10CC featuring Graham Gouldman and Friends @ Guild Hall, Preston

3:16pm Tuesday 13th November 2007

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What do you do with a hits catalogue containing the songs that 10CC have made famous?

You just have to celebrate them, and that is exactly what a small but appreciative audience did on this rainy night as Graham Gouldman, co-writer of many of the bands' hits, and his merry men guided us through the history of one of music's finest collection of hits.

Kicking off in style with Wall Street Shuffle', the five musicians gave us it all.

Every one of 10CC's hits was given an airing: I'm Mandy Fly Me', Art For Art's Sake', Life is a Minestrone', Donna' (with a mobile ringtone replacing the telephone), The Dean and I'; came and went like a conveyor belt.

The only let up was when Graham, ably assisted by Rick Fenn (ex-10CC touring band), Mick Wilson and Keith Hayman (Sir Cliff's musical director), joined him to perform acoustic versions of the hits he had written for others: No Milk Today' (Herman's Hermits). Look Through Any Window' and Bus Stop' (The Hollies) and For Your Love' (The Yardbirds) joined by drummer Paul Burgess (ex-10CC touring band).

Then more hits, and a couple of album tracks; ending naturally with the trio of chart toppers: I'm Not In Love', Dreadlock Holiday' and a rousing, rocking version of Rubber Bullets' which had everyone on their feet.

These guys proved yet again that it appears impossible for them to play a bad show.

This show had everything; excellent songs, great musicianship, singing par excellence, and humour.

It was over far too quickly. The only thing missing was a decent sized crowd.

Preston - you missed out BIG time!