Squeeze – Live Review – The Piece Hall, Halifax

By Christine Goode, August 2025

It had been over a year since I last set foot in the stunning Piece Hall, a venue that has now rightfully earned a reputation as one of the country’s most iconic open-air music destinations. With its historic architecture, buzzing atmosphere, and ever-growing roster of A-list acts from across the music world, it’s become a true jewel of the live music circuit.

This warm summer evening promised another special night, as I headed down with my toughest critic—my husband—to see one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring bands: Squeeze.

The evening kicks off with special guest and indie favourite Badly Drawn Boy, who performed a heartfelt, nostalgic set including tracks from his Mercury Prize-winning album The Hour of Bewilderbeast as well as firm favourites including music from the hit film About A Boy.

“Creative masterminds”

As the sun began to set, the crowd and the atmosphere swelled. A mix of lifelong fans and newcomers filled the square and lined the balconies, ready to celebrate half a century of Squeeze’s music. When Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford, the band’s founding members and creative masterminds, finally took to the stage alongside Simon Hanson, Stephen Large, Steve Smith, Melvin Duffy, Sean Hurley, Owen Biddle, and the wonderfully talented singer Danica Dora, the roar of the crowd was electric.

Without hesitation, they launched into ‘Now She’s Gone’, instantly transforming the venue into a dance floor. What followed was a relentless, high-energy performance that barely paused for breath. Unlike some concerts that lose momentum with too much small talk, Squeeze knew exactly what their audience came for—a hit-packed celebration of music spanning five decades.

“Strong and distinctive”

Every song felt like a shared anthem, with the crowd singing in unison to classics such as ‘Footprints,’ ‘Is That Love?’ and ‘Up the Junction’.

Each track was delivered with the same sharpness and melodic brilliance that made Squeeze a household name, yet with the freshness and energy of a band still very much in their prime. We also enjoyed ‘Cool for Cats’, ‘Cradle to the Grave’, ‘Labelled with Love’, ‘Tempted’ and ‘Take Me I’m Yours.’

Tilbrook’s voice was as strong and distinctive as ever, soaring effortlessly through the choruses, while Difford’s understated presence and unique vocal tone provided the perfect counterbalance. I loved the synergy between the two; a partnership honed over fifty years of collaboration. The rest of the band added rich layers of sound, with standout moments from the keyboards, tight percussion, and sublime harmonies from Dora, who brought a new dimension to some of the older tracks.

“A celebration”

One of the evening’s memorable moments was a brand-new song from their upcoming album. Even after fifty years, Squeeze are not resting on their laurels. The track was fresh, catchy, and hinted at yet another chapter of creativity from this legendary group.

I have to admit, in my younger days, my tastes leaned more toward pop than classic British rock. But as time has passed, my appreciation for bands like Squeeze has grown tenfold. Watching them live at The Piece Hall made me realise just how much I’d missed out on by not seeing them sooner. By the end of the night, even my husband, usually quick to critique, was on his feet singing and dancing along. That says it all.

This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of 50 years of music that has soundtracked countless lives. Squeeze delivered a masterclass in performance, proving that their music is as relevant and joyous now as it was in 1974.

Images: Cuffe & Taylor and The Piece Hall