No heckles over Hillborough furore

Alan Davies faced no hostility when he played his first gig in Liverpool since making controversial comments about Hillsborough.

BBC News reports that the comic got a ‘warm reception’ at the Empire, despite having received death threats for attacking Liverpool FC's decision not to play on the anniversary of the 1989 tragedy which claimed the lives of 96 of their fans.

He open the show by joking that he wanted the house lights on ‘in case there were any riflemen’.

The QI star told the audience that he had considered calling the show off, and although the 2,350-seat venue was far from sold out, he said: It's been an ambition of mine to play here and I've just about scraped enough people together to make it worthwhile

‘I can't thank you enough. It's much appreciated. I mean that.’

Davies was heavily criticised after slamming Liverpool’s tradition of not playing matches on the anniversary of the disaster. He later apologies for taking the ‘wrong tone’ on the podcast and offered £1,000 donation to campaigners by way of apology – but was turned down.

Davies offered a further apology when he appeared on BBC Breakfast last week, which was welcomed as ‘genuine’ by Walton MP Steve Rotheram – who nonetheless said the timing ahead of the Liverpool gig was ‘suspicious’.

Other than a couple of light-hearted references to the furore, Davies delivered his usual stand-up show last night, as part of his first tour in 12 years.

Writing on Twitter, BBC entertainment reporter Ian Youngs said: ‘Alan Davies got off lightly in Liverpool - no hecklers or nothing.... no tension at all.’

Few audience members took to Twitter to comment on the show, but Christian Tenby tweeted: ‘Alan Davies brilliant show.’ and Katie Reidy_ added: ‘Really glad I went to see Alan Davies.’

However, he did get a lot of Twitter abuse for appearing on Big Fat Quiz of the 90s on Channel 4 last night.

Two weeks ago, it was officially confirmed that South Yorkshire Police changed officers' statements after the Hillsborough tragedy to cover up what really happened.

Published: 24 Sep 2012