James Blunt Live Review @ Apollo (Manchester)

James Blunt Live Review @ Apollo (Manchester)James Blunt Live Review @ Apollo (Manchester)James Blunt Live Review @ Apollo (Manchester)James Blunt Live Review @ Apollo (Manchester)

Photos:Elly Roberts

Live Review

Flushed with recent successes - a triumphant show at LA's House of Blues, two Brits, the single You're Beautiful at 1 in the USA Billboard Hot 100 and album at 5 in the Billboard Hot 200, the unstoppable James Blunt juggernaut stormed into Manchester.

The ex-army captain's life has been bedlam in the past 12 months, as he sets out to conquer the world; right now he's hot property. In sharp contrast to his support for Katie Melua in Liverpool two years ago, pop's new heart throb has come a long way in a short time. His new found fame has boosted his confidence, to the extent he's dramatically sharpened and beefed up his live performance. Previously, his lack-lustre stage persona was compensated for by his achingly beautiful songs. Now it's an 'up and at 'em' approach. Predictably, he was greeted by hysterical scenes from youngsters to mums and dads. Flying out of the wings, he paraded stage front with acoustic guitar in tow. Breathe, a new song went virtually unnoticed due to screams and whistles echoing the third sold out night at the Apollo. It was a totally unexpected 'attack' from the humble man of pop, but it had the desired effect. He soon took up a familiar stance behind the mic, for what would be virtually the same setlist he's used for the past five months. Nevertheless, he had his adoring fans in the palm of his hand from the outset, and kept it that way for an hour and fifteen minutes: one album and a small clutch of new songs is all he has right now. Second song in, he's into 'Back To Bedlam' territory - Billy, High and Cry raise the roof, while mobile phones flash like the paparazzi gone nuts. Stage lights dimmed, the band disappeared into the darkness. He fronted his piano. Three spotlights focused on his solitary figure. He stopped for a breather and said, "I know you've come here for some fun. So I'll play something really miserable," bringing roars of laughter. A heart wrenching Goodbye My Lover got the girls going - this is the effect his music has had on the nation. He pounded the piano so much; it rocked precariously on its platform - a breathtaking moment.

Band re-assembled, he followed with his first cover - a belting version of Slade's Coz I Luv You. Moving to the front again, Blunt egged - on the crowd, setting off the crowd once more. Taking it down, Tears And Rain steadied the pace for bit. New song, I Really Want You, got the crowd listening intently for what might be included on his next album, being recorded in eight months. It's well received. Back for another solo on keys, the chilling No Bravery, arguably his best song, about the atrocities in Kosovo, was complimented by film footage from the Balkans war - a truly show stopping moment as the venue fell deathly silent, mirroring the devastating scenes.

Perking things up on the final lap, proscenium lights, smoke, and coloured lights add a bit of glam, as Blunt delves into Same Mistake, the soon re-released Wisemen and rousing So Long, Jimmy.

A rowdy standing ovation ensued, but there was time for a little more. Newly penned Where Is My Mind restarts. More confident PR follows - gushing with pride he says, "We've had a great time Manchester - this is for you!" Again, screams and whistles prefix the opening chords of his signature tune; You're Beautiful, which has just re-entered the charts. For almost three minutes the crowd gave it their all.

Creaming every ounce of his final ovation, he left us with, "Thank you for coming Manchester - you're the stars."

Last summer he entered the British consciousness - this night he consolidated it.

Elly Roberts

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