China Crisis Night Review

The legendary Liverpool band China Crisis rocked Hoylake on Thursday 5th February 2009, when they performed at Jack Rabbit Slims.

The occasion was a fundraising event organised by The Friends of Meols Park who are striving to provide a better playground in Meols for the local children.

This was not your typical fundraiser night as most of the 'locals' in the audience were in fact big fans of China Crisis and they sang along nostalgicly to the songs.

Roy Shuttleworth secretary of The 'Friends' and who organised the night, said "It was by far the best music event to hit Hoylake and I will be forever grateful to Gary and Eddie for coming along to support our cause."

Gary Daly and Eddie Lundun were aided by a solid four-piece band comprising: John Legit (drums)Eddie Robinson (bass) Glyn Williams (keyboard) and Colin Hinds (guitar).

The compere for the night was Esther McVey (chairman of the 'Friends'). The evening started off with Liverpool Singer/Songwriter Rachael Wright who sang songs from her debut album. Rachael came from Paul McCartney's Lipa - where Eddie is a lecturer.

She was followed by Formby comedian Brendan Riley who got everyone in the mood with his comedy set. Local Meols DJ Steve provided the music in between acts.

Then,the moment that everyone had waited for, China Crisis took to the stage and opened with "Best Kept Secret" - it's just one of their many well- crafted pop classics merging rock with jazz and blues. "Strength of Character", "Black Man Ray" were joined by "Christian" and "Wishful Thinking",which got a tremendous roar as being one of locals favourites. King In A Catholic Style (Wake Up) was delivered with the band's usual energetic style and with great audience participation, the band then went on to sing all the songs that made them famous.

Gary, chatted effortlessly, sprinkled with superb humour and with great rapport to the all standing, sell-out audience. He had the audience in hysterics by saying they had done some charity shows before but never one for "Swings and Slides" and commentimg on the Hoity Toity people in Hoylake.

Even the big guy in the audience asking for Enola Gay was greeted with an hilarious retort of 'Wrong fecking band pal'. After shouting out for a different OMD song, was then greeted with 'Shall we play you the whole fecking album, then?'.

Eddie as usual was solid as a rock and they were both a perfect foil for each other.

Gary said after the event, "It was a great night ...we really enjoyed ourselves....and everyone was so nice...making us all feel very welcome"

Eddie and Gary first met at St Kevin's school in Kirkby. Now they are both in their late 40's but still retain the same enthusiasm and performance as they have for over 25 years.

Come back soon please.....

Review of the night by

Roy Shuttleworth

See Photos of the night .... more .... more

The Event was a great success.

China Crisis are returning to Hoylake on 13th December. Reserve your tickets Now Here