Squeeze will bring a half-century of history to The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park on Wednesday, Aug. 19, headlining a triple bill with Adam Ant and Haircut One Hundred that starts at 6 p.m.

Tilbrook Says Squeeze Is 'Selling More Tickets Than We Have Done for a Long While'

The show arrives as the British band rides a wave of renewed energy. Lead singer Glenn Tilbrook told St. Pete Catalyst in a Zoom interview published Aug. 12 that Squeeze is "selling more tickets than we have done for a long while" and called the current lineup "the best it's ever been."

"I can only say, hand on my heart, I feel it in my bones that we are great, and the reaction we're getting now tells me I'm right," Tilbrook said. "I can listen back to us playing and think 'That's really good. We're really nailing it now.' In a way that I don't think we ever did."

New Album 'Trixies' Revives Songs Written as Teenagers in 1974

Much of that confidence traces to "Trixies," the band's first album in eight years, released in March via BMG. The record consists of songs Tilbrook and co-writer Chris Difford penned as teenagers around 1974, set in a fictional London nightclub they invented. Mojo magazine called it what "might be the best work of their career."

Tapes Sat Buried for Decades Before Band Felt Ready

The songs sat buried for more than 50 years. In an Aug. 7 interview with Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, Tilbrook explained that by the time Squeeze landed a record deal in 1977, the "Trixies" material felt out of step with the punk and new wave scene the band had embraced. The songs weren't forgotten, he said, but they were buried until the band finally felt the time was right.

Tilbrook said the original 1974 tapes were rough because the band had no gigs, no experience and couldn't hold a tempo. But the songs themselves were strong enough to survive the decades. He told Creative Loafing the Clearwater setlist will mix "Trixies" material with Squeeze classics like "Cool for Cats," "Hourglass" and "Tempted," noting the full album went over well on recent European dates.

Tilbrook, Difford Remain Squeeze's Only Original Members

Tilbrook and Difford remain the only original members of Squeeze, having survived multiple breakups. Tilbrook described their personal relationship as "done" but their professional partnership as "great," telling St. Pete Catalyst they "leave whatever baggage we have at the door when we play."

Squeeze last played The BayCare Sound with Boy George opening.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets start at $39.50, with a limited number of Elevated Sound Upgrades available. Purchase at the Raymond James Central Ticket Office at Ruth Eckerd Hall, by calling 727-791-7400, online at RuthEckerdHall.com or at the city's event page. The BayCare Sound ticket window opens two hours before showtime. The venue is at 301 Drew St. in downtown Clearwater.

Coming Up at The BayCare Sound

  • Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.
  • John Fogerty with Steve Winwood — Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
  • Reggae Sound Splash Fest (The Wailers, Third World, Inner Circle, Ska-Talites) — Sunday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m.