10cc 'Ultimate Ultimate Greatest Hits' Tour

10cc:

Fewer bands made more of an impact on the 1970's music scene than 10cc, and some 50 years later, the touring band are still as strong as ever. This was proven in full force this past Monday as the art-rock icons took over Cambridge Corn Exchange. This modern iteration of 10cc still has routes spreading right back to the band's formation. Founding member Graham Gouldman, who wrote and sung so many of these great songs whilst playing bass fronts the band. He is joined by two more longstanding members Rick Fenn (Lead Guitar & Vocals) and Paul Burgess (Drums & Percussion), both of whom have routes in 10cc going back to the mid 70's. This line-up is completed by the keys and guitarwork of Keith Hayman, who rejoined the band in 2016, and this year's addition Andy Park. Despite being the newest member Park slotted right into the quintet, bringing a palpable on-stage chemistry, and musicality beyond belief. Park played electric, acoustic and bass guitar, the mandolin, as well as percussion. At some points even playing two instruments at once! Andy Park led vocals on a number of songs too, giving stellar performances throughout, but it was the vocal work of Gouldman that really reinforced the decades of musical genius that had shaped this performance.

The night's setlist featured all of the 10cc hits you would come to expect, some of which were reimagined to create extremely poignant moments. One such song was the classic 'Somewhere in Hollywood', which the band played alongside a projected video of Kevin Godley singing. We were also treated to a solo working from Graham Gouldman, showcasing the emotional track 'Floating in Heaven' from his own album 'Have Notes'. This song, much like many others on the night, was preceded by amusing stories of its creation. It was these moments of recollection that highlighted just how tight nit this group of musicians are, and how after all these years the songs still mean as much to them as they do the adoring audience listening.
 

This performance proved 10cc's music is just as essential in 2024 as it was in their formative years. This new line-up breathes life into the songs, but the heart within them is immortal.