10cc's 50th Anniversary Tour: 70s Legends Revive Pop Classics in York
An eye-watering number of hits filled the air as 10cc, the iconic 1970s pop band, took to the stage at York Barbican for their latest tour, self-mockingly titled And Another Bloody Greatest Hits Tour. This performance marked a significant milestone, coming 50 years after the band fractured with the departure of key members Kevin Godley and Lol Creme in 1976, followed by co-founder Eric Stewart's exit nearly two decades later.
A Legacy of Innovative Pop Music
10cc crafted some of the most innovative pop of the 1970s, blending glam rock, art rock, rock'n'roll, and doo-wop with surreal, Monty Pythonesque lyrics. Their songs often featured whimsical metaphors, such as describing life as a "minestrone" and death as "a cold lasagne, served up with parmesan cheese." Despite the departure of original members, their music has endured, with hits like Art for Art's Sake, Good Morning Judge, and The Wall Street Shuffle remaining staples on radio waves and in the backs of cabs.
The Current Incarnation: A Fine Tribute
Today, only bassist and singer Graham Gouldman, aged 79, remains from the original quartet, humorously referred to as "2.5cc." However, the current lineup makes a fine tribute to the band's legacy. With 1970s-era live guitarist Rick Fenn still in the band and young drummer Ben Stone injecting new energy, the performance was vibrant and engaging. Singer Iain Hornal proved a match for Eric Stewart's formidable falsetto and shared 10cc's characteristic humour, noting that the song Old Wild Men was written when "you couldn't imagine a group of guys touring the world in their 60s and 70s." This quip elicited titters from the audience, though in context, the song itself was oddly moving.
Surprises and Nostalgic Moments
The setlist included some delightful surprises. Their first smash hit from 1972, Donna, was delivered in a barbershop-quartet style, showcasing the band's versatility. Gouldman also delved into his pre-10cc career, performing Bus Stop, which he wrote for the Hollies. Hornal admitted that his solo track Say the Word was intentionally designed to sound like classic 10cc, prompting Gouldman to quip, "I said: 'I can help you with that.'"
Highlights and Emotional Peaks
The long-departed Kevin Godley made a reappearance via video, singing Somewhere in Hollywood, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. The concert built to a wonderful home run, featuring 1977's cod-reggae chart-topper Dreadlock Holiday and a sublime rendition of I'm Mandy Fly Me. Rubber Bullets had people dancing in the aisles, capturing the infectious energy of the band's heyday. For many attendees, hearing 1975's pioneering multitracked vocal colossus I'm Not in Love performed to perfection was a bucket list moment, highlighting the enduring appeal of 10cc's music.
Tour Details and Future Performances
10cc continue their tour, with upcoming performances including The Glasshouse in Gateshead on 5 March, offering fans across the UK a chance to experience this nostalgic journey through pop history. The band's ability to reprise their dazzling string of pop classics, even decades later, underscores their lasting impact on the music world.
