Flawed but fascinating

Last night, he moved a small step closer to his goal by playing the Royal Festival Hall, a relatively intimate and, as he admitted, "very classy" venue, although he will play the Royal Albert Hall on Friday. Not a natural performer, nor blessed with natural charisma, Young's arena shows were invariably defeated by his lack of stagecraft. As I'm sure this essentially decent and intelligent man would be the first to confess, his bought-in popularity outstrips his talent.

At the Festival Hall, with its enormous stage, however, the rules of concert engagement are different. As he noted, "it's nice to see people's faces", but there are no big video screens (Young's occasional cartoon ones scarcely counted), no photographers' pit and nowhere to hide.

He began well, singing most of Stronger behind a see-through curtain. Although the song was average at best, its performance looked fantastic. Perhaps, after all, Young would be able to turn things around. Then, when the curtain dropped and Young revealed himself to be wearing a collared T-shirt with a tie, all hope was lost.

As if feeling the need of a comfort blanket, Young employed a nine-piece band, who looked to a man and woman as if they were embarrassed to be there. Your heart could have broken for Young as he struggled with weak material which rarely rose above anaemic Eighties faux-funk; as he attempted to engage his three woefully lacklustre backing singers and as he desperately tried to find that stillelusive charisma. The audience did their best, but being composed mostly of gay men out for a supportive chuckle and teenage girls who occasionally screamed, they were there for the spectacle rather than the music.

Only an occasional songwriter, Young's voice is his major asset. As it happens, it's not an especially weak nor annoying voice, particularly for those familiar with George Michael, Young's most obvious reference point. It is not, however, under any circumstances, a great voice.

That said, the beginning notwithstanding, there were moments which suggest Young may not face the culling that appears to await his Pop Idol colleague Gareth Gates. The brilliantly lit Over You exuded percussive, minimal menace; Evergreen sounded rather better than the Westlife album track it once was, while You And I was the one moment where band and performer gelled.

For the most part though, this was a hand-me-down performance from a hand-me-down pop star. Severely flawed, but fascinating.

Will Young