In Concert: The Sensational 60s Experience 2014, St David's Hall, Cardiff

The Ivy League

The Sensational 60s Experience returned to St David's Hall on November 25, 2014 featuring The Ivy League, The Union Gap UK, Dave Berry, The Swinging Blue Jeans, Herman's Hermits and compere Alan Mosca of The Dreamers performing some of the 1960s greatest hits.

Getting the show off to thumping start were The Ivy League performing Not Fade Away and The Last Time on individual drum kits as well as classic hits Funny How Love Can Be and Tossin and Turnin. Guitarist Mike Brice (a former member of 60s instrumental group The Eagles) also treat the audience to a version of The Shadows'  Wonderful Land during the set on his synthesizer guitar.

1960s revivalists Union Gap UK followed, delivering a cracking set featuring vocalist Tom Harding recreating the original Union Gap hits Lady Willpower and Young Girl, while guitarist Simon Paul hit the high notes on The Four Season's Sherry.

Pictured with Dave Berry

Union Gap UK remained on stage as 60s legend Dave Berry stepped into the spotlight to perform his hits Memphis Tennessee, Little Things and The Crying Game. Dave also sang The Yardbirds’ Heartful of Soul, a composition offered to him by composer Graham Gouldman back in 1965. Judging by Dave’s performance of it, it was clearly a song he should have recorded because it gained a great response from the audience.

The current incarnation of The Swinging Blue Jeans began the second half with a great selection of Mersey beat hits including The Hippy Hippy Shake, You're No Good and the Joe Brown hit A Picture Of You, composed and sung by band member (and former member of Joe Brown's Bruvvers) Peter Oakman.

Pictured with Herman's Hermits
featuring Barry Whitwam

Finally, Herman's Hermits featuring original drummer Barry Whitwam took to the stage with a pick of million sellers including My Sentimental Friend, No Milk Today and There's a Kind of Hush.

The Sensational 60s Experience certainly does what it says on the label, allowing fans an opportunity to experience the best in 60s music live and even an opportunity to meet some of their music heroes for an autograph at the end of the night. Sensational indeed!

• A version of this review appeared in The South Wales Argus Entertainment Supplement The Guide on November 28, 2014.
• For more information on The Sensational 60s Experience tour visit Stageright Promotions website