THE likeable lads came and conquered New Brighton.

The Blue Lounge is a superb venue and the main men of Squeeze clearly loved every minute of this date - the last in their tour.

I spoke to Glenn before the gig and he was in fine form, making his excuses to go off and see the support act - the very talented Tom McConnell.

We shall be hearing a lot more from this promising young musician.

Chris and Glenn are a class act. They have been important in my life and - judging by the warm and enthusiastic wide-aged group audience - theirs' too.

It was a fab journey of greatest hits from their Squeeze days while also deftly dipping into their solo careers.

Wrecked by Chris and Cold Shoulder from Glenn are two brilliant examples of their diversity.

The patter was left to Chris with some very funny anecdotes, notably from his drug-taking days when he thought Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells was a classic.

When he came off the drugs and booze, he saw the album in a different light - he hated it and its follow up.

Dour Difford in fine firm.

A warning from Mr D on what substances can do to you.

The hits came thick and fast with plenty of audience participation - Annie Get Your Gun, Labelled With Love, Tempted, Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Take Me I'm Yours, Black Coffee In Bed and Is This Love?

That is the pedigree of work they can count on.

Musicians for all seasons who love what they do and create a stunning intimacy wherever they play.

It was a cracking concert from start to encores.

Both Squeeze men held thumbs aloft and even hugged each other.

Come back soon lads - you give value for money when it comes to musical memories performed with style,fantastic humour and sheer professionalism.

9/10 Sparkling