Some Fantastic Place: A Conversation with Glenn Tilbrook

Contributed

Erie Reader contributor corresponded with Glenn Tilbrook, the former frontman of the British New Wave band Squeeze ahead of his solo performance at the Warner Theatre, as he opens up for Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates.

There's no joking around when I say that two heavy hitting songwriters will be taking the stage at the Warner Theatre on Tuesday, Apr. 1. Headlining is Daryl Hall from the 1970s hit duo Hall & Oates, known for penning the songs "Kiss On My List," "Rich Girl," and "Maneater." Hall has been performing a mix of material from his solo career along with work from Hall & Oates on this tour. 

But, make sure you arrive early to catch a solo set from 1970s  British New Wave band Squeeze's frontman and guitarist Glenn Tilbrook, who formed Squeeze in 1974 with friend Chris Difford. The group had a string of hits including "Tempted," "Black Coffee In Bed," "Cool For Cats," "Pulling Mussels (From A Shell)," and "Hourglass." Ahead of his upcoming performance in Erie, I had a chance to correspond with Tilbrook via email about his upcoming solo shows, right after being on the road with Squeeze, and what it's like to play these songs after all these years.

Larry Wheaton (LW): The most recent solo shows you played were in 2023. How do you prepare to go from a full band to an acoustic solo set?

Glenn Tilbrook (GT): It has been a while since I played alone, and it does feel a little lonely particularly after having the band behind me. We've done a lot of shows together over the last year. But the freedom I have when performing solo shows is a joyous feeling and can allow for spur of the moment creativity.

LW:  When you play solo shows, how much material do you play from Squeeze and how much is from either your solo albums or with the Fluffers (Tilbrook's band when he performs without Squeeze)?

GT: The luxury for me on a solo show is that I can play a real mix of Squeeze and solo material, including The Fluffers. I also throw in some covers too, songs that I just really love. 

LW: You are performing right before Daryl Hall. Are you old friends with him? How did this opportunity come about?

GT: Squeeze supported Hall & Oates back in the Summer/Fall of 2021. I think we were one of the first bands allowed back into the States after COVID. Our last show before the pandemic was also supporting Hall & Oates at Madison Square Garden. Some show that was. I also filmed Live From Daryl's House, so those would be the main connections. Daryl and John are amazing songwriters, I'm excited to have the chance to perform with Daryl this year.

LW: How many shows will you be playing with Daryl Hall?

GT: Quite a few and sporadically. This run in March will be seven shows. In May there will be five shows in the UK. And then another seven in July, also in the U.S.

LW: You have co-written songs with Ron Sexsmith and Aimee Mann, after this tour could we see a Daryl Hall and Glenn Tilbrook song?

GT: I do enjoy co-writing with others as they can bring something different to the table, something that perhaps I wouldn't think of. We haven't spoken about anything like that just yet, but I would be open to the idea.

LW: I see you are doing a run of Squeeze shows (with Heart) before the short run with Daryl Hall. What's it like to still be playing those songs with Chris Difford and the band? Did you ever think people would still be showing up and singing along in 2025?

GT: Sadly, Chris Difford was unable to travel for these shows so that is already a little different for us. It's strange because more and more people are turning up. We celebrated 50 years together last year; it's all a bit bonkers to me.

LW: What's a Squeeze song that you most enjoy playing? And what's a Squeeze song that isn't on the setlist much these days that you would love to see come back?

GT: This can change by tour but currently we are performing a new old song called "Hell on Earth," that Chris and I wrote together 50 years ago. It's from a collection of songs called Trixie's, which would have been our first album, had we been signed sooner.

See Daryl Hall with Special Guest Glenn Tilbrook on Tuesday, April 12 at the Warner Theatre (811 State St.) at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and info visit: erieevents.com