Thought we'd keep them all together.

NEWCASTLE

 

[/b]The Journal:

 

Will Young, Newcastle City Hall

Nov 18 2008 by Vikki White

 

 

 

 

WILL Young’s fourth album Let It Go was never a certainty.

 

The original pop idol dabbled in acting before returning to the music scene three years later – a lifetime for a pop star. But the singer performed to a packed City Hall on Sunday looking like he’d never been away.

 

Booking tickets for the first night of a tour can be inadvisable, for fear of technical problems, songs that don’t work, and general awkwardness, all still to be ironed out, but the performance by both band and balladeer was assured.

 

Young’s exceptional voice, which can turn from smooth melted chocolate to deep growl in an instant, is capable of reducing an audience to silence with one perfectly placed note.

His charisma is similarly startling. The performer is self-deprecating, witty, and decidedly bonkers and the mixture of couples, older adoring women, and young gay men in the audience couldn’t help but fall a little bit in love.

 

And as for the new material? Changes is safe fodder for Young: a classy ballad reminiscent of James Morrison. New single Grace is a mature mid-tempo ballad bordering on anthemic and I Won’t Give Up a ridiculously funky tune.

 

Songs from Young’s first three albums included the dreamy Who Am I?, pop classic Leave Right Now and the rousing You & I, from which the incredible final note drew the night’s most rapturous applause.

 

There were some low points. Love Is A Matter of Distance, for me the worst song from his second album, seemed an indulgent choice.

 

But Young left the venue full of happy punters, pondering how they could capture a little bit of his indefinable magic for themselves

 

 

Will Young - City Hall, Newcastle (16/11/2008) Bounding onto the stage and opening with 'Very Kind' in an intentionally too-short blue and white chequered shirt, tight black trousers and purple shoes, Will Young hungrily let it go and kicked off his UK tour in Newcastle.

 

Will performed eighteen songs selected from his current and three previous albums. The 2002 Pop Idol winner was accompanied by a band consisting of acoustic and electric guitars, drums, two keyboards and two backing singers, who all gave exemplary performances.

 

He bounced around like an over-excited child with too many toys to play with; this excitement included introducing everyone to a picture of a parrot that he's taking with him throughout the tour for, it seems, no apparent reason.

 

Despite all of Will's energy, this wasn't a particularly lively affair. After the first couple of slow-paced songs at the beginning of his set, including the relatively dull 'Love Is A Matter Of Distance', a hint of restlessness pervaded the crowd. Fortunately, the set list evened itself out enough to provide a better combination of slow and fast tracks, with everyone encouraged to clap along.

 

In the all too easy auto-tune world that the music industry has become accustomed too, Will's live vocals were a gleaming reminder that there are at least some people still around who can actually sing, as he effortlessly hit every note with no noticeable errors.

 

Between tracks, fans responded well to Young's meandering, cheeky and occasionally self-analytical ramblings, generating a lot of laughs. He successfully personalised with the audience from the start and built up a good rapport.

 

A funny song that had been made up and aimed at promoting the merchandise on sale also provoked amusement from the crowd, although the real humour was just watching how much fun Will and his team were having doing it.

 

Particular live highlights of his easy listening pop songs were 'Friday's Child', the ever popular 'Changes', upcoming single 'Grace' and appropriate and somewhat predictable set closer 'Leave Right Now'.

 

This wasn't a big-budget spectacle, nor was it an inexpensive and intimate gig. This was somewhere inbetween and it seems that's exactly where he and his fans prefer to be. This gig was a fault–free performance that left everyone satisfied and proves Will still has the public support that brought him into the music scene all those years ago.

 

Rating: 4/5

 

http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/wil...12008_1730.aspx

Evening Chronicle.

 

Idol has matured into a Pop statesman.

 

Nov 17 2008 by Gordon Barr, Evening Chronicle

 

THE last time Will Young played Newcastle it was an elaborate extravaganza with choreographed routines and numerous costume changes.

 

Last night’s start to the former Pop Idol winner’s UK tour was a much more stripped sown show.

 

Will Young in the raw and all the better for it.

 

Here we had proof that reality TV talent shows can produce some class acts and although the tour comes on the back of his new album Let It Go, Will wasn’t so daft as to devote the majority of the evening to it.

 

In fact, he started proceedings with a clutch of older songs we all know and love him for, with Love The One You’re With deserving special mention.

 

Will has definitely grown and matured as an artist and appears more comfortable on stage than he has ever done.

