Tonight:
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John Aizlewood's rating
, Almond gets all emotional
By
John Aizlewood
10 Jul 2007
"I promised myself I wouldn't get emotional," sobbed Marc Almond moments after the Shepherd's Bush Empire had demanded an encore by singing Happy Birthday.
That it was Almond's 50th (a milestone he almost didn't reach after his near-fatal motorbike crash of 2004); that he was festooned with flowers and gifts and that he was about to play songs by his collaborator Gene Pitney who died last year, proved too much and he briefly fled off-stage to compose himself.
He wasn't the only one to shed a tear at last night's life-affirming love-in.
Thankfully, Almond is restored to both rude health and rudeness. Physically, he was strong enough to complete a 150-minute, interval-free show that incorporated almost every segment of his career from Soft Cell (he even sounded enthused on Tainted Love) to his current covers album Stardom Road, via selections from the solo years (Tears Run Rings was a clattering treat), Marc And The Mambas and a remarkable version of his take on Jacques Brel's Jackie, which saw the verses being delivered superfast and the chorus superslow.
After all his suffering, Almond deserves an easy ride. The most joyous aspect of last night was that he didn't need one.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (10)
Marc Almonds music has touched me since the Soft Cell era. My son and I came to see him. Marc has matured like a fine wine! I will never forget such an fantastic evening.
- Julie, Essex, 17/07/2007 10:54
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A privilege to be at Marc Almond's 50th birthday concert. His voice and songs were fantastic live. Can't believe I left it so long to see him in concert. I hope Marc will be doing more live dates as he is not to be missed. Hopefully this concert was recorded as I would love to re-live the whole experience.
I look forward to seeing Marc Almond in action again.
- Stephen Wilson, Jersey, Channel Islands, 13/07/2007 20:44
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I've waited 6 years for this; my first Marc Almond concert, and it fulfilled everything I could wish for. I must have played my favorite album '12 years in tears' more than a hundred times these last 6 years and everytime thought to myself that Marc never would be able to top that live performance. Well, he did last night, and Marc made my one day London visit one to remember for the rest of my life. Thanks for a brilliant concert!
- Peter Holm, Aarhus, Denmark, 10/07/2007 23:57
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This has to be the most uplifting gig I've been to, including previous Marc ones. I got right to the front and could see how much marc was affected by the adoring audience as much as we were by him. Can't wait till the next time.
- Sarah Macfarlane, Leatherhead UK, 10/07/2007 21:42
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A superb concert! A true star! Celebrating his 50th year performing a concert like this was a brilliant idea, and he was in best form. Having been a follower of Marc since seeing him on top of the pops performing Tainted Love. It was such a treat to hear Marc performing mambas songs as well as soft cell! He was in such good form and the crowd loved it. I left the Shepherd's Bush Empire feeling so great. Wonderful!
- Chris Harriss, London, 10/07/2007 15:52
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This really was Marc back to his best with a fuller band that included the welcome return of Anne Stephenson (mum of Big Brother winner Pete) and Gini Hewes (ex-wife of Dave Ball from Soft Cell) on strings. This gave everything a much fuller sound. Great choice of songs including old Marc and the Mambas and Soft Cell crowd pleasers. A really emotional and joyous evening that saw everyone singing along with every word. Thank the lord for 50 glorious years of Mr Almond... here's to the next 50! Happy Birthday Marc!
- Na, London, UK, 10/07/2007 14:08
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Great to hear that Mr. Almond is doing so well. I couldn't attend the concert, but loved the review and the assurance that he is looking and performing well. The review would have been better if you had mentioned the Gene Pitney songs he performed and how that went. Thanks.
- Dan H., Fredericksburg, VA - USA, 10/07/2007 13:51
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Marc was fantastic last night - the show started beautifully and just went on. I hadn't seen Marc since the accident and couldn't believe how healthy, vibrant and strong he looked. I was amazed he played such a long and demanding set!
- Matt, London UK, 10/07/2007 13:51
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Saw Marc in concert last night. He was amazing. I've been a fan of his since the early days and he just goes from strength to strength. Great to see him in such good form. The atmosphere was fantastic. John Aizelwood's decsription of the evening as a life-affirming love-in is so accurate. Sounds cheesy but there was a lot of love in the room last night.
- Louise, London, UK, 10/07/2007 12:54
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Superb - great to see Marc back to looking and sounding his best! The night was both moving and huge fun!
- J, London, 10/07/2007 12:20
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