ShareMichael Bolton performing his Greatest Hits And Beloved Songs From The Movies at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Wednesday 6th April 2016
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Technical difficulties delayed the start last night of an evening of laid back cabaret style entertainment from the legendary Michael Bolton and his special guest Gabrielle, but this packed Royal Concert Hall crowd were instantly forgiving.
Taking to the stage with only two backing singers, a guitarist and drummer, the enigmatic Gabrielle opened proceedings with When A Woman, proving that she has lost none of her vocal range as her voice soared around the auditorium. Other delightful tracks included Say Goodbye, If You Love Me and the very beautiful Fallen Angels. Her acoustic set rose to a crescendo with her hits Sunshine, Rise, Out Of Reach before she left the stage to rapturous applause after delivering a powerful Dreams.
Next up was Michael Bolton who has Grammy awards coming out of his ears, has had nine number one hits and has sold over 75 million records, and last night had no difficulty in getting this predominantly female audience to scream and shout as he took to the stage.
From the beginning Bolton’s laid back interaction with the audience set the pleasant and friendly tone of the show, and his voice showed no signs of having aged as his opening numbers included To Love Somebody and (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay. He crooned his way through Said I Loved You But I Lied and Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life.
After a bluesy Sweet Home Chicago, Bolton left the stage leaving it to the band. Showcasing their talents, each band member was given a slot to impress and that’s just what they did.
Back onstage, Bolton was joined by Sam Fry, one of his backing singers to deliver How Am I Supposed To Live Without You, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, a cover of Bob Dylan’s Make You Feel My Your Love and a very moving The Prayer.
And then he was off stage again, leaving Fry to belt out some of his greatest hits. Later appearing in the crowd to sing When A Man Loves A Woman, Bolton did what he has always done best, pulled at the collective heartstrings of women everywhere with How Can We Be Lovers, and Time, Love & Tenderness.
Choosing the mellow sound of Georgia On My Mind to conclude things, Bolton left leaving the audience wanting more. And that could have been because they had seen so little of him during the preceding 90 minutes. With two costume changes, two musical interludes and expensive ticket prices, some of the audience will no doubt have been a little disappointed.
