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Imelda May at Birmingham Symphony Hall
She has the most incredible voice, which is capable of singing anything, from blues tinged numbers, Nashville inspired melodies to belting grunge style rock numbers, and last night Imelda May wowed Birmingham once again with a combination of her brilliant song book and a self deprecating sense of humour that explained the stories behind the songs in brilliant style. Starting her set in torch singer style with the bluesy ‘Call Me’ and then continuing with ‘When it’s my time’, Imelda showed that her style has moved on from the rockabilly essence of her earlier albums. Now it seems like she has been listening to a lot of Janis Joplin and…
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Thriller Live Reviewed at the Wolverhampton Grand
Thriller Live opened at the Wolverhampton Grand this week and last night I went along to review it. This celebration of the music and life of Michael Jackson is a glitzy, energetic affair performed with aplomb by the company, but I have to say I think you really need to be a massive fan of all things Michael Jackson to get the very best enjoyment from it. My own feelings on Michael are a little bit mixed. He was an incredible performer, and with ‘Off the Wall’ and ‘Thriller’ he created two of the greatest albums of all time. I also love the Motown and Epic years of the 1970s,…
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The Buddy Holly Story at the Wolverhampton Grand
As a teen I loved The Wonderstuff and their album ‘Never Loved Elvis’. This was partly because the title was true. I’d never loved Elvis, it had always been about Buddy Holly in our house. From an early age I can remember ‘That’ll be the Day’ ringing out from my little record player, the graffiti emblazoned cover of ‘Buddy Holly Lives’ on my bedroom floor. It’s a memory and love that has remained with me, and was resurrected in supreme style last night, as the brilliant ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ electrified the Wolverhampton Grand. ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ is the story of Buddy’s meteoric rise to fame. If your image…