Will Youngâs âLet it Goâ tour kicked off last night at Newcastleâs 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 Slashâs milder mannered younger brother.
Their short set is packed to the brim with acoustic goodies including a cover version of Dr Hookâs 1980 hit âYears from Now.â 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, âFly Away,â which is to be released December 1st, is the bandâs 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, âYouâre Very Kind.â
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 Willâs genius comedic stylings were the focus of everyoneâs attention and both were good enough to impress.
The song choices in the show were a mix of tracks from his new album, âLet it Go,â and a lot of older tracks, especially tracks from his hit album, âFridayâs Child.â The mixture had enough to keep everyone interested and offer those who hadnât yet purchased the new album a taste of what they can expect.
Highlights of the show were latest single, âGraceâ which sounds at its best live with the vocals of Willâs fantastic backing singers. âFridayâs Child,â 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 Northâs appearance on the Antiques Roadshow and finding a Michael Ball coaster on stage. All of which shouldnât be humorous or at all interesting but had the audience not only roaring with laughter but also going, âawh could he be any more adorable?â
The soon to be legendary, âMerchandise Song,â 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, âLeave Right Now.â 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, âWhy do you come see me? Iâm such a loser,â and it is clear to everyone that his audience arenât in agreement on this one. Back in 2005 when album âKeep Onâ failed to reach the high sales of its predecessor, âFridayâs Childâ 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, âThis is only the first night but it feels like the best tour Iâve ever done.â Indeed it is William, and for those heading to dates on the rest of the tour he certainly wonât disappoint.
FemaleFirst - Kate Teasdale