UNFAIRLY The Proclaimers are often dismissed as a two-trick pony, albeit a catchy one with I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) and I'm On My Way.
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Anybody who turned out for the Scottish brothers' first Newcastle show on Tuesday night at the Civic Theatre undoubtedly left convinced Craig and Charlie Reid possess an extensive folk-rock catalogue and the ability to perform it with passion.
Since the release of their breakthrough second album Sunshine On Leith in 1988, The Proclaimers have commanded a strong Australian fan base. However, among their fellow Scots, they're an institution and often described as Edinburgh's answer to Paul Kelly.
There was a strong Scottish flavour in the air at the Civic Theatre. One man wore a tartan knit while others donned Scottish rugby shirts.
The Reid brothers were always the most unlikely rock stars. In their late '80s prime they looked like two Buddy Holly-lookalikes and today they rock the style of middle-aged office clerks.
But boy, can they sing. There was little in stage presence or movement with the brothers relying on the intensity of their rich Scottish voices to drive the show.
Craig simply stood and carried the main vocal, leaving Charlie to furiously strum his acoustic guitar and provide harmonies. Their accompanying four-piece band simply fell in behind and offered only the odd flourish.
The mostly baby boomer audience remained seated and rather sedate during the first hour of the 90-minute 23-song performance. The do-wop flavoured Let's Get Married was an early highlight performed with real passion and threatened to shake the audience to life.
However, The Proclaimers had designed a set list to climax at the right moment. The bluesy piano riff of I'm On My Way instantly sparked the crowd, and from there they remained ignited.
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) propelled the audience to their feet as they belted out the classic hook of "da da da" back to a visibly-appreciative Reid brothers.
The energy continued in the encore with the Scottish independence anthem Cap In Hand with the classic lyric of, "I can't understand why you let someone else rule your land/You're cap in hand," through to the closing The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues.