Marc Almond, Birmingham Symphony Hall - review
He’s a walking miracle having survived a near-fatal motorbike crash, almost being thrown to his death from a sixth-storey balcony – and even dodging a falling neon light as he walked through Soho.
Yet 60-year-old Soft Cell icon Marc Almond remains the most passionate, electric performer I have ever seen live - with a vocal range and strength that could rival even the greatest of singers.
Strolling out onto the Symphony Hall stage before a packed-out crowd, the star was dressed all in black donning a pair of shades as he kicked-off his two-hour set with the title track of his latest album Shadows and Reflections.
Though admittedly I did not like all the songs the star chose to sing, he and his band’s performances were nothing short of stunning throughout the evening.
“I got to record some of my favourite songs for this latest album,” beamed Marc.
“And now I get to play fantastic places like the Symphony Hall - I’m so lucky.”
There were many standout moments over the course of the night - and in the first half, among the top moments was without doubt Marc’s tremendous rendition of David McWilliams’ Days Of Pearly Spencer. Backed by his excellent band, complete with small brass and string sections, Marc exuded great energy and sang beautifully, as the violins and drums gave the song a multi-dimensional Celtic feel.
Marc is the only live performer I’ve ever witnessed actually pour his heart and soul into each and every song he sings; almost acting out the words with his flamboyant, expressive demeanor.
Another highlight was Marc’s incredible performance of David Bowie’s 1967 song London Boys, which further displayed the icon’s talent, having one of the few voices which is able to encapsulate the sound and feeling of Bowie.
“When I did this song, David sent me a nice message saying he loved my version and that is was actually better than his,” added Marc.
“That’s not true of course, but it was sweet I thought.”
Marc also treated the crowd to an amazing performance of Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart, which the star famously sang alongside legendary singer/songwriter Gene Pitney back in the late 80s. The excellent, electric rendition even saw the crowd get involved; filling in gaps left by the star and clapping along to the beat.
A beautiful cover of Dusty Springfield’s I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten followed, before Marc and his five backing singers treated crowds to an incredible, faultless vocal arrangement of 2015 song Scar.
Soft Cell hit Torch also featured, as well as eighties megahit Tainted Love - both of which saw the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along.
Marc ended the sublime show with a gorgeous rendition of 1981 hit Say Hello, Wave Goodbye - giving an excellent ending to a wonderful, varied show.
Marc Almond is an outstanding performer - and I, for one, cannot wait for his return.
