Liverpool Summer Pops kick off

Jun 30 2008 By Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Westlife performing at the Liverpool Summer Pops _320

IRISH crooners Westlife wowed the adoring crowds last night at the launch of the 2008 Summer Pops.

The Gallic four-piece returned to the city to kick off the month-long festival, being held in the Echo Arena Liverpool for the first time instead of the distinctive stripy tent at the docks that used to be as much a part of the Pops experience as the music.

In the coming weeks, a plethora of internationally renowned acts will be performing live.

Tomorrow(TUES), Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall goes solo for a special showcase of his latest album, A Tribute to Bobby – dedicated to the songs of Bobby "Blue" Bland, which he was first introduced to by friends at the legendary Liverpool venue Eric’s.

The Bat Out of Hell himself, Meat Loaf comes to the city for some real rock ‘n’ roll on Wednesday night, back on stage after retiring in a fit of tired and emotional pique last year.

On Thursday, the Sugababes and support act Bjorn Again will sweeten up the arena with a homecoming show for Aintree ‘Babe’ Heidi Range.

The ever-popular Australian Pink Floyd play two dates at the Pops this year, one at the beginning and one at the end. Catch them this Friday night, or later on July 26.

It’s a big weekend for music in the city next weekend, as ‘80s favourites Duran Duran take to the stage for a hotly-anticipated Liverpool date on Saturday, and Gracelands legend Paul Simon follows on Sunday.

In to next week, Californian favourites Counting Crows fly in for a Pops debut on Tuesday, July 8, and Aussie superstars Crowded House return on Wednesday, July 9.

Thursday, July 10 marks Beatles Day – Imagine, the Concert, on Liverpool’s first ever Beatles Day, where the call is out for the people of Liverpool to show their love for the Fab Four and raise money for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal and Liverpool Unites. Host Ricky Tomlinson will be joined by artists young and old banging out their favourite Beatles songs.

Pops regulars Deacon Blue play on Friday, July 11, and the legendary Diana Ross will bring a touch of unrivalled glamour to the festival on Saturday, July 12.

On July 14, Bill Wyman and John Martyn will take to the stage, followed by the twin assault of ‘80s rockers Def Leppard and Whitesnake on Tuesday, July 15.

The Farm and special guests, roll on, on Friday, July 18, Michaels Ball and Buble entertain on the weekend of July 19 and 20 respectively, and the impressive line up of Blondie and the Stranglers can be caught on July 22, followed by the Rat Pack Live From Vegas show on Thursday July 24.

Finally, no Summer Pops is complete without a visit from Jools Holland on Friday, July 25.

FOR a review of Westlife’s concert, log on to our website at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk