Sad Café – Warrington Parr Hall

IT’S over 30 years since Sad Café last performed in Warrington that night they were led by the enigmatic front man Paul Young who strutted around the stage like a young Mick Jagger.
Stardom beckoned and the band went on to score a succession of hit singles and albums. They are best known for their top 40 singles Every Day Hurts”, “Strange Little Girl” and “My Oh My.”
Paul Young went on to enjoy worldwide success as a member of Mike & the Mechanics. Sadly Paul passed away in 2000. Last year founding member Ian Wilson, guitarist put the band back together with Ashley Mulford, lead guitar, Dave Irving, drums, Des Tong, bass and new members Steve Whaley, guitar and keyboard players Simon Waggott and Sue Quin.
The band has just completed their first nationwide tour in over twenty five years. On Friday night the tour stopped off in Warrington where the band performed songs from across their entire career to a small but very appreciative audience.
The new line up are all accomplished musicians and do an excellent job of recreating the melodic rock sound and vocal harmonies of the original band.
Rather than trying to replace Paul Young, the band have taken the bold step to share the vocal duties between Ian, Steve, Sue and Ashley. The gamble has paid off the vocal arrangements help breathe new life into tracks such as “Black Rose” and “Fanx Ta- Ra”.
The band obviously enjoys playing together and there was real warmth between the performers and audience. Another excellent night of live music at Warrington’s Parr Hall.