Welcome to North Coast Music Beat!
You'll find enticing reviews, unique interviews, amazing photos and an eye on new artists!

September 2, 2026

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This has been the summer for some great '80s package tours to hit the North Coast.  Earlier in June saw The Human League, Alison Moyet and Soft Cell play Northfield Park.  A few weeks ago Howard Jones, Wang Chung, English Beat and Modern English played Jacobs Pavilion and last night saw Squeeze, Adam Ant and Haircut 100 grace the same stage.

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Squeeze, led by Glenn Tillbrook and Chris Difford hit the stage in stylish suits, which had to be hot on a sweltering, humid night on the Cuyahoga River.  

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The show consisted of three sets, the first included a few hits like "Pulling Muscles (From A Shell)," "Is That Love" and "Another Nail In My Heart."  The band sounded fantastic and Tillbrook's voice was pretty much spot on. 

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The second set was the entire Trixies album which the band released in March.  I get why bands want to support their new album and playing a handful of songs from that in concert is totally fine.  However, to play the entire album of unfamiliar songs to the audience seems like a lot to ask.

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The third set got things back on track where the band played most of their greatest hits.  "Hourglass," "Black Coffee In Bed," "Tempted" and "Take Me I'm Yours" closed out the show.

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Adam Ant was the second act on stage.  Photographers were told as we entered the venue that he was not allowing photos for his set.   Maybe he didn't want anyone to talk about how flat and uninspired his performance was.

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Haircut 100 opened up the show with a very fun and spirited set.  They performed three songs from their latest album, Boxing the Compass as well as three songs from their first album which included "Fantastic Day," "Love Plus One" and "Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)."

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan

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