This concert was a little different from those that have gone before. It was in aid of local Grimsby & District Health Care Charity's 'Big Red Heart Appeal' and featured additional support act 'Curtain Up Productions' (aka the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Amateur Operatic Society) who opened the show with an energetic and beautifully performed Mamma Mia medley. They returned at the start of the second half with an equally impressive Hairspray medley, and after a few words from Appeal Chairman, Ron Kitching, finished in style with their final number 'No One Mourns the Wicked'.Niamh Perry was again supporting Lee - singing her usual set - and Lee's band featured a couple of new members. Mike (lead guitar) and Carl (second keys) were both missing on this occasion but in the absence of introductions I can't tell you the names of their stand-ins. Familiar faces completed the line-up though - Duncan Waugh (musical director/first keys), Mason Neely (drums) and Oroh Angiama (bass).
Lee himself was on absolute top form - responding to the hugely appreciative audience with warm, relaxed chat and some of the best performances I have ever heard from him - a man very clearly enjoying his work! He dedicated Close Every Door to his nanny Lil, who sadly passed away shortly before his St Albans concert, and sang it so very beautifully, earning the first of several standing ovations.
His set list was as per previous concerts, with a minor change in order which caught the band by surprise ... there was much shuffling of music as they realised the story he was telling of a song written by Gary Barlow was not the lead-in to Beyond The Sea ... and re-shuffling when he started talking of his early days on that now infamous cruise ferry!
My personal highlights? Kiss - for an utterly brazen performance delivered with knowing humour, a killer combination! And Jesus Christ Superstar - in a word, awesome - but the whole audience on their feet for Daydream Believer was pretty special too.
I took no photographs on this occasion, either during or after the concert, but there are some backstage pics on Curtain Up Production's website and a couple of performance images were available for sale (no longer on sale so reproduced below along with a campaign publicity shot) via the Grimsby Telegraph website, where there is also this short article about the concert. And there was a programme, scans of which are included in the full Gallery which you can view by clicking any pic below.
Lee's full concert schedule (including past appearances) can be found at - CONCERT DATES
Last updated: 7 November 2014