Nation's Favourites

23 Oct 1998
Written by Mark Taylor

Courtesy of N. Pullen

(Bath Pavilion)  THE Beautiful South certainly don't look like one of the biggest selling bands in Britain.

Last night, they strolled on to the stage at the Bath Pavilion looking like they had just walked in straight off the street, with their baggy jeans, baseball caps and anoraks.

Frontman Paul Heaton was even wearing shades, when he appeared clutching a pint and drawing on his first cigarette of the evening.

The Beautiful South, currently number one with their new album Quench, may look ordinary but that's part of their appeal - they're a band for the people, and they attract a wider audience than most.

Cuddling couples, children with their parents, men in suits and lads in football shirts made up the sold-out audience for the 80 minute set.

The band, extended to an 11-piece with the additional brass section, played old favourites such as Old Red Eyes Is Back, Rotterdam and You Keep It All In, but concentrated on tracks from the new album, including their latest single Perfect 10.

Paul Heaton, Dave Hemingway and Jacqueline Abbott shared the vocals, Heaton often leaving the stage when he was not required and returning with a fresh pint of lager.

A warm-up for their forthcoming stadium tour, this show proved why The Beautiful South are one of the nations favourite bands.