There is a pervasive trend in the live music scene of celebrating the past, with bands frequently dedicating tours to the 20th or 30th anniversaries of landmark albums. It makes for a refreshing change, then, that Shrewsbury’s T’Pau—despite being in operation for four decades—have opted to focus entirely on the present. Their current UK tour is firmly rooted in the support of their recently released album, Be Wonderful, their first studio effort in 11 years and a significant milestone as it marks the debut of the reunited core duo of original members, vocalist Carol Decker and guitarist Ronnie Rogers.
The atmosphere at Hangar 34 in Liverpool was one of anticipation, bolstered by a summery evening that seemed to energize the crowd. While the initial welcome for the band as they took the stage was somewhat muted, the audience quickly warmed up as the set progressed. The band opened with ‘Read My Lips,’ one of six new tracks featured throughout the evening, signaling their commitment to their new creative chapter.
During the performance, Carol Decker shared a moment of levity regarding the stage conditions, noting the powerful fan blowing her hair about—a classic rock-and-roll hazard. The evening held a personal resonance for Decker, who revealed she was born in Liverpool and lived there until the age of seven, even offering a shout-out to her birthplace hospital.
The setlist masterfully balanced the new with the nostalgic. The 1987 classic ‘Valentine’ served as an early highlight, providing the first major singalong moment and demonstrating that Decker’s vocal power remains as formidable as ever. This was followed by the infectious energy of ‘Secret Garden.’ The Be Wonderful material integrated seamlessly, with the boisterous title track and the more restrained, country-tinged ‘Casual Remark’ standing out as particular highlights.
Decker introduced ‘Say You Will’ with a self-deprecating nod to their fourth album, Rage, joking that it was a record that “not one of you bought.” It was a charming moment that underscored the band’s longevity and the enduring quality of their catalog. The current six-piece lineup appeared to be in high spirits, with the drummer in particular providing a driving, infectious energy that propelled the set forward.
As the show reached its climax, the band leaned into their biggest hits. The slightly dated but still punchy ‘Sex Talk’ paved the way for the breakthrough debut single ‘Heart And Soul.’ The latter, with its signature blend of chanting rap and rock, sounded as timeless as ever. The main set concluded with a thundering rendition of the title track from their chart-topping debut, Bridge Of Spies.
The encore provided a novel touch; rather than leaving the stage, the band simply turned their backs until the crowd’s applause reached a sufficient volume. The inevitable finale was the iconic ‘China In Your Hand,’ performed with immaculate precision by both the band and the audience. Decker concluded the night with the exciting news that the band will return next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bridge Of Spies. If this performance is any indication, it will be a highlight of the 2027 gig calendar.