The Piece Hall is an amazing venue with stunning Grade I listed architecture, which can trace its roots back to the 18th century. Tonight the weather was lovely and the forecasted rain gave way to a clear blue sky. Smoke, lights, action! The Corrs hit the stage to rapturous applause, excited people of every age packed out the sell-out venue, judging by the number of Irish accents that could be heard, singing along they’d brought a few fans from back home.
The tight-knit family band wasted no time rattling through hit after hit of their Irish easy-listening rock, the setlist packed with so many songs evoking memories of some good nights. Kicking off with Only when I sleep, it was clear that the playing was going to be equally tight-knit
Next up, Give me a reason, with Andrea passing comments regarding recent news headlines stating “Hate in the world but all she feels at the gigs is love”
Throughout Andrea floated across the stage like a teenage fairy while the rest of the band, sisters, Sharon, vocals, violin and keyboards, Caroline, drums, bodhrán and vocals and brother Jim, guitar, piano, keyboards, and vocals delivered a faultless performance.
Ellis Island, from their gold-selling album white light, is about seeking refuse. Andrea dedicated this to the Irish in the crowd to one of the evening’s biggest cheers! The song was made even more special by drummer, Caroline coming down to the front to sit in the spotlight playing a bodhrán which was a huge cloud pleaser
A beautiful cover of the classic Fleetwood Mac song Dreams was the song all the phones came out for. Andrea thanked everyone for singing along. Natalie came out for a dance at the end too. In a lovely summer dress and signature green military jacket stood next to me and had an amazing dance session with what looked close family.
Closing the main set with Runaway, a hit from their 1st album, the multi-platinum Forgiven, Not Forgotten, released 30 years ago, half the audience wasn’t even born then but still knew and sang every word. After a brief break they returned for an encore of their biggest hit, the UK number 1 single Breathless, another obvious crowd favourite, quickly followed by a return to their roots with the Celtic cover Toss the Feathers.
Andrea thanked the crowd, wished everyone good night and the band waved a happy crowd off into the night. Beaming faces everywhere, are just what a great gig is all about.
WORDS BY AARON HILLS
PHOTO CREDIT – SIMON LEE
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