The Official Chris Difford Website

Trumpets in Paradise

Below are just some of the reviews from fans about the tour and the book, i feel so proud and i print these not to blow any of my own trumpets, and i have a few, but to display that after all the hard work and worry its all worth it if you work it.

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Chris,
I was at Brighton last Thursday on your side of the stage 2 rows back, light blue shirt, my son was due to come with me but was ill so I came on my own.
I just wanted to say what a great night, it made me feel so happy and proud to be a Chris Difford, Glenn Tilbrook and squeeze fan, you make people feel so happy with your fantastic lyrics and music. I know from reading your blogs that it’s not easy for you any more travelling on long tours, being away from Mrs D, but I hope you feel the love on stage from the crowd.
After the show I waited for the live CD with a lot of other people all saying how great you all are. I must of seen you over 100 times over the years, every show is special, I cant wait for the next Squeeze show.
Keep going Chris, you’ve got a lot of fans who think the world of you and Glenn.
Best Wishes,
Gary (along the road in Hastings)

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Thank you Chris for an extraordinary song, A&E. My wife and I live in New Hampshire US, and our most wonderful 27 year old son Nick, suffers with mental illness, having been hospitalized on two occasions as recently as 2 years ago. He is doing so well now, having actively associated himself with a wonderful and of course underfunded local peer support organization, HEARTs. He works very hard every day to help others, and this has created a self fulling prophecy of his improving his own self esteem, worth and improvement. We are fortunate that Nick has both the intellect and the compassion to understand, and move forward while be able and desiring to help others. He makes me so proud, it is indescribable.

The lack of understanding and funding and the stigma towards mental illness in our society is deplorable. We lived for 3 years in UK when our children were young. We love England as our second country, and plan to take both our sons back for Christmas this year. God Bless Us Everyone.

I pray that both our countries will one day awake to a sense of compassion and tolerance for all, stop their hypocritical Christian ethics speak, and really help. I’m no politician…Something worth fighting for.

Just hearing your lyrics to A&E brought some tears to my eyes. There is so much more to do.

My wife and I will be at your Boston show in November. I’ve been a fan since your early days at the Orpheum Theatre so many times. Great music. Great Band.

Thank you again.

Paul

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Hi Chris,
Thank you for the wonderful music that you have given us over the years. Your music hooked me at the age of 14 and has been a big part of my life. Your music is a lasting bond between me and my brother, who passed away suddenly 4 years ago this week. Whenever I’m at a Squeeze concert I can feel him there with me. Thank you for still writing the best songs and touring with Squeeze. I will be seeing you twice on the American tour and I’m grateful for that. Please know that the fans love you and appreciate everything you do!

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Hi Chris,
just wanted to say the Durham show was the best live show I have ever seen. I think the band is better now than it ever has been. My wife (Julie Joyce) contacted you via email back in the late 90’s to inquire about any possible tour dates in our area back then and you were gracious enough to respond to her. She will never forget that kindness. Your writing has really meant the world to us over the course of our 23 year marriage and seeing you live finally was sublime. Thank you so much.

Jay

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Thank you for a great show in Philadelphia last Friday night. You and Glenn (and the rest of the band) sounded great! The new songs are awesome – it’s great that you dropped some Knowledge and Cradle on us to go with the stuff we’ve loved for 30+ years. I hope the responses you get from audiences make up for the troubles of touring and being away from home and family. Visiting the shit United States under Trump can’t be easy – its like all the color has drained from the country…

Be well, sir! Your work has and will stand the test of time! You’ve given so much pleasure to so many people!

John

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Hi Chris,

Awesome show at the Beacon a few weeks ago! The visuals were very cool, and the new album is fabulous. I have been a Squeeze fan since I was a teenager in the 80s. I enjoy seeing you, Glenn, & Co. whenever you all come to the US. Thank you for the words and music!

Cheers,

Lisa

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Chris,

I look forward to reading yor blog posts from across the pond. Recently finished the book – a more honest account you couldn’t find elsewhere. You may not be Bruce or Pat but you, your honesty and beautiful words mean a lot to people like me who enjoy your music which has touched their lives through the good and the bad times. The new album is a glorious grower and I listen to it during my commute. ‘Rough Ride’ and A&E’ are fine songs that you’ve added to your cannon. No, yer not Bruce or Pat but a national institution. And at least you aren’t Jess the Cat. Keep up the good work!

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Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your autobiography. Prompted to get it after listening to the Word Podcast. A refreshingly moving and honest account of the highs and lows of your life. My mother was in Galsworthy House about 30 years ago and after the second time has remained sober and still goes as she calls it “up there” though the meeting is now in Roehampton. So your struggles resonated with me.
Having a bit a Squeeze session, also saw you on the first night in Birmingham, great show. Nine Below Zero I first saw NY Eve Marquee Club I think 1981. So good to see Mr Greaves again too.
All the best with the rest of the tour, and the rest of the things going on in your life.
Best wishes,
Mark

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Morning,
Just want to say thank you for such a fantastic book. Certain chapters had me wiping away tears at Victoria Coach station. I really couldnt put it down.
I am absolutely amazed by your strength and some of your words have registered something in me that I need to address. Hopefully one day I too can have that strength you have Mr D!
Also Happy birthday for today I hope you have a fantastic day!
I have never written to anyone famous before I just felt that today I should to say Thanks!
All the best
Kevin

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Just reading your book.
Two things. Your personal and deeply moving words about the passing of Maxine reminded me how oral cancer painfully took my mother a few years ago. It is still hard to process.
Secondly, as someone who hasn’t had alcohol for 13 years, you sum the situation up so beautifully on page 176…”Being sober isn’t easy when the world around you mostly drinks.” So true.
I hope you get passed this message Chris, the message that your book is inspiring and heartbreakng in equal measure.
Thank you.

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Hi. Just finished reading ‘Some Fantastic Place’ which I enjoyed very much for its honesty and detail. I’ve always enjoyed your and Glenn’s work, but this has prompted me to fill in the gaps in my collection and listen to everything afresh. Knowing the background to the writing and recording of songs enhances the experience. I do hope life in future remains interesting, challenging, but less turbulent for you. The twisting journey you have both taken has led you to create ‘Innocence in Paradise,’ which I consider to be one of your best ever songs. Probably one of the best songs of its type I have ever heard. I’m so glad you both persevered. I’ve seen you both in solo concert ((you in an intimate venue in Fife),, but never yet seen Squeeze. I hope you visit Scotland again in the years ahead. I also hope hope your current work receives the critical and commercial success it deserves. Thanks for everything.

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Hi Chris
Just finished reading Some Fantastic Place; excellent read, thank you for sharing your journey. Your experiences through addiction and recovery mirror my own and you impart a feeling of joy and optimism at the end.
I am very fortunate to be living the 12th Step through my own work in forensic mental health these days.

As to the music, you and Glenn have formed part of the soundtrack to my life and it’s been great to see you and Squeeze back on top form recently – we saw you at Cardiff twice in last couple of years.
You are my Very English version of Neil Finn/Crowded House in terms of wonderful melodies, fine lyrics and sheer longevity
Hey now, hey now, don’t dream it’s over

Work it – you’re worth it

Regards

Geoff

And there are many more, but its time to stuff the Turkey and make plans for the new year, there who knows what awaits us.

all love Cd