 

There was some great self-deprecating banter with the audience who lapped up his every word, while the connection with his band and backing singers was very evident too. The set was simple, which in turn meant your whole focus was on the songs, musicianship and that very distinctive voice, which held up throughout.

 

For me, Will’s finest moments to date have been on his Friday’s Child album, and tracks from it, like Your Game, Matter Of Distance, Very Kind and a truly memorable rendition of the title track, were undoubted highlights.

 

A perfect-pitched Who Am I segued wonderfully into You and, showcasing the singer’s immense vocal range to full effect.

 

The newer numbers were well received too, in particular Let It Go’s lead-off single Changes and the forthcoming release Grace, which was a perfect way to lead us into the encore.

 

Leave Right Now is to Will Young what Angels is to Robbie Williams, and no show would be complete without it.

 

It was singalong time, as everyone in the hall joined in what most must regard as his finest moment.

 

Judging from last night’s show, Will has now proved himself as the consummate entertainer.

 

Just loving alll the recognition for his OUTSTANDING voice & at last they seem to be getting his charm. :D :D :D

Edited November 18, 200816 yr by truly talented

Thanks for puting the reviews together TT. I'd only seen the Evening Chronicle one. So far so good, although I'd question the comment "this wasn't a particularly lively affair. After the first couple of slow-paced songs at the beginning of his set, including the relatively dull 'Love Is A Matter Of Distance', a hint of restlessness pervaded the crowd ", made by the musicguide reviewer. I'd hardly call his new version of VK slow-paced. Nor did I see any restlessness, and certainly it seemed to me to be a very lively affair. However, I do agree about LIAMOD, merely because I don't like the song either. :rolleyes:

 

I'm wondering whether it was the reviewers who all sat in the row behind me. (They were in the centre bit). The whole row was empty until just before Will's set started, then a combination of well-dressed men and women, and one or two who were more casually dressed, took the seats.

Edited November 18, 200816 yr by chrysalis

He's certainly wowing them this time round. :dance: :yahoo:

 

Female First

 

Live Review: Will Young - Let It Go Tour

Today 11:58

 

Will Young’s “Let it Go” tour kicked off last night at Newcastle’s City Hall and FemaleFirst popped in to see how it went.

 

In the grand tradition of gigs a support act has to be sat through before you get to what you came for. Luckily for Will fans his support act comes in the form of Honey Ryder.

 

Named after the bond girl in the 1962 film Dr No, the band embody everything that is right with acoustic music. The duo, consist of singer Lindz, who is sporting vocals any soul diva would be proud to own and Martyn of guitar, who with his curly hair , leather jacket combo and laid back attitude looks suspiciously like Slash’s milder mannered younger brother.

 

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Their short set is packed to the brim with acoustic goodies including a cover version of Dr Hook’s 1980 hit “Years from Now.” Although it may not have been up to the standards set by Locorriere and Co. it was still a beautiful version of the song.

 

Their latest single, “Fly Away,” which is to be released December 1st, is the band’s best offering and is likely to do well, especially as the proceeds from digital downloads* of the song are going to Children in Need.

 

After an interval and a quick trip to the bar (well what else in an interval for) the lights go down once again and the main man himself hits the stage. Bouncing on the stage, rocking skinny jeans and a blue and white checked T-Shirt, he launched into, “You’re Very Kind.”

 

The set may have be simplistic, just Will and his band, no costume changes, no themes, no dancers; but if anything this heightened the performance rather than hinder it. The songs and Will’s genius comedic stylings were the focus of everyone’s attention and both were good enough to impress.

 

The song choices in the show were a mix of tracks from his new album, “Let it Go,” and a lot of older tracks, especially tracks from his hit album, “Friday’s Child.” The mixture had enough to keep everyone interested and offer those who hadn’t yet purchased the new album a taste of what they can expect.

 

Highlights of the show were latest single, “Grace” which sounds at its best live with the vocals of Will’s fantastic backing singers. “Friday’s Child,” is another treat which sees Young playing his new drum simulator machine along with the track.

 

His ability as a show man shines through as he regales the audience with tales of the picture of a parrot he has brought on tour with him, the Angel of North’s appearance on the Antiques Roadshow and finding a Michael Ball coaster on stage. All of which shouldn’t be humorous or at all interesting but had the audience not only roaring with laughter but also going, “awh could he be any more adorable?”

 

The soon to be legendary, “Merchandise Song,” sees his band launches into a jaunty tune as Will sings about the various items on sale in the foyer, including the usual T-Shirts and CDs and well as the Will Young tea cup. He also jokes that on his next tour the merchandise will include an ironing board with himself on where the clothes fall off.

