10cc review – 70s legends reprise a dazzling string of pop classics

York BarbicanFifty years since the band fractured with the departure of Godley and Creme, songs from Donna to I’m Not in Love are in prime condition on what is billed as ‘another bloody greatest hits tour’10cc made some of the most innovative pop of the 1970s: melodic constructions combining glam rock, art rock, rock’n’roll and doo-wop with surreal Monty Pythonesque lyrics. Life was described as a “minestrone”, death “a cold lasagne, served up with parmesan cheese”. Sadly, their golden run suffered a jolt when Kevin Godley and Lol Creme left in 1976 to become a highly successful duo, with co-founder Eric Stewart heading for the exit almost two decades later.Today, only bassist/singer Graham Gouldman, 79, remains from the original quartet – 2.5cc, if you will. However, with 70s-era live guitarist Rick Fenn still in the band and young drummer Ben Stone bringing a new energy, the current incarnation make a fine tribute. Singer Iain Hornal proves a match for Stewart’s formidable falsetto, and shares 10cc humour. He points out that 10cc wrote Old Wild Men when “you couldn’t imagine a group of guys touring the world in their 60s and 70s”. Titters abound, although in this context, the song itself is oddly moving. Continue reading...