Adrian E C Petford (Review & Images)

This was always going to be special for me, as even though I've been a AAE fan since 1989, this was the first time I'd ever seen them live, but even saying that, the gig more than exceeded my already high expectations. I'm feeling on such an amazing high this morning - I still can't quite believe I've seen All About Eve live!

Having narrowly missed out on tickets for one of the last Eves gigs first time around, I'd always vowed that, if there was ever any prospect of them playing together again (even if it wasn't as AAE), I'd do anything to get there, but the November gigs and The Borderline just weren't feasible due to my lack of leave time at work (which was maddening), so when Coventry was announced it was like an absolute gift. I booked straight away and managed to get the fourth ticket, which gave me a terrific seat in the middle of the front row, which put me on the same level as the band and only a few feet away. The Studio at Warwick Arts Centre is small, only holding around 100 people, so this made the gig feel very cosy and intimate, which really lent itself well to an acoustic set.

Out came the band, and confessed to being "petrified" at the prospect of their first ever acoustic gig, but the audience reaction certainly seemed to ease their nerves! Overall, it was a very polished performance all round, definitely on a par with the album recordings in quality and yet refreshingly different at the same time. It must stand as one of the most amazing experiences of my life to have heard Julianne's wonderful voice live! There was a real feeling of enthusiasm coming from all the band, which was definitely infectious.

The set was varied, covering a wide cross-section of all the material and I was very pleased that all of the favourites were in there. Highlights for me were "Are You Lonely?", one of my personal top five AAE tracks, a slightly reinvented "Wishing the Hours Away" (Julianne's explanation for her different vocal was hilarous!) and it was also an unexpected surprise to have "Miss World" thrown in.

It was also very obvious how much fun the band were having playing together again. The whole atmosphere was friendly and there was a great rapport with the audience... the Eves certainly kept us entertained all night, and I don't just mean by the songs! Other highlights were Andy speaking (!), Julianne confessing that her vocals on UV were "rubbish", mention of "Top of the Pops" and the revelation that "Martha's Harbour" is a regular listeners' favourite on Radio 2!

The audience reaction all the way through the gig was phenomenal, and after the band went off, I thought the venue would shake to pieces from all the cheering and stamping of feet. Certainly I can hardly speak this morning, having shouted myself almost totally hoarse! Fortunately the band obliged us with a rousing double-encore.

If the Eves are, as has been said, taking it has it comes in terms of future projects, I'm sure that last night's gig must have reassured them how hugely popular they still are. Let's hope it is a good sign for a more permanent reunion or even some new recordings. Like most here, I'd love to see full electric shows, but the unplugged format lends itself really well to the material and, of course, can be done fairly cheaply. Even if we only got a few dates every year of this nature when the band members happen to be free, it would still be wonderful. Here's to more regular gigs!

I just wish I was able to go to the other dates on this mini-tour - to anyone who is, prepare yourself for a real treat!