 

After a fake exit, Will and his band return for a few more songs, ending with, undoubtedly his greatest song, “Leave Right Now.” By this point the entire audience, from 15 years old, to fans in their 60s were up on their feet, singing their approval.

 

During the performance the pop star asks, “Why do you come see me? I’m such a loser,” and it is clear to everyone that his audience aren’t in agreement on this one. Back in 2005 when album “Keep On” failed to reach the high sales of its predecessor, “Friday’s Child” music critics everywhere predicted the end for the original Pop Idol. Tonight proved them wrong in the most spectacular fashion.

 

To echo his own words, “This is only the first night but it feels like the best tour I’ve ever done.” Indeed it is William, and for those heading to dates on the rest of the tour he certainly won’t disappoint.

 

FemaleFirst - Kate Teasdale

 

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/feature...+Tour-6359.html

 

 

 

Thanks for all the reviews TT they make brilliant reading :D

Such fantastic reviews, I'm loving reading them all, the Female First one is my favourite so far and thanks TT.

Have there been any reviews for Harrogate and Liverpool yet? :unsure:

Have there been any reviews for Harrogate and Liverpool yet? :unsure:

 

Haven't seen anything posted chrysalis.

 

Have there been any reviews for Harrogate and Liverpool yet? :unsure:

 

:D

Will Young Philharmonic Hall

 

Nov 19 2008 by Emma Pinch, Liverpool Echo

 

HE’S the antidote to scary youths, weeping weather and economic gloom.

With his polite charm, self-deprecating humour and melty-smooth voice, Will Young’s concert at the Phil was as comforting and innocently pleasurable as a bar of Galaxy in bed.

 

Will bounded onto a set bathed in yellow light, clad in skinny jeans and a blue checked T-shirt, opening with Very Kind and then straight into Love The One You’re With.

 

Next up, disco track Love, from new album Let It Go, sounded and appeared all wrong, and saw Will awkwardly throwing out some 70s moves.

Overall, though, he’s become less self-conscious on stage.

 

After his singing-only start I thought he would be one to let his songs do all the talking, but he kept up a constant flow of chitchat. He talked about tea cups, Harry Potter, jumpers, Blankety Blank, and being caught in his dressing room wearing his “big, baggy, pants” by the resourceful mum of a young Liverpool fan.

 

Despite, or maybe because of, his gentle line in chat, women just could not get enough of him. They roared with laughter at the tiniest suggestion of a joke.

 

But he fanned the flames of female ardour by admitting to a strange crush on Cheryl Cole, who winked at him on X-Factor “I think it’s about the lipstick,” he mused.

 

If his persona was ingenuous, his performance anything but. While Will retains the slim boyish looks of his first appearance on Pop Idol seven years ago, his voice, mellow and pure as ever, has become mature.

He stood stock still for a powerful, haunting rendition of Who Am I, and You and I showcased his vocal range, carrying long notes effortlessly to a hairs-standing-up-on-neck climax.

 

But You Don’t Know, stripped down acoustic soul, was superb as was Let It Go, which was sweetly wistful. Then came favourites like Friday’s Child and Your Game, which had the audience up dancing. For me the highlight was Grace, his new single. The chorus had the power to make you forget everything.

 

For the encore he provided the song everyone was waiting for. Leave Right Now, his most successful hit to date, was the perfect note to end on.

8/10 Family favourite

 

Another superb review, thanks BYM&M's.

I'm loving this quote.

as comforting and innocently pleasurable as a bar of Galaxy in bed.http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/light_skin/girl_in_love.gif

Another good'un but how could she not love Love. :wacko:

 

Thanks BYM+M's.

Thanks BYM+M's. Only 8/10. Family favourite Hm. :thinking: Don't think she liked him very much. :rolleyes:

In to-day's Daily Star (with thanks to Ruthie):-

 

 

Picture of Will in the blue checked shirt singing with the sombrero on his head write up as follows:-

 

SET LIST, Will Young, Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

 

This was no slick tricks-and-whistles pop tart gig. Instead Will came on with a rocking band, great lighting and oodles of warmth.

 

He was in his element as the stripped-down set-up gave his sense of fun a chance to shine through.

 

Between stories of baggy grey pants and Mickey Mouse jumpers and sombrero wearing, there was even time for him to sing a bit too.

 

You Dont Know was acoustic, moving and powerful. Fridays Child funky and Changes triumphant.

 

Old Bill's finding a mature soul vibe ... and its irresitable.

 

By Joe Shooman.

