Morning:
9°c
André Paine's rating
Lily Allen sparks up in the drizzle
By
André Paine
13 Jul 2009
Somerset House is an undoubtedly fantastic setting for live music, but the rain tested that to the limit during Lily Allen’s return to the capital.
A dramatic downpour might at least have heightened the impact of her hits but the constant drizzle was an unfortunate drag.
At least Allen was match-fit amid a busy festival season and this was a professional outing, notwithstanding her nonchalant air and need to puff away constantly.
Click here for free itunes Festival tickets
“Sorry for smoking so much but it’s so cold, it keeps me warm,” she informed us, admirably free of logic while wearing a skimpy, see‑through top in the rain. Allen also had to readjust her short skirt throughout, although happily there were none of the wardrobe malfunctions of recent shows.
Current album It’s Not Me, It’s You dominated the set, and while this show couldn’t capture its glossy production at least her band sounded dynamic and surprisingly loud. Everyone’s At It, 22 and the busy-sounding Back to the Start were punchy enough to almost make you forget the weather, though Him was one of a few weaker tunes that failed to connect with fans.
The singer was clearly excited at playing at home in London and graciously thanked us for tolerating a soaking. She was also typically foul-mouthed — during and between songs — despite the fact plenty of parents had young children with them.
Perhaps the profanities were easy to overlook when she was knocking out a blinding cover of Britney Spears’s Womanizer and smart number ones Smile and The Fear. The encore of F*** You, for which she urged us to wave our middle fingers around, was great, too, though hardly child-friendly. But you have to admire a shameless pop star who climaxes a gig with a clubby reworking of a song — Not Fair — about premature ejaculation.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
Whilst I acknowledge that Lily has a great voice, I am appalled at her language - why? not all us young people behave like she does and it is not necessary. I agree about taking children to her gigs, especially when people know that she will be her usual foul mouthed self
- Carol Marsh, Upminster, 21/07/2009 14:46
Report abuse
So Lily Swears. 'Big deal'. The whole world swears. Shes the best talent we have had in long time and her lyrics are true to life. Keep up the good work girl. Shes has also got the sexiest smile I have ever seen.
- Pistolpet, Milton Keynes, 20/07/2009 22:31
Report abuse
What kind of person takes children to a Lily Allen gig? Some places don't need to be "child friendly" and an artist whose repertoire includes a song called 'F*** You' is among them!
- Luke, London, N1, 20/07/2009 21:31
Report abuse
Why should she not swear? The parents who bring their children should know that even her songs aren't suitable for children - so either they knew what they were in for - or they were idiots.
Why is everything supposed to revolve around children these days? Are they not well catered for that chart acts have to make themselves pre-watershed?
- Beezz, LONDON, 20/07/2009 21:31
Report abuse
I love Lily she is one of the best singers we have had for years and she is as she is - HERSELF - something no one I hope will ever be able to take away from her.
- Michael Fincham, London, 20/07/2009 21:31
Report abuse
I went to the gig on Saturday and it was wicked, I got there at 10am to secure my space in the front row!
Lily was on top form, I have seen her six times and she gets better every time!
Just Jack were supporting Lily and they were great too!
Keep up the ood work Lily!
- Stacie Muir, London, 20/07/2009 21:31
Report abuse
