Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel. Albert Halls, Bolton. By MARTIN HUTCHINSON STEVE Harley is the master showman. As soon as he comes on stage he has the audience in the palm of his hand, and he knows how to work them. He doesn't speak until the third number in, but by then he's won. The music, which fair thundered along, and his expressions and movement prove that he hasn't lost any of the style and sheer presence he had 20-odd years ago. Many of the 600-plus audience were already dyed-in-the-wool Harley fans, but on the night there were quite a few conversions to the cause.

The two-and-a-bit hour show was a celebration of Steve's hit catalogue, including Judy Teen which he has rarely played in the past.

In fact, name any of his hits and it was played in the show. There were also quite a few tracks from his excellent new album Poetic Justice, and of course the 'musts', such as Sebastian and Tumbling Down.

Throughout the show Steve teased and tantalised the audience (which had quite a number of next generation Harley fans) to a frenzy and they sang along with gusto. A fact that amazes keyboard player Tom Arnold. "It's outstanding that they are singing at the beginning and still at it at the end."

Mention has to be made of the excellent band Steve has put together, not just for the live work, but for the work they did on his album. There's the two keyboard players Tom Arnold and Susan Harvey, bassist Bill Dyer (who was the only survivor from the last time Steve was here in '91), drummer Andy Houghton, and last, but definitely not least, guitarist and violinist Mick Flynn.

Nobody went away disappointed and the show must rank amongst the best ever seen in the Albert Halls. Even Steve himself commented after the show. "It's brilliant, I'll be back here again. The sound here is fantastic."

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