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Chris Elwell-Sutton's rating
Will stays in the cabaret camp
By
Chris Elwell-Sutton
2 Oct 2006
Having played to packed houses in Dublin, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow, Will Young's all-singing, all-dancing arena tour arrived in London.
Young and a top-notch team of dancers, singers and musicians treated the fans to a huge theatrical production that featured an array of costumes, sets and themes.
With five No 1 singles and two No 1 albums behind him, Young has amassed quite a back catalogue in the last four years and his confident 20-song extravaganza was a timely reminder of his rapid development from Pop Idol winner to heavyweight artist.
Opening with Keep On, the title track of his current album, Young stunned the audience as he turned it into a sizzling song-and-dance number, looking cool and confident in a dashing air steward's outfit.
Every couple of songs saw the show's format change drastically, the only common factors being exquisite sets, impeccably tailored period costumes, faultless dance routines and a strong, sensitive vocal performance. All I Want was a highlight, with an equestrian-themed routine that wouldn't have been out of place on the West End stage.
His version of Love The One You're With felt genuinely soulful, but from a purely musical point of view, his finest moments came during a gospel-style session with three excellent backing singers. Stripped of all the razzmatazz, his voice shone during this tender medley of What's In Goodbye and Love Struck.
And yet there was something missing from Young's performance. A possible clue to the root of the problem came during a short break halfway through the show. Elvis Presley used to toss sweaty towels into the crowd, confident in the knowledge that they would be fought over by gaggles of crazed women. By contrast, after Young mopped his brow, he folded his towel into a perfect square and placed it neatly beside him. "I'm like this with table cloths as well," he explained.
Endearing though this little interlude was, an amateur psychologist might argue that this deep-seated control freakery made it impossible for Young to let go, to become absorbed in the music and to express naturally and passionately the emotions contained in it.
The strangely asexual atmosphere had less to do with his homosexuality and more to do with the politics graduate's poshness, education and sophisticated sense of irony. All too often, I was left with the distinct impression that he was enjoying a wry little joke with himself, rather than engaging in true flamboyance.
He pulled out all the stops with his encore, an impressive extended version of Switch It On, featuring yet more beautiful costumes and a spirited dance routine, hammering home his credentials as a consummate professional showman.
But there should be no place for irony on an arena tour. Great pop stars fill huge venues by the power of their overblown egos, their shameless belief in their own sexual prowess, their sense of total abandon.
This is what creates the powerful energy that drives crowds wild - and what would have transformed Young from a worldclass cabaret act and conscientious towel-folder into a true pop idol.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (10)
Chris Elwell Sutton ,in his summary ,misses the point completely. It's the lack of "pop style" ego coupled with the amazing voice that is part of Will's unique charm. Self-effacing ,with the ability not to take oneself too seriously is rare these days. The arena tour was amazing, talented vocals, stylish costumes, fantastic band and backing singers. Definitely Will's best show yet!
- Rosemary Dowe, Norwich Norfolk, 04/10/2006 10:14
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Will is unique, both in the way he performs, singing and dancing, and in his personality. He is the least egotistical person in the music world of Pop, extremely talented, and unique hence his massive appeal.
Throughout Wills Concert he was bounding with energy and totally charismatic. He relates to his band and the singers in a warm and caring way, so too with his audience. His zany humour was refreshing to hear, bringing much laughter and appreciation from his multitude of fans which are from so many different generations and that along with his entire performance makes true the title - Britains No.1 singer of all time.
Keep On Will you have got it so right!
- Pauline Ward, Alvaston, Derby, 04/10/2006 09:46
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The show was fantastic and clearly demonstrates what a talented artist he is. Vocally superb, better than ever, and his dancing and performance skills have really developed since his last arena tour. He is truely a world class artist now.
Will is a unique performer who isn't and doesn't want to be like other pop stars who are all ego and very little else. His self deprecating humour is part of his appeal, he was joking about the towel folding by the way!
- Julie, Hook, Hampshire, 04/10/2006 00:09
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Will is successful because he is unique.
The Tour was stupendous. Amazing vocals and brilliant choreography. Will showed us once again how hard he has worked at his craft. His dancing was brilliant and his singing was just AWESOME!
- Sara Lewis, London, 03/10/2006 20:11
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Once again I have been blown away by Will's amazing vocal talent. Powerful when it needs to be and yet tender and fragile at others. I agree with the reviewer about the acoustic section, it was spellbinding. The entire performance from everyone on that stage was superb. I love the way that Will shares the stage with the artists he is performing with and you can see the mutual respect between them all, he must be a joy to work with.
No, he doesn't have a massive ego or need to egg the crowd on into hysteria, that in part is his appeal and quite frankly he doesn't need to. His talent cuts through all that dross.
Can't wait to see him perform again. A unique talent.
- Elaine Young, Swindon England, 03/10/2006 15:19
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I know he's got a great voice as does my wife but the sound last night in the arena was dreadfull and his singing voice was drowned out by the over active base. One whole row left next to us and we did soon as well. Those that stayed said it improved slightly but not enough to justify £35 a head. He should be jumping on his tech team to get it right!
- Matt Taylor, UK, 03/10/2006 14:43
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2 hours of sheer class, wonderful. His voice was superb, never faltering even when showing off some nifty dance moves. It was wonderful to see him sharing the stage with such talented dancers and a fantastic live band, he's not just there to satisfy his own ego. He loves performing and I love watching and hearing him do just that. Hope it's not too long before I get th chance to hear him again live.
- Jane, Swindon, 03/10/2006 12:55
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Saw Will on Monday night, and it was his best concert yet! Vocally he was excellent - much better than a certain Mr Williams, and he put on a much slicker show too! Roll on the next album & tour! Keep it up Will!
- Scott, London, 03/10/2006 12:24
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Will's Keep On Concerts are stupendous, and he doesn't need an overblown ego to endear himself to the audience. I would rather have Will's self-effacing charm than any of your Robbies, Justins etc.
He is an extremely talented young man who is going to be around for many years to come.
- Gill, Newport UK, 02/10/2006 13:45
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Yet Again Mr Will Young has lived up to his very High Standards of Sheer Perfection. The Show was just Fantastic from the opening of Keep On to the Final song, the energetic Switch it On.The split moment he appeared from behind the curtain dressed as a Airline Pilot the whole Arena instantly stood up and I for one never sat down again. Will is a true showman this Country should be very Proud of indeed. Will Young is here to stay!
- Allison Hembery, Suffolk Uk, 02/10/2006 13:34
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