AHEAD of this gig, Squeeze songwriter Chris Difford chatted to teenage music students in Bournemouth and was asked: “What's it like to be in a successful band?”

“I wouldn't know,” Chris quipped. Yeah right. More than 30 years since the South Londoners first burst onto the music scene, they still sound as fresh and relevant as ever.

It had only been a year since Squeeze last played the O2 Academy in Boscombe but they were given a rapturous welcome and rewarded the crowd with many of their best known hits.

It was a concert that perfectly showcased songwriting duo Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook's different strengths and styles.

Beautiful acoustic versions of Labelled with Love, Tempted and Goodbye Girl showcased Glenn's smooth, melodic voice while it was impossible to listen to Up the Junction or Cool for Cats without marvelling at Chris' unique lyrics.

The band possibly indulged themselves with one too many lesser-known songs but full-on rowdy versions of Pulling Mussels from the Shell, Slap and Tickle and Hourglass prevented the atmosphere from dipping.

Many of the songs were accompanied by big screen footage of the band's early days, which was a reminder of Squeeze's incredible staying power. Long may it continue.
 

Mel Vass