A Tight Squeeze To Get In

I have a similar relationship with Swindon, as John Betjeman had with Slough, largely because its such a cultural backwater. Just occasionally, there is a small beacon of hope that helps one to forget the sprawling mix of not very good clubs, chain pubs and fast food outlets that passes for Swindon's night-life. We have a great new music venue, The 12 Bar in the rodbourne area of town, that is as good as any city venue, and it has it's own individual charm.

Last night, one of my musical heroes, Glenn Tilbrook, the former lead singer of Squeeze played a sold out acoustic show at the venue. Although it was a tight squeeze to fit into the venue with over 200 people, It was certainly the best gig I have seen in the town. Although, Sleeper at the Oasis Leisure Centre in 1997 was also memorable.

Tilbrook (pictured above) still charismatic in his late forties, played a two hour set that included tons of Squeeze classics, some good cover versions and some of his newer solo offerings. Tilbrook is a genius at working the audience, he really gets them singing the hits, by some hilarious coaxing. People going past the pub, must have been amazed at the sound of 200 people belting out "Goodbye Girl" "Black Coffee In Bed" and "Up the Junction" along with Glenn as he masterfully played the guitar. The song "Hourglass" also amused me, because decades on, I still know all the words of Chris Difford's wonderful bit of nonsense.

Other gems in the evening, included a breathtaking cover of Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Chile, with Glenn making his acoustic guitar sound as good as an electric one. We were also treated to one of Squeeze's best records, the marvellously jaunty Piccadilly. I can never stop humming that one, whilst walking through the capital. Glenn was also quite happy to take requests from the audience, and seemed to revel in the humourous banter which you always get at his gigs. The highlight for me, was a rendition of "Some Fantastic Place" from the album of the same name, a quite beautiful song which never fails to move me.

It is a disgrace that musical rubbish like James Blunt is passed off a great singer-songwriter, whilst Tilbrook is largely ignored by the masses. In my view, Glenn and Chris Difford are second only to Ray Davies as England's greatest song-writers.

The bombs that Betjeman recommended for Slough, can be temporarily saved from falling on Swindon, providing we continue to get gigs of this quality in the town.