After a jaunt around Europe, George Michael basked in a rapturous reception as he arrived back in the UK with his latest tour. Given that his much-publicised peccadilloes have overshadowed a meagre musical output in recent years, fans might have expected a triumphant trawl through his classic hits. Instead there was barely a nod to the pop pearls that sent Wham! skyward in the Eighties or the funkier forays of his early solo work.
Instead, it was a rather sombre affair. Accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra, a black-clad Michael served up symphonic reworkings of largely lesser-known cuts from his back catalogue along with a quirky mix of cover versions. Much as he manages his private life, this made for a brave if occasionally ill judged evening, shifting between cocktail-bar crooning, big-band swing and torch-song theatrics.
While the swelling orchestra provided impeccable support, Michael’s voice was put firmly centre stage. A rich, soulful instrument, it’s capable of serious emotional heft, expertly matching the confessional tone of his own material. The soft shuffle of Kissing A Fool and the mournful You Have Been Loved were elegant and affecting. Twenty-five years on, A Different Corner still rang with youthful vulnerability.
He pulled off a rousing, gospel-flecked take on Rufus Wainwright’s Going To A Town and a late burst of rhythm made Johnny Mathis’ Wild Is The Wind irresistible. Also I love George's versions of Rihanna's Russian Roulette and Terrence Trent D'arby's Let Her Down Easy.
Unfortunately George had to cancel tonight's show due to illness but has said he will try his best to do 28th October's show.
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