SIR: Nick Jackson's review of the Hootie and the Blowfish concert at Manchester Academy (BEN May 3) left me seething.

Does Nick not know how to enjoy himself. I've been going to see bands for over 27 years now and this gig ranks up there with the very best.

His comments that they are an OK live band who work the audience, was an insult.

The sell out crowd (a testimony itself to the band's increasing popularity) didn't need working. They were there because they wanted to be and were familiar with the songs. Each one was greeted with the same rapturous applause, everyone sang along and all, except Nick, went home happy.

Maybe Nick should listen to some Morrissey songs and cheer himself up.

Steve McVey

Elgin Street, Bolton

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