Haircut 100: The Forum
9th November 2023
LIVE REVIEWS- BATH
Steve Owen
Haircut 100 are back on tour and fronted by the classic line up of Nick Hayward, Les Nemes and Graham Jones. Blair Cunningham was also supposed to join them, the original drummer but unfortunately ill health had meant this was not possible at this time, I am sure we all wish him a full and speedy recovery. Having been ably supported and preceded by Barbara the headline act too the stage of the Bath Forum
The veteran pop band had their initial popularity in the 80s but still have a loyal following, it seemed many of them probably were familiar with them from first time round. The three original members here tonight of them formed Haircut 100 in London in 1980, Hayward remembers Haircut 100 amused them the most as a name for the band, so it stuck. While Heywood had a successful solo career something seems to draw them back to performing as a band, this being their third reunion.
Part of that could be the band still have an obvious presence and work well together. The trio front on stage with their eclectic skill with guitar. Supported by drums, saxophone and percussion by the younger members and new generation of the band backing up Hayward and his older colleagues. Nick Heywood may be 62 now but, of course, he and his band mates have still got it.
From the start they were belting out the classics and along with new material from latest album Pelican West 40. The fans were dancing almost before the first track, of course the biggest reception were for the singles, especially Love Plus One and Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl), which they played twice, well you may as well give people what they want. It’s clear they still want Haircut 100, so lets hope there are more tours and possibly even more new material available in the future.