Deacon Blue shine bright at Wembley with a show that’s part tribute, part triumph
- Alan Bryce
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
OVO Arena, Wembley – 3rd October 2025
WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
On a crisp October evening, the OVO Arena Wembley played host to a night of music that was as emotionally resonant as it was musically triumphant. Celebrating forty years since their formation, Deacon Blue brought their Great Western Road Trip tour to London, delivering a performance that was both a celebration of their storied past and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved bandmate.
Turin Brakes, the South London indie-folk stalwarts, opened the evening with a tight, atmospheric acoustic set drawn from their vast back catalogue. Songs like “Sea Change,” “Fishing for a Dream,” and the ever-popular “Pain Killer (Summer Rain)” showcased their melodic sensibilities and lyrical depth. Their warm, introspective sound proved the perfect prelude to Deacon Blue’s more expansive sonic palette — and they were warmly received by the crowd.
Turin Brakes Setlist:
Sea Change
Spacehopper
World Like That
Keep Me Around
Fishing for a Dream
Underdog (Save Me)
Pain Killer (Summer Rain)
Deacon Blue took the stage at 8:30 p.m. to a rapturous welcome from a packed arena. Opening with the anthemic “Turn Up Your Radio!”, they immediately set the tone for a night of high energy and deep emotion. The setlist was a masterclass in balancing the old with the new, featuring nine tracks from their latest album The Great Western Road, including “Up Hope,” “Bound to Love,” and the title track — all met with enthusiasm from fans eager to embrace the band’s evolving sound.
But it was the classics that truly ignited the crowd. “Fergus Sings the Blues,” “Queen of the New Year,” and “Real Gone Kid” had the audience on their feet, singing with the same fervour that made Deacon Blue a household name in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Ricky Ross’s vocals were as commanding as ever, while Lorraine McIntosh’s harmonies added a rich emotional layer that elevated every song.
Midway through the set, the band paused for a moment of reflection. As the opening chords of “How We Remember It” rang out, Ross dedicated the song to James “Jim” Prime — the band’s original keyboardist, who passed away in June after a short battle with cancer. The tribute was simple but deeply moving. “This one’s for Jim,” Ross said, his voice tinged with emotion. The song, already poignant in its lyrics, took on a new weight as it was played in Jim’s memory.
Prime’s influence was felt throughout the night — not just in the music, but in the spirit of the performance. His signature keyboard flourishes, now carried forward by Brian McAlpine, were a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the band’s sound. The audience responded with a long, heartfelt ovation, many visibly moved by the moment.
As the night drew to a close with the timeless “Dignity,” followed by “People Come First” and a tender cover of Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me in Your Heart,” it was clear that Deacon Blue’s music still resonates deeply.
The band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is a rare feat, and their London performance was a testament to their enduring relevance and emotional power. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of life, music, and memory. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it was a night to remember.
Setlist:
Turn Up Your Radio!
Up Hope
Bound to Love
Fergus Sings the Blues
Raintown
Mid Century Modern
That’s What We Can Do
Queen of the New Year
Wages Day
Cover From the Sky
How We Remember It (dedicated to James “Jim” Prime)
Chocolate Girl / Stone in Love with You
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again (Burt Bacharach cover)
Twist and Shout
Ashore
Your Town
Loaded
Underneath the Stars
When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring) / If Not for You (Bob Dylan cover)
The Great Western Road
The Hipsters
Real Gone Kid
Curve of the Line
Dignity
People Come First
Keep Me in Your Heart (Warren Zevon cover)
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