Archie Bell – Hideaway Streatham 28/06/2019

Fifty – three years after forming the Drells, Archie Bell showed that he still has the ability to thrill an audience.
This is the first time that either my wife or I have seen Archie perform. He was supported by a four piece band (guitar, bass, keyboard and drums) and the UK Drells (three backing singers).
The Drells sang three songs to warm up the audience featuring songs made famous by Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Earth, Wind and Fire. Archie then took the stage opening with ‘Let’s Groove ‘. Archive’s voice may not be quite as strong as it was fifty years ago but he still has stage presence and knows how to work an audience. ‘I Bet You Can’, ‘There’s Gonna Be A Showdown’, Hard Not To Call You’ and ‘ ‘Tighten Up’ followed before the break.
The second set started with three more songs from The UK Drells before Archie returned with ‘Soul City Walk’. Archie was keen to show his dance moves to the delight of the audience. ‘Don’t Let Your Love Get You Down’, ‘Where Would You Go’ and ‘Strategy’ followed before Archie closed with ‘Tighten Up’. He returned for an encore before leaving the cheering audience.
This maybe Archie’s farewell tour, but he vowed to return to London suggesting that there is more to come from Archie.