Fucking Nostalgic: Photos: The English Beat & Squeeze @ Roseland Ballroom

Dave Wakeling of The English Beat

Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze

The English Beat & Squeeze @ Roseland Ballroom - April 28, 2012

Photos: Al & Carmela Gersbeck / Review: Carmela Gersbeck

While I admit that I went to Roseland to see Squeeze and didn't have a clue who The English Beat were, I have to say that they blew me away. From their opening rendition of "Tears of a Clown," they made it clear that they were there to party and expected everyone in the audience to do so -- and party they did! The English Beat played with enthusiastic energy and the sold out crowd danced and sang for their entire performance. (We downloaded their greatest hits soon after.)

After a short intermission, Squeeze joined the stage and proceeded to play non-stop hits for 90 minutes. Glenn Tilbrook was in fine form, sporting a beard and suit, and the band seemed to enjoy the response of an already warmed up crowd. There was an entertaining graphics display that changed with each song and what I enjoyed most was that they avoided turning their show into an audience sing-along of every hit. The only song in which they encouraged audience participation in towards the end was when they played "Tempted," and the audience enthusiastically sang the chorus.

All in all, a fine performance and excellent show.

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The Roseland show was the last date on Squeeze's tour, and the only shows on the horizon are The Hampton Court Palace Festival in June and Cropredy Festival (both in England). The English Beat on the other hand have dates booked through the end of August. Check all tour dates below, along with a full set of photos shot by Al & Camela...