 

 

A bit good ain't it. Short but to the point. :dance:

 

Thanks chrysalis, these great reviews keep on rolling in.

Thanks Chrysalis - he's getting proper reviews on his vocals and music this time round. Short but to the point. Sort of proves a point that he doesn't need whistles and bells - as entertaining as they are they overshadow the important things - vocals and Will's personality and totally at one with his songs - things he's always had in spades but rarely got the recognition for them. - Country Girl on Devoted found this cv for Joe Shooman:

 

Joe 'Rev Shoo' Shooman is a British music journalist. He is Live Reviews Editor for The Fly and also writes for several of the country's top music publications, including Metal Hammer, Play Music, Plan B, Music Mart, Record Collector and Mixmag. He also produces a show on BBC Radio Liverpool called PMS Radio which focuses on new and underground music from across the world as well as contributing to several shows on BBC 6 Music as a reporter and reviewer.

Previously, Shooman was Assistant Editor of the Welsh music and culture magazine Sothatch and a writer on the UK's biggest independent music website Drowned in Sound. He is a keen writer and some of his short stories have been published in the UK by Tell Tales and in the USA by Thieves Jargon. Joe Shooman is also a qualified sound enginerr and has also worked as a music publicist and label affiliate of Spank Records for a couple of years until he got annoyed with the whole business.

When he was much younger, Shooman focused on performing and writing creatively. He played bass in a Welsh punk band called Vaffan Coulo which has the dubious claim of releasing an album which went to #5 in the Alternative Chart of Slovenia. Shooman also wrote plays performed at two of Wales' top theatres - Theatr Clwyd in Mold and Cardiff's Sherman Theatre, where his play was replaced at the end of its run by the stage version of Bodger & Badger

 

 

Impressive.

Edited November 20, 200816 yr by munchkin

ooohhhhh another great review :dance:

GLASGOW

 

Review Glasgow Evening Times

 

Young 'pup' shows he's chatty idol'

 

Gone were the cheesy costume changes, the overblown production values and the star-spangled light shows.

Will Young stripped his latest tour down to its bare minimum.

Choosing theatres and cencert halls over the gargantuan arenas he's toured in the past, the original PI had room to breathe in showcasing his fourth album, LIG.

With his stage presence still resembling an excitable puppy - with fuchsia pants on dislay thoughout - the 29 year old pogo-ed into VK from his FC album, quickly getting his groove on with AYH before trying out his Scottish brogue.

And he proved quite the raconteur, with stories of shopping in John Lewis and just stopping short of inviting the audience back to the hotel for a party.

YDK tugged the heart strings, before LRN brought down the curtain on a 90 minute snapshot of being Young at heart.

Thanks TT, another fine review and every reviewer as remarked 'You Don't Know' haven't they? :wub:

Thanks to Willonly on the o/s

 

Sheffield star

 

Published Date: 26 November 2008

By Sarah Crabtree

 

 

WILL Young burps when he gets nervous.

 

He's developed a superstition about wearing fingerless gloves, brings a parrot on tour as mascot, and finds people who see the innuendo in everything "so annoying".

 

These are the kind of things you get to find out about a pop star when they scale

 

down their shows from vast arenas to smaller theatres - leaving more space, in Will's words, for "chatting, and rubbish jokes".

Rubbish jokes aside, at Sheffield City Hall last night Will Young proved himself not just astand-out singer but an adorable person too.

Dressed in electric blue skinny jeans, a black shirt and purple shoes, he slipped into funny accents, wondered out loud about using his "gay voice", and deflected heckles from bawdy fans in the balcony with an only slightly embarrassed aplomb.

 

"I haven't done a theatre tour for five years and I wanted to be able to have some intimacy," he explained from a stage pared back to the bare essentials: the band, two backing singers, and his own sublime vocals.

 

The low-key backdrop - a change from the show-stopping spectacle he brought to Sheffield Arena just over two years ago - allowed him to showcase the talent which propelled him to stardom on the first-ever Pop Idol in 2002. Sometimes jazzy, sometimes with searing tones of country, his voice was never less than spine-tingling.

 

Tracks from his new, fourth, album 'Let It Go' intermingled with favourites from his back catalogue, concluding for the encore with his beautiful signature hit Leave Right Now.

 

There was just one problem.

 

He never did tell us the "funny Julia Roberts story" he promised us. Will?

Thanks for bringing the Sheffield review over BYM+M's.

Thanks for the bringing the latest review BYM&M's, I've not been in the tour forum yet tonight, Will has a night off

tonight doesn't he? Time for me to have a good look round the sites tonight then. :D