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David Smyth's rating
A few of her favourite blings
By
David Smyth
1 Oct 2007
"There's a No Doubt record coming next," promised Gwen Stefani during the first of what ought to be many London solo shows. Pretending to be Madonna has been fun but the peroxide pop siren will soon return to her ska punk roots with her old band.
She certainly gave the pop life her all, with a show to rival Britney, Christina, Kylie and even the Big M for spectacle.
With a double life as a fashion designer, the outfits were predictably special. Stefani appeared in jailbird stripes, sparkly hotpants, geisha minidress and sequinned pinny. Accompanied by eight dancers breakdancing and trampolining, it was easy to miss the capable band.
Over two solo albums, Stefani's pop career has been schizophrenic. She sang the Eighties-styled Wonderful Life and The Sweet Escape, a ringer for Madonna's True Blue. Then there was the futuristic hip hop of Yummy and Hollaback Girl, little more than a minimal rhythm, a catchy chant and some bizarre synth riffs.
Her love of musical theatre was confirmed by songs that sampled both Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music. Wind It Up was a novelty too far, its yodelling and discordant electronica not so much a clash of ideas as a horrific pile-up. A few more hits and Stefani could rule this world she has visited temporarily.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (3)
The show utterly surpassed any expectations I could have dreamt. It was sincerely amazing, I don't know how else to put it! After wanting to see her live since I was about 8 my partner took me for my 20th birthday, and after spending over 7 hours travelling and pulling our hair out driving in London it was worth any punishment the North Circular could dish out! A truly unforgettable experience and I totally recommend anyone contemplating going to a kick ass concert in the near future to make sure that it's Gwen’s.
- Adam, Devon, England, 03/10/2007 22:51
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Took my ten year old daughter and eleven year old son to see Gwen. They actually got to meet her backstage! Fantastic show, great production and genuinely really lovely lady.
- Angel, West Sussex, England, 02/10/2007 15:36
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Wasn't sure what to expect but I took my 11yr old daughter along and actually quite enjoyed it (she massively enjoyed it). This is from a man who cut his concert teeth in 78 with Sabbath and still rate Led Zep 79 as the best gig ever. Yes it was a show more than a concert but Ms Stefani actually seemed to be enjoying herself and didn't distance herself from the fans, especially when she ran through them at the end right to the back of the arena giving security all sorts of problems. The songs I knew were done well and she was supported by a band who were good, and dancers who were very very good. Not my usual thing but I had a better time than expected, and my daughter is still going on about it now.
- Dean, Staines, 01/10/2007 14:09
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