Two-thousand miles can’t hold him down.
Paul Heaton may have peddled 2,281 miles to reach his adoring fans at The Tap, Sandown, last night, but his voice was as warm and enchanting as ever.
Mammoth journey
Paul is nearing the end of his 50/50 tour, incorporating 33 gigs and a 2,500 miles cycle in just 40 days. His sold-out appearance at the Tap was the 30th performance of the tour.
Paul’s epic journey began in Salford, Greater Manchester, then continued across Great Britain and Ireland.
His tour finishes at The Pelton Arms in Greenwich, London.
Bringing The Tap to life
Pulling out the crowd pleasers, Paul played old favourites from The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, including ‘Caravan of Love’, ‘Build’, ‘Happy Hour’ and ‘Blackbird on the Wire’. The crowd were spellbound, dancing and singing along.
A passion for pubs
Paul told the packed crowd that it was all about keeping the Great British Pub alive: “I’m doing this in aid of pubs, to keep them going, this pub too. If you’re a local, keep coming back, and if you’re not, come back here on holiday.”
Paul himself is the landlord of The King’s Arms in Salford.
His 50/50 tour combines his support for pubs and the celebration of his 50th birthday, as he cycles 50 miles for each year he has been on the planet while performing a string of intimate shows.
Especially for Sandown
Despite his tiredness, the crowd devoured Paul’s voice and his music.
The atmosphere was special and inviting in his presence. A gig to remember.
