Bryan Ferry with support from Juanita Stein
Wednesday 11th April 2018
@ Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

The Philharmonic Hall is a great venue to see bands – amazing acoustics, fab sound system and lighting, friendly helpful staff, and a good size where it’s not so big that you need to watch the show on a screen, nor so small that you’re jostling with people to see the stage.  It’s a seated venue but often people get up for a dance!  I really like the fact too that about 95% of the audience are already there in time for the support band.  Another thing I like is their amazingly diverse mix of music genres and shows.

If you haven’t been, you really should have a look at their upcoming shows and get booking!

Juanita Stein

Juanita is originally from Melbourne Australia, but moved to the UK in 2004 to re-form her band Waikiki as Howling Bells.  I last saw Howling Bells about 10 years ago when they performed on a double-bill with the Joy Formidable – and they were both fab, so I was well chuffed when I saw she was supporting Bryan Ferry tonight.

She performed a punchy but short set of great tunes with often dark lyrics, almost sounding a bit country in places.

Well worth checking out next time she’s in town!

Bryan Ferry

Bryan of course requires no introduction.  I always remember reading an article in one of the old music weeklies where the writer said that whilst most 1970s Rock icons were notorious for smashing up their hotel rooms, Bryan Ferry was more likely to redecorate it and get some matching drapes for the curtains!  It’s true that he’s effortlessly sophisticated and oozes class and style, yet he can still rock with the best of them!

Tonight’s show was a belter.  Jam-packed with his enviable back catalogue of hits, carefully curated to turn the audiences excitement up a notch with each song, performed by an equally stylish band who sounded tight and looked amazing.

Bryan’s voice was on fine form, putting in a stunning performance.

This was a truly great show, if you get the chance to go and see him, don’t hesitate!

Words + Pictures by John W. King