Christopher Cross Rolls Back The Years

Christopher Cross certainly made an impression after he arrived on the pop scene, winning new fewer than five Grammy awards for his 1979 self-titled debut album.

A year later he followed this success up by releasing Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do), which remains a radio favourite, and in 1982 his second album brought him more success, albeit not on the scale of his first LP.

Since then he has continued to release albums, but the rewards, at least in commercial terms, have been far more modest. But, fortunately, Cross still has an audience, and one that was large enough to almost fill the Cambridge Corn Exchange for his recent performance.

Just a few years ago Cross, now 75, was confined to a wheelchair after a Covid-19 infection triggered a neurological disorder, so it was remarkable that he walked onto stage with barely the slightest hesitation.

Supported by three backing singers, Cross worked through most of his hits plus a number of, as he described them, deep cuts.

His distinctive tenor was in fine form, as were the female backing singers, while the piano and the multiple saxophone solos were highlights.

Cross was a chatty host, praising the “cultured” European audience and making clear his disdain for the Donald Trump, the president of his home country. He said he once turned down the chance to play at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club and mused that Trump might one day “choke on his McDonalds”.

The music veered between soft rock (or yacht rock as it is sometimes described) and easy listening, which is not meant as an insult (Barry Manilow has done fine covers of at least a couple of Cross’s songs).

Arthur’s Theme, with its beautiful piano intro, was a high point, while the tempo moved up a gear near the end of the set with Ride Like the Wind.

Cross and his band gathered to bow to the audience for what looked like the concert’s end, only for Cross and his pianist to remain on stage for a stripped back version of Think of Laura that showcased Cross’s continued vocal strength.

Well over four decades on from his debut record, Cross still has much to offer, as evidenced by this well-received show.

Christopher Cross was supported by Chris Difford from the band Squeeze. In a stripped-back show Difford performed a selection of Squeeze hits, among them Up the Junction and the superb Tempted.

It was interesting to listen to the 71-year-old sing tracks that were originally recorded with another band member as the vocalist. In between there were plenty of light-hearted stories from Difford about his time in the music business, although some of his comments, especially the multiple references to male genitalia, were in poor taste.