Hugh Cornwell, Komedia, Brighton, April 17 (From The Argus)

Hugh Cornwell, Komedia, Brighton, April 17

9:44am Wednesday 20th April 2011 in Music Reviews By Tania Deaville

“Are you all asleep?” Hugh Cornwell asked the rather sedate audience before he successfully managed to liven things up with an array of classic numbers.

The former Stranglers guitarist and singer-songwriter is on tour performing songs from his 1997 solo album Guilty, as, he said, fans have long been requesting to hear them live.

Cornwell, accompanied by his talented drummer and bass player, performed Black Hair, Black Eyes, Black Suit and Endless Day, Endless Night. There were a few teething problems with the vocal sound but Cornwell quickly rectified the issue.

The second half was more upbeat, with much singing along and dancing to hits. The tour included the chance for fans to purchase VIP tickets to chat with Cornwell before and after the sound check and receive one of only 250 copies of the album You’re Covered.

The band performed School Maam, Toiler On The Sea, which was accompanied by ocean sound effects and Cornwell pretending to swim, and a funky version of Walk On By.

Fan choice encores, voted for on Cornwell’s website, created the finale and included Golden Brown, Going To The City and No More Heroes.