Howard Assembly Room, Leeds
Tuesday, 19th May 2026
First of all, before I talk about the concert, I need to mention the venue, the Howard Assembly Room. In Victorian times, it was originally a theatre but it is a place that I know of, by reputation at least, more for its previous incarnation as the Plaza Cinema which was infamous for showing hardcore ‘ART’ films in the 1970’s. Thankfully that chapter in its history is now long gone and it has now reverted to more mainstream and respectable entertainment. I made my first venture to the building, for this concert and, as it is part of the Grand Theatre, I liked the décor and layout. The original Victorian furnishings might have gone, as had the cinema seating, thankfully, but it still had an air of grandeur that many modern concert venues lack, spacious with a comfortable and welcoming feel to it, although the balcony made it feel like it was a Methodist chapel.
JESSE LYNN MEDERA
First up was the support act, American country rock singer Jesse Lynn Madera. Other than a couple of brief pre-emptive YouTube video views I was not au fait with her work, so I was ready, willing and able to be impressed, or not.
But from the first few seconds it was evident that her set would be wonderful. A strong and powerful voice and, as is often the case with country songs, a strong narrative in the lyrics. Often dark tales delivered with a wry smile that makes the listener wonder if the narrative is fiction or based on real life. As is the case with support acts the duration of the set was brief but, in the time, available, she was able to pack in seven great songs which were entertaining and toe tappingly good.
Ably assisted by Jesse Cole on guitar and Martin Sedlak on fiddle, it was both types of music, country and western, delivered in a way that helps to blow away some old prejudices about the musical genre and made me want to see her as a headline act if she tours the UK in the future.
Sweet Pretender
No Place to Shine
Last Call
This Is What We’ve Become
Woke Up in LA
Austin
That House
Jess Lynn Madera – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Jesse Cole – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals
Martin Sedlak – Fiddle, Backing Vocals
COLIN BLUNSTONE
Then it was time for the musical legend that is Colin Blunstone. Someone, possibly me, once said that the secret for longevity in the music business is to keep on going and not dying. That is something that Colin has done with aplomb, on both counts. As an octogenarian who joined his first band at 16 and having recorded some of the most iconic songs of the 60’s he certainly demands respect, something that I willingly give.
I have seen some singers who are younger than him, but their voices are weak and it is only vanity, or the desire to keep getting an income, that keeps them performing. The hardcore fans might enjoy the experience but for everyone else it can be a painful experience. Although it might be in a different key to his youth, Colin can still belt out great tunes and it was, as always, a pleasure to go to one of his concerts.
As expected, there were plenty of Zombie songs, especially the Odessey and Oracle album. The hits were all there, after all what would a Colin Blunstone set be without She’s Not There or Time of the Season? But there were plenty of other, less familiar songs to keep it interesting and fresh.
Along with the Zombie songs there were his own solo material including the wonderful Say You Don’t Mind and I Don’t Believe In Miracles. And, as if those were not an embarrassment of riches he included the Alan Parsons Project classic, and one of my favourite songs of all time, Old and Wise. A setlist displaying a musical history that many an artist would give their right arm to have bragging rights to.
His band had a lot to live up to, but they were more than able to meet that challenge. Chas Cronk, of Strawbs, put his heart and soul into keeping the audience entertained and enthused and, at times it felt like he was the leader of the band, rather than Colin. A great musician and entertainer. The rest of the band were also magnificent and the fun they seemed to be having was plain to see and infectious, but honourable mention should also go to the ever-dazzling Dave Bainbridge of Iona and many other bands. He was able to not only show off his keyboard skills but his mastery of the acoustic guitar.
When I look at the set list it made me wonder how they all managed to get so many songs into one concert but I was also left wishing that the night had lasted longer so that he could have given us even more from his back catalogue. But I suppose the addition of Dancing on A Highwire or The Eagle Will Rise Again would have turned it into an Alan Parson’s Project concert and his version of the Genesis song For Absent Friends would have been far too much to hope for.
A superb concert and long may Colin keep touring and entertaining.
SETLIST
Indication
I Love You
Tell Her No
I Remember When I Loved Her
It’s Alright With Me
If It Don’t Work Out
I Don’t Believe in Miracles
Say You Don’t Mind
What Becomes of the Broken hearted
Time to Move
This Will Be Our Year
Hung Up on a Dream
Time of the Season
Let Me Come Closer to You
Keep the Curtains Closed Today
Misty Roses
Any Other Way
Caroline Goodbye
Andorra
Old and Wise
She’s Not There
~ Encore
Just Out of Reach
MUSICIANS
Colin Blunstone – Lead Vocal
Søren Koch – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Dave Bainbridge – Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals
Chas Cronk – Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Rodford – Drums
Dean Anshutz – Percussion
LINKS
Colin Blunstone – Website | Facebook | YouTube | X | Instagram
