Eastlife... Or Is It West?
Having never been a major fan of Westlife, I was surprised to find myself ringing Mr CLIC Editor to request the two press tickets he had been given.
Now, in the comfort and warmness of my bedroom, I’m thoroughly glad I did.
I arrived at the newly-named Motorpoint Arena at half seven. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the CIA is no more. As of Tuesday 1 March, Motorpoint has taken the naming rights for the venue for the next five years. As disappointed as I am by this harsh and cruel takeover, I’ll stop now.
Westlife’s support act, Wonderland, were fabulous, sassy and all had strong vocal ability. While they moved around the stage like they had ants in their pants, their choreography was simple but visually pleasant.
They sang Need You Now (one of my recent favourites) and their new single Not A Love Song, as well as others. They were everything a girl group should be while simultaneously having a competition with each other to see who could greet Cardiff the most number of times.
After Wonderland we waited for the boys. And then a while longer. Late to their own party? Can you imagine? Fortunately, the audience (which largely consisted of women from about ten to eighty. Any older and their hearing aids would explode, as every time a picture of the boys would appear on the promotional television screens the whole audience would go berserk. I say 'whole audience.' I didn’t go berserk) didn’t mind.
Eventually, Westlife did arrive by flying chair. I must hand it to them; they know how to make an entrance. As they slowly descended from their heavenly abode to join us mere mortals, I couldn’t help but imagine how great it would look if they were singing as well.
I was disappointed. No singing. Shame. Boys, when you read this, maybe singing on the way down should be something you consider (insert smiley face here).
When their vocal abilities kicked in, I was impressed. It’s no wonder they’ve had such a long and successful career, and they most certainly know how to move on stage. Although their choreography looked like something taken directly out of The Boy Band Handbook, they pulled it off really nicely.
The name of the tour is Gravity. And when you have a tour named Gravity, the only set you can really have is a collection of giant apples! Lovely.
The boys popped offstage while their band (who were phenomenal) covered their costume change. They arrived back wearing clothes taken directly out of High School Musical. No, seriously.
Then they sang a collection of some recent chart hits that weren’t their own: Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Only Girl In The World (Rihanna), Dirty Bit (Black Eyed Peas), Bad Romance (Lady Gaga, and my personal favourite and highlight of the evening) and I Predict A Riot (Kaiser Chiefs). It was fantastic, and their choreography was interesting and quirky.
The whole night was thoroughly enjoyable and the boys certainly know how to get old women out of their wheelchairs, onto their feet and screaming and waving their arms wildly.
At one point the screaming got so loud that I actually put earplugs in. This was when the boys who, I’ve been informed by my mother, are named Nicky, Kian, Mark and Shane, jumped on a giant beam and rode up and out into the audience whilst singing one of their more powerful songs, You Raised Me Up.
The whole show was fabulous. However, the thing I enjoyed most was seeing my mum smile constantly whilst singing along and enjoying every moment. As she's a huge fan of Westlife, I’m very glad I was able to take her to see them.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I, an adolescent male, enjoyed them too. They perpetuate a suave coolness that has probably come from being one of the most successful boy bands of our generation.
I was kept amused throughout; at one point laughing out loud when I heard a woman standing behind me say “Oh, I’d die a happy woman if Shane just touched me tonight!” Ah, the joys of listening to middle aged women swoon over men they can’t have.
Epilogue? My mother came home last night with the Gravity album. Apparently, it’s excellent.
VIDEO: Hannahbbz
3 Comments – Postiwch sylw
steampunk13
Rhoddwyd sylw 14 mis yn ôl - 10th March 2011 - 15:40pm
I am not a fan of westlife at all. They have ruined every song they have ever covered including I Have A Dream (Abba), You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban), The Rose (Bette Middler) and What About Now (Daughtry). These were all superbly good until Westlife got their hands on them.
And whats more their support act - Wonderland - are also a girl 'group' I am going to hate after ruining Lady Antebellum Need You Now. Liking Wonderland's version of that song to me is like preferring Justin Beiber to Bob Dylan.
Michelle Davies
Rhoddwyd sylw 14 mis yn ôl - 17th March 2011 - 10:24am
These press tickets are so exciting. I know Westlife aren't that 'cool' but whatever they are a huge band and theSprout/CLIC got free tickets to give away to us. It makes me a bit giddy! (I also secretly love a bit of Westlife and am totally jealous.) Great review and lovely for you to treat your mum :)
CLICryan
Rhoddwyd sylw 14 mis yn ôl - 17th March 2011 - 10:26am
Contributing to any of the CLIC websites means the chance to receive free gig tickets. All you need to do is let us know which gig / play / event / show you'd like to review and we'll do our best to get you press passes.
Being realistic helps (Millennium Stadium shows are harder than a gig at Clwb Ifor Bach to source passes for!) but we will try nonetheless to get you in!
Contact your local editor, or myself: ryan@cliconline.co.uk