Last week, the legendary George Michael took to the stage at The Royal Albert Hall, for the London leg of his 48-date tour across Europe. The setting was perfect for George's latest jazzy offering and the crowd relaxed back to enjoy his smooth vocals.
The tour is entitled Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour - an obvious sign of what to expect on stage i.e. not Wham. And there was no denying that from the moment George starts singing we were hooked by his voice.
The 48-year-old singer began the Symphonica tour earlier this summer and despite going through a tough break up from his long-term partner, Kenny, he has continued to dazzle fans at every show. The London dates featured a thoughtful dedication to Kenny, which George announced himself. “I realised the other day that the next four or five songs are marking the end of my relationship. This one’s for Kenny,” he said humbly. ‘I had a picture in my soul, somewhere we could hang out when we’re old,’ the lyrics read.
Although the 41-piece orchestra was undoubtedly splendid and George’s voice unfailing, the highlights were definitely the more well-known hits. Cowboys and Angels got a huge cheer as it started up, as did a slow-yet-monumental version of Roxanne (“by my friend Sting”). The Amazing/I’m Your Man/Freedom 90 medley after the encore had the entire audience on their feet dancing. The classics definitely got the biggest reaction – I think the audience would have liked to have seen more of them.
But the real moment that blew the entire hall away was George’s beautiful tribute to Amy Winehouse. His haunting vocals over Love Is A Losing Game fitted perfectly with pretty pictures of “the late, great Amy Winehouse” in the background. He sang with conviction, and the performance was stunning.
There’s no doubt Mr Michael still has what it takes to put on a spectacular. But we’d love to see more of the hits next time too.
Set list:
Through My Baby Just Cares For Me Idol Cowboys & Angels True Faith Going To A Town Let Her Down Easy You Have Been Loved Wild Is The Wind Brother Can You Spare A Dime Patience John & Elvis Roxanne Song To The Siren A Different Corner Where I Hope You Are You’ve Changed Kissing a Fool Love Is A Losing Game Russian Roulette Praying For Time Feeling Good Amazing/I’m Your Man/Freedom I Remember You Free
