Jim Addison Promotions presents Tom Hingley (ex Inspiral Carpets) at Warrington Irish Club live, with support from Alan Jacob

 Friday 8th April 2022

Another intimate acoustic gig at the Irish club in Warrington, these events really are proving to be very popular and with brilliant artists, it’s no wonder. It’s a great opportunity to see huge names in a stripped back and natural, acoustic style performance. Honestly, they’re not to be missed. The support acts are very carefully selected local performers, which highlight the great talent we have in our area. All in all, it’s a great and enjoyable night at these smaller events. 

Tonight’s event is special, it’s the legend, Tom Hingley, original frontman of the massive and iconic Inspiral Carpets, one of the defining bands of the Manchester/mad for it scene and North Western indie movement back in the 90s. It’s my absolute favourite musical era so I’m particularly looking forward to this headline tonight. 

It’s an informal feel tonight, a scattering of tables and chairs arranged around the dance floor in front of the stage, it feels very London cabaret club style. It’s a good vibe, and it works well. The Irish Club in Warrington is a very welcoming venue, ten minute walk from the town centre and super reasonably priced drinks. There’s already a great vibe in here as I arrive, very relaxed, very laid back. A pretty fair sized gathering is already here, and they are really up for some live music…and of course that all important nostalgia trip…into the cartoon cows, bucket hats and baggy trousers era that could only be the 90s!

Alan Jacob_Credit: Christabel

1st Support: Alan Jacob (Meatbehindabeat Music)

Warrington based, Alan Jacob, is a pleasure to watch perform. His energy, enthusiasm and pure lust for life shines through in multitudes and is totally infectious. His on stage persona is so natural and likeable and as an audience, he has us eating out of his hand! A very full and comprehensive setlist, very varied and went down incredibly well. Between songs his interaction with the crowd is genuine and he’s very funny, raising lots of laughs and really bringing the energy up. This guy has such a way with a crowd, we love him already.

A mixture of covers and original work …The original tracks are very listenable, styles vary and a whole host of influences can be detected…David Bowie, very ‘the Smiths’ guitar sounds, electro, rock, Americana and indie. Alan’s vocal is mellow and soft, reaching high notes easily when needed. It’s a great set and it’s set the tone perfectly, well and truly readying us for our headliner tonight.

For quirkiness, originality, bags of personality, great guitarmanship and songwriting, you really should check out Meatbehindabeat/Alan Jacob. Bloody loved your set…thank you, Alan Jacob

Set List: Frustration, Human (Cover – The Killers), Demons, The Flood (Cover – Take That), Angel Constellation, We Are Golden (Cover – Mika), Snow Globe, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Cover – Queen), Certain Words, Kryptonite.

Tom Hingley_Credit: Christabel

Headline: Tom Hingley

Tom Hingley is synonymous with the 90s, his voice (pretty much) is the voice of that era, of that decade…when I think of the 90s…it’s usually to the backdrop of an Inspiral Carpets song! So to have him perform here tonight in such an intimate setting, acoustically, is a real treat. It’s a lovely, laid back set – genuine, informal, no setlist. Tom explains that he doesn’t really bother with a setlist, “I see how it feels on the night, play it by ear.” This is a method that indeed works well.

As Tom begins his set, he’s greeted by very enthusiastic applause, whistles and whooping. It’s become very atmospheric, the pace is slowed down, you could hear a pin drop, breath is being held, the feels have got intense. He starts with a beautiful tribute to a passed friend, “Angela” and we can hear the feeling in his voice. His performance captures every inch of pain and loss, it’s very moving and some tribute indeed. His voice really is quite something else. Its spine tingling, loud, with a real clarity, sharp and deep and instantly recognisable.  

It’s iconic and drives real nostalgia, memories come flooding back…we’re instantly transported to a time of hot summers, raves in fields, bucket hats, the Hacienda Club, and Top of the Pops. It’s great, and when he launches into “Saturn 5” the crowd are all singing along and clapping in time. It’s a great vibe, like a sing-along, but on an epic scale. It’s surreal…to be sitting here singing along to the soundtrack of my youth, with the actual front man of one of the bands that featured so heavily in it. Everyone is loving this, the room is filled with smiles. As the set goes on, classics like ‘She comes in the fall’ get the crowd on their feet, the dance floor’s full, people are dancing, singing… What a bloody brilliant night! As well as that amazing voice Tom showcases his musician skills.  The guitar playing is beyond impressive, styles go from classic, rock, country and a real cowboy, raw feel to some songs.

Tom Hingley_Credit: Christabel

Another very full and excellently performed set. Between songs Tom has chatted, joked and interacted, coming across as a jolly decent chap! Very genuine. It’s been a fantastic evening. We’ve swung from emotional to fun, to sing-along and it’s all made for one brilliant event. Afterwards, Tom chatted to fans, and the dance floor remained full with 90s tunes banging. 

This was a great night, loved it. Tom Hingley is a true legend, a true gent and an amazingly talented and inspirational musician…and that voice…zeitgeist of the 90s!! 

Thank you Tom Hingley.

Words: Janet Harding & Images: Christabel

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