Will Young

Will Young

Will Young’s “Let it Go” tour kicked off last night at Newcastle’s City Hall and FemaleFirst popped in to see how it went.

In the grand tradition of gigs a support act has to be sat through before you get to what you came for. Luckily for Will fans his support act comes in the form of Honey Ryder.

Named after the bond girl in the 1962 film Dr No, the band embody everything that is right with acoustic music. The duo, consist of singer Lindz, who is sporting vocals any soul diva would be proud to own and Martyn of guitar, who with his curly hair , leather jacket combo and laid back attitude looks suspiciously like Slash’s milder mannered younger brother.

Their short set is packed to the brim with acoustic goodies including a cover version of Dr Hook’s 1980 hit “Years from Now.” Although it may not have been up to the standards set by Locorriere and Co. it was still a beautiful version of the song.

Their latest single, “Fly Away,” which is to be released December 1st, is the band’s best offering and is likely to do well, especially as the proceeds from digital downloads* of the song are going to Children in Need.

After an interval and a quick trip to the bar (well what else in an interval for) the lights go down once again and the main man himself hits the stage. Bouncing on the stage, rocking skinny jeans and a blue and white checked T-Shirt, he launched into, “You’re Very Kind.”

The set may have be simplistic, just Will and his band, no costume changes, no themes, no dancers; but if anything this heightened the performance rather than hinder it. The songs and Will’s genius comedic stylings were the focus of everyone’s attention and both were good enough to impress.

The song choices in the show were a mix of tracks from his new album, “Let it Go,” and a lot of older tracks, especially tracks from his hit album, “Friday’s Child.” The mixture had enough to keep everyone interested and offer those who hadn’t yet purchased the new album a taste of what they can expect.

Highlights of the show were latest single, “Grace” which sounds at its best live with the vocals of Will’s fantastic backing singers. “Friday’s Child,” is another treat which sees Young playing his new drum simulator machine along with the track.

His ability as a show man shines through as he regales the audience with tales of the picture of a parrot he has brought on tour with him, the Angel of North’s appearance on the Antiques Roadshow and finding a Michael Ball coaster on stage. All of which shouldn’t be humorous or at all interesting but had the audience not only roaring with laughter but also going, “awh could he be any more adorable?”

The soon to be legendary, “Merchandise Song,” sees his band launches into a jaunty tune as Will sings about the various items on sale in the foyer, including the usual T-Shirts and CDs and well as the Will Young tea cup. He also jokes that on his next tour the merchandise will include an ironing board with himself on where the clothes fall off.

After a fake exit, Will and his band return for a few more songs, ending with, undoubtedly his greatest song, “Leave Right Now.” By this point the entire audience, from 15 years old, to fans in their 60s were up on their feet, singing their approval.

During the performance the pop star asks, “Why do you come see me? I’m such a loser,” and it is clear to everyone that his audience aren’t in agreement on this one. Back in 2005 when album “Keep On” failed to reach the high sales of its predecessor, “Friday’s Child” music critics everywhere predicted the end for the original Pop Idol. Tonight proved them wrong in the most spectacular fashion.

To echo his own words, “This is only the first night but it feels like the best tour I’ve ever done.” Indeed it is William, and for those heading to dates on the rest of the tour he certainly won’t disappoint.

FemaleFirst - Kate Teasdale