Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Hugh Cornwell guest: Wedding Present frontman David Gedge, Concorde 2, 24 January 2024
HUGH Cornwell achieved fame as the frontman of punk pioneers The Stranglers, who were in my view, one of the most innovative bands of the early punk scene and that genre. It is possibly less common knowledge that since leaving The Stranglers in 1990 he has continued to record numerous solo albums. I had not seen Hugh for a couple of years, the last live performance I saw was when he supported The Undertones in Brighton. I made a pledge to myself then to see a full set, and so tonight it all came together. Hugh Cornwell, his band and me armed with my trusted Canon.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I have to say that this is a stripped back performance. Hugh with his two bandmates who were with him when I last saw him, there was no fuss or fancy lighting or effects. Thankfully no smoke which was a relief. This set is purely about the music and Concorde 2 was a perfect fit for it. Great sounds, top venue and a capacity crowd. Hugh did ask for the lights to be turned up a bit a couple of times, as he said it was like playing his guitar with his eyes closed shut.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
His newest solo material is certainly not to be disregarded and newer songs from Monster and Moments of Madness were warmly received. Two tracks opening the set included I Wannabeinsideya  and Too Much Trash from that latest LP. Pure Evel and Mister Leather from the previous release were included. Hugh effortlessly slips back and forth between his latest albums and some of his older solo material. Its all good. Now for anyone who fell in love with the Stranglers based on any of the first albums really should experience hearing them sung by the original voice. It raised the hairs on the back of my neck to hear Skin Deep and Tramp early on in the set.
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- Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
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- Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
There was an interesting and effective arrangement of Strange Little Girl, as well as Always The Sun. Although barely scraping into the top 30 Always The Sun was sung word-perfect, and in tune, by the Brighton choir. We matched Hugh word for word. The workings and interpretations of some classic Stranglers material was heart stoppingly good.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The dark curls may be thinner these days but he is still as thin and almost and menacing at times just as he was when he fronted of the most successful punk band as they crossed over to the mainstream. That wonderful voice has stayed with Hugh. It is instantly recognisable and familiar. The vocals tonight were totally on point. A couple of other stand out tracks included Babylon and Toulouse. Fabulous stuff. Big Bug was also in there from the Nosferato album from 1979! So cool to hear these songs played live.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Damn good music
It has been once again a captivating time in the presence of Hugh Cornwell and with his band with the exploration and digging into his lengthy solo career. The band left the stage briefly but they soon returned for a terrific finale of songs. However it is noted the swelling of the crowd’s enthusiasm when he delivers a varied selection of classics from The Stranglers era such Nice And Sleazy with Get A Grip On Yourself towards the end of the set. His vocals tonight totally matched the precision of Cornwell’s wonderful lead and rhythm guitar playing.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
There was no “Good Evening Brighton – How y’all doing” or “C’mon Brighton lets see those hands”, Mr Cornwell doesn’t need any of that, he connects. Simple. The set was streamlined, not much chat tonight or band banter. Just damn good music.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
For me the choice of tracks included in the 24 song set was spot on. I heard some of the near capacity Concorde 2 audience chatting after the gig, wondering why their favourite songs were omitted. One gig goer was singing No More Heroes as she left at full tilt. A song not played tonight but this person made up for it!
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Moments of Madness
Hugh Cornwell live shows and performances are as captivating and as spirited as always. Hugh departed The Stranglers many years ago now and although they have continued to play without him, Hugh has shaped his own successful solo career, with his latest album, Moments of Madness released in 2022.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Hugh Cornwell can be described as one of the last punk/music heroes of an era gone by. It was great to see him ushered through the venue to do some signing after his nearly two hour set. I loved what he did tonight and as long as he keeps coming back to play for us and chat to us in Brighton, I along with the 500 strong audience, will be there.
Hugh Cornwell: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Hugh Cornwell website – http://www.hughcornwell.com/homepage/
David Gedge
The original guest slot was held for The Primatives, their lead vocalist Tracy had gone down with a throat infection and had to pull out of tonight’s performance. Let’s hope they manage to drop into Brighton soon.
David Gedge: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
David Gedge, together with Peter Solowka, fellow founder member of The Wedding Present, met Keith Gregory, an English student, by placing an advert for a bass player in the Leeds University Union. He is the main songwriter and vocalist in the bands The Wedding Present and Cinerama. He sang a duet with Marine Research on their 1999 Peel Session.
David Gedge: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
In place on stage and was given just three hours notice we had a splendid set from local musician, Wedding Present front man David Gedge. It was not clear that a support act had been found, so unfortunately I arrived at Concord 2 as David Gedge was coming to a close with his set.
David Gedge: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
He pulled in a sizeable crowd who had enjoyed his performance. One man and his guitar on the stage. He sang his heart out. He played his guitar hard. He gave us a masterclass on how to do a solo acoustic slot. Now for a good few years David Gedge’s music in The Wedding Present and Cinerama has provided that all important soundtrack to the lives of the bands fans. John Peel once said “the boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the rock n roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you are wrong!”
I am so sorry to have missed the first part of his set. I really enjoyed hearing him perform the last two songs of his set which I think were Everyone Thinks He Looks Daft and My Favourite Dress, both songs from The Wedding Present.
David Gedge: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Well played David, that was a great set and a most unexpected and pleasant surprise to see you play and hear you sing those wonderful songs.
Words, Videos and Photos for Scene Sussex by Ian Bourn.
Thanks to:
Hugh Cornwell
David Gedge
M P Promotions (Maria) and Sonic PR (Rob and Thom).
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