Gig of the year!
by Ian Prowse - Christmas bash 2024 on 28/12/2024O2 Academy Liverpool - LiverpoolRating: 5 out of 5Where to begin? The year of his 60th birthday has been a busy one for the UK's most approachable rock star, and whether it's just the man himself plus a "fiddle of fire"as has been the case on this year's "Mersey Hymns"tour or a full band show with the regular six-piece line-up, there's nothing quite like a Prowsey gig to stir the blood, and there's no Prowsey gig quite like the annual festive bash in Liverpool (now in it's 11th year) with the ranks swelled by flautists, extra fiddles, a horn section, special guests and the legendary Mikey ("the human dustbin for all the madness in Ellesmere Port,"a man who makes Bez look lethargic). The extra musicians allow a few songs to be added to the set that don't always get an airing, with Nev Henry (from support act The Blow Monkeys) joining on sax for "You Can't Win 'em All, Mum"and Brian "Nasher"Nash (FGTH) for "the greatest Scouse Christmas song ever": "The Power of Love,"though a particular highlight had to be the main band roaring through "A Town Called Malice,"with long-time bassist Dave Mastrocola taking some deserved time in the spotlight. There's an extra poignancy to hearing songs such as "The Ballad of North John Street"and "Does This Train Stop on Merseyside"in the city that they celebrate and in a room full of love such as the O2 was this night. The Prowsey Christmas bash is an absolute "bucket list"gig - but be warned: once you've been to your first one, you'll never want to miss another!