Review of Graham Parker and the Rumour at the Academy 3, Birmingham, on 31 May 2014, for Native Monster website.

REVIEW OF GRAHAM PARKER AND THE RUMOUR AT O2 ACADEMY 2, BIRMINGHAM, ON 31 MAY 2014, FOR THE SHROPSHIRE STAR/EXPRESS & STAR

The last time Graham Parker and the Rumour played a concert in Birmingham, Margaret Thatcher was still the Leader of the Opposition and Trevor Francis had just become the first

£1 million footballer.

On Saturday night, a packed crowd at the O2 Academy 2 welcomed the six-piece back to Birmingham and were not disappointed, as Parker and his band reminded the audience of what they’d been missing for more than thirty-five years.

Half the band might be bald these days and the other half greying, but the chemistry between the members is still there, resulting in a tight unit that must rank up there with the E Street Band and the Blockheads as one of the most cohesive backing bands you’re ever likely to see.

With half the set drawn from the group’s debut album, Howlin’ Wind, and Squeezing Out Sparks-- widely regarded as the band’s best release -- this was a glorious trip down memory lane for the mainly middle-aged audience, so it was something of a surprise to hear a new song, “Wall of Grace,” that promises much for the new album that GP and the Rumour recently finished recording in London.

Parker cuts a charismatic figure on stage, and the Rumour provide a perfect complement to his soulful vocals. For this reviewer, guitarist Brinsley Schwarz was on fine form, particularly on “Love Gets You Twisted” and “Nobody Hurts You,” during which he made amazing excursions up and down the fret board.

After almost two hours on stage, the band were called back for two encores, with the final number, a blistering version of “Soul Shoes,” sending the audience away with the hope that a follow-up to the group’s reunion album, Three Chords Good, will see Graham Parker and the Rumour return to Birmingham in the very near future.

Stephen Taylor