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Pet Shop Boys - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle. |
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Written by Gill McFadden
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27 07 2010 |
 I knew I would be in a rush to get to the concert on time as I was picking a mate up at Durham train station at 7.50; but I did it and got to the gig in time for the Pet Shop Boys, albeit missing the support, Sophie Ellis Bexter. The lady next to me said it was an energetic performance and better than she thought she would be. Make of that what you will. The Pet Shop Boys, however, were definitely not disappointing. They
appeared on stage through a neon lit entrance, flashing lights and two
dancers with square colored boxes on their heads, brilliantly
reflecting the Pandemonium album cover.
Tennant and Lowe were not
wearing any of their past camp costumes; in fact Tennant was all in
black with hat and sunglasses, Lowe behind a neon box comprising of his
electronic gear - the box changed colour to the music he played. Very
cool.
The first song, Heart, got everyone clapping and singing along, and the
band subsequently cherry picked the set from their vast array of back
catalogue including Suburbia, Always On My Mind, It's A Sin, Go West
and many more. I personally loved What I Have Done To Deserve This, as Dusty
Springfield appeared on the large screen behind Tennant singing her
part. It was weird and at the same time wonderful, but the crowd
lapped it up. I have to mention the laugh we had at the two guys at the
back of the crowd who are danced all night, great comedic value!
The four dancers were fantastic and complimented Tennant and Lowe's
lack of movement on stage, bringing some theatrical performance as well
as excellent interpretation of dance robotic and gymnastic dance to
their music. Lowe did have a costume change later in the show,
reappearing in a diamante jacket and a feather hat in bright green
which looked like a piece of overgrown turf. I'm told he has a thing
for feathers. Tennant donned a black feather hat which was rather
fetching, then a crown and cloak later on.
As the show wound down the Pet Shop Boys finished with the song that
made number one in nine countries and sold an estimated 1.5 million
copies worldwide, West End Girls. Indeed West End was the name of the
band originally because of their love for that part of London, but they
changed it when one of their mates went to work in a Pet Shop in
Ealing. As West End Girls came to an end, two massive glitter cannons
fired glitter into the crowd alongside lots of strobe lighting flashes.
It was a great show.
The intelligent pop duo never seem to go out of fashion with their
original style of pop, house and techno music; and if you're a fan their website is certainly worth a view as it gives a snapshot of
the Pandemonium video, giving a real feel of the show. All in all it
was a great night; they are truly showmen in their own right.
http://www.petshopboys.co.uk/
P.S After the show I was told by a lady who knows the dresser for the lads
that Neil likes a glass of Champagne and Chris enjoys a beer or two
after the show, which they often drink with the performers and crew.
Well deserved too. |
