thought it all worked well looking forward to seeing them in the future

Paul Weller never disappoints! A set full of 28 top tunes from across the back catalogue spanning The Jam: Sound Affects (Start / That's Entertainment), through the Style Council years (Headstart For Happiness / Have You Ever Had It Blue / It's A Very Deep Sea / Shout To The Top), all the way to Fat Pop. Full set list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3PN4gb3piGILuleSxm6wBU?si=4b8e735ab2ea4da0 A top weekend in Brighton as always at a stand-out venue.

Had a long awaited postponed birthday celebration. Show was great although Paul Weller didn’t interact with crowd much at all, but that may be he just wants to get on playing his music. Loved his new songs. Only disappointment was the Brighton Centre bar only served larger or cider, yuk! The most irritating thing was people holding up their mobiles to film, every five minutes. Enjoy the moment people!

BRILLIANT! Paul Weller and his band were fantastic. Playing a range of hits he’s a great musician who makes it look easy. The venue was great too, more personable than the large stadiums. Absolutely loved the evening, well worth the wait.

What an incredible experience. A day in my life to remember. The most fantastic event i have ever been to. David Byrne is as brilliant now as he ever was, if not better. Such a vibrant, spectacular, show of talented musicians. Simply amazing night.