Queens Hall, Edinburgh
22 / 11 / 2024
From looking at the “Peaches” on the beaches in 1977, to The Queens Hall in 2024, what a journey Hugh Cornwell has had. Born in Tufnell Park London in the late 40s, and growing up in and around Kentish Town, Hugh soon embarked on a career as a musician. Playing bass in a high school band with Richard Thompson soon proved to be a career choice that would take him to musical levels beyond what most people can only dream about.
After a short stint in Biochemistry and post graduate research in Lund, Sweden, he returned to the UK and formed the band “Johnny Sox” in 1974, which swiftly became the Guildford Stranglers; and within time, the Stranglers were born.
Hugh Cornwell has achieved great success as a solo artist as well, as The Stranglers’ lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. After recruiting Jet Black (Drums), Jean-Jacques Burnel (Bass) and finally, in 1975, Dave Greenfield (Keyboards), the classic punk rock, then post-punk, then rebellious New Wave band hit the UK music scene like a “Nuclear Device”.
In 1990, after reaching the towering heights with the Stranglers, Hugh made the fateful decision to go it alone. It may have been a moment of madness – but now, with 10 solo albums under his belt, it sure was a no regrets decision and if time tells the time, then time waits on no man.
The Queens Hall in Edinburgh (built in 1863) has hosted many events over its long existence and seemed like a fitting place for Hugh to strut his stuff. An architectural masterpiece, the Queens Hall offers an up-close, personal and intimate experience, and with Hugh only a few feet in front of me, it felt good. Hugh started off by explaining there will be 2 songs from his solo albums and then a Stranglers classic and so on. That’ll do nicely!
Due to his extensive musical reach, the audience was like the Generation Game. The pull and hold that the music has was clearly apparent – from 16 year olds to octogenarians, all engaged with the same affection for Hugh. It is always a real joy to mixed ages at gigs, and with Hugh’s prolific and hard-hitting lyrical truths right in your faces, I understand why his songwriting is still recognized to this day to be some of the best song writing in the country.
I was totally loving watching him perform songs I’d heard live in the past, from his revered albums Hooverdam and Moments of Madness amongst others. Then, adding some re-booted versions of the songs ‘Nuclear Device,’ ‘Nice and Sleazy,’ ‘Golden Brown’ and ‘Tank’ just showed how diverse Hugh Cornwell can still be.
What a pleasure it was to be in the company of those devoted artists who have been present in one’s life for so many years. A gig full of appreciation, nostalgia, respect and memories for all who have been on this journey with Hugh Cornwell. Keep on waltzing Hugh!!
Raymond Speedie
themumble.uk 