Chris Norman: Going Back To Bradford

The posters for Chris Norman’s concert at St George’s Hall in Bradford read 'The Voice of Smokie,' not that the sold-out audience needed reminding. While there have been several reincarnations of the much-loved seventies group over the years, only Norman can faithfully recreate the distinctive Smokie sound with his memorable vocals.

However, it was not just about the past; Norman has a new album to promote, Junction 55, which contains tracks that are just as good as his older ones, as he confidently opened the show with Crazy, a track from the album. Tears Will Fall, written by ex Smokie drummer Pete Spencer, allowed Norman’s rich voice to shine, sounding untarnished.

The audience were never far away from hearing a Smokie favourite with Lay Back in the Arms of Someone and Mexican Girl being warmly received, not surprising given that Norman has not played a concert in his home town for over five years.

Stumblin’ In, originally recorded as a duet with Suzi Quatro in 1978, has recently been a summer hit in Europe via CYRIL, though it is still Norman’s version that resonated.

Playing some of the Smokie tracks in a more upbeat and rockier style gave tracks I’ll Meet You At Midnight and Don’t Play Your Rock’n’ Roll To Me a raw edge as the evening drew to a close.

Sadly, there was no inclusion of the Smokie album track Going Back To Bradford. With an improvised version of Midnight Lady, the night ended on a high, as Norman and his talented band proved that tonight there had definitely been no smoke without fire with a two-hour show that passed far too quickly.