Squeeze was one of the most
successful acts of the new wave era, racking up major hits in the US, UK, and elsewhere
with singles like “Tempted,” “Take Me I’m Yours,” “Pulling Mussels from the
Shell,” “Up the Junction,” and “Black Coffee in Bed.” The writer of
those classic songs, Glenn Tilbrook, will headline his first Kingston solo
concert at Assembly on July 12.
Squeeze was cofounded in 1974 by
Tilbrook, his fellow singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Difford, and
keyboardist Jools Holland. The group made their vinyl debut in 1977 on the punk
label Deptford Fun City with the Packet of Three EP, which was produced
by the Velvet Underground’s John Cale, who also produced Squeeze’s self-titled first
album, which was released on A&M Record in 1978. Squeeze’s immediate
followups, Cool for Cats (1979), Argybargy (1980), and East
Side Story (1981), were modern pop landmarks that made the band a top touring
draw.
The group split in 1983, with Tilbrook
and Difford forming a short-lived duo and reuniting Squeeze sporadically during
the ensuing decades. Since the group’s second breakup, in 1999, Tilbrook has pursued
a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as 2004’s Transatlantic Ping
Pong and doing solo acoustic tours and shows with his occasional backing
band, the Fluffers.
Glenn Tilbrook will perform at
Assembly in Kingston on July 12 at 7pm. His son Leon Tilbrook will open.
Tickets are $42 and $47.82.
This article appears in July 2025.
