Chris Helme/Nigel Clarke

CHRIS HELME/NIGEL CLARKE

1MV 27TH March 2026

Another great show from Wakeup Wake up promotions at the International Music The International Music Venue last night... two artisists who were totally new to me, but clearly not to the large crowd!

Both original member of '90's indie bands, and currently playing solo acoustic shows.

First up was Nigel Clark, from the band Dodgy... he took the stage carefully unprepared and shuffled things around while building a rapport with the audience. Once he started he showed himself to be a fine guitar player and singer, playing predominantly his own songs, though he did include a couple of covers including a superb reading of Tom Waits "I Hope I Dont Fall in Love with You"... and anyone who does a great cover of a Tom Waits songs is fine by me!

His own songs were excellent, with some potently political pieces in there!.

Nigel comes over slightly disorganised, but has a warmth and style on stage that complements his great songs and performance... He has a strong clear voice and the lyrics were always foremost in his delivery... I didnt know any of his songs, but the audience clearly did, almost word for word!!... He ended on a real highlight, and it seems a great favourite, (which rang a few bells with me though i dont know the name!) and had the audience singing virtually the whole song with him... very accomplished performance and a quality set, thoroughly enjoyed it

After Nigel came Chris Helme, of Seahorses fame... tonight accompanied by Simon on guitar and some backing vocals... i could almost copy my thoughts on Nigel and apply them to Chris... he has a great strong voice and sings well, playing acoustic guitar. Simon supported him playing some really terrific guitar parts which added another dimension tot he performance

The songs, for me, were outstanding and again his strong clear delivery kept the lyrics to the forefront.

A great stage persona, engaging easily with the audience from the outset, delivering another outstanding set.

To close the evening Nigel came back and he, Chris and Simon played a couple more songs... one of Nigels and the great John Prine's "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness"... a great ending to what had been really great evenings music.

Nigel and Chris were both very open and positive in the performances, no flash, just fine songs delivered superbly with real character... a real breath of fresh air and a terrific evenings entertainment.

I totally missed out on hearing these two, and their bands, before... this was my introduction to them.. but i need to listen to more of their back catalogues... i think i've missed out!!!

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