Paul Heaton Returns To The Beautiful North

Few artists, unless they are Paul Heaton, can step onto the Leeds Arena stage to the pre-recorded sounds of a brass band playing On Ilkley Moor Bar t'At, claiming northern roots.

For almost forty years, from The Housemartins to the Beautiful South and, latterly, a successful solo career, Heaton has been a mainstay in the singles and album charts.

Many spinoff groups have emerged, such as The South, who performed on the first night of two sold-out gigs down the road in Holmfirth. Meanwhile, Heaton and his band have sold out the 13,000 Leeds arena, a feat made possible not only by the timeless nature of his music but also by the affordable ticket price of £35, making the concert accessible to a wider audience.

Just Another Family, a track off the new album, The Mighty Several, opened up the concert. The album is an eclectic blend of ska on Quicksand, sixties-inspired pop on Fish ‘N’ Chip Super, and the Pogues, like H into Hurt, tracks that Heaton was proud to include amongst old favourites.

Like a musical jukebox that swept through the decades, those big hits sounded refreshingly current. Looking like the unlikeliest pop star, dressed as if going out for a long country walk, Heaton and his band never let the grass grow under their feet.

Sheep took the audience back to the Housemartin days along with Me and the Farmer, while his latest find, 23-year-old Rianne Downey, has not only brought youthful exuberance to his group but also a voice that equals that of Jacqui Abbot, who sang with him in The Beautiful South and later during his solo career.

When introducing the group, the members were also informed which football team they supported; naturally, his guitarist, who is a Leeds United fan, received the best response in what had been a novel way by Heaton, who remains a huge football fan.

Downey brought a new perspective to A Little Time and Song for Whoever, along with the somewhat foul-mouthed Don’t Marry Her. All three songs come with a chorus that is spiritually moving with Heaton’s candid lyric.

As Heaton and his band concluded with the Isley Jasper Isley cover of Caravan of Love, it all appeared that Heaton’s bubble is far from bursting.

The tour continues with further dates in the north:
Monday 9th December - Newcastle Arena
Monday 16th December - Manchester Co- op Live
Sunday 25th May - Sheffield Bramall Lane
Click here for ticket information.