Drake, Resorts World Arena, Birmingham - review
It was an epic whirlwind of hits, smartly played out to a majestically-designed stage spectacle.
So, when Drake stopped in Birmingham for his first of three nights in the city, he brought a show which rivalled all others.
His Assassination Vacation tour has been clouded in controversy after the pricey tickets failed to sell out. But within seconds of Champagne Papi strolling onto to his pitch-black stage to a ricochet of howling, it was clear where the cash had gone.
Despite the bizarrely out-of-place Austin Powers theme tune kicking of the gig, the night was a technical marvel for the senses. Crazy special effects saw mesh veils fall to the floor projecting serene swaying palm trees as Drizzy hurled himself into the middle for openers including Mob Ties and Started from the Bottom.
The Canadian-born rapper’s stamina was impressive throughout the almost two-hour set, bouncing uncontrollably with such force from one end of the mammoth stage to the other, barely pausing to gasp air.
His energy was electric, matched by the visually-impressive screen beneath his feet which relentlessly transformed into everything from a basketball court to a swimming pool.
And it seemed he was enjoying it just as much as his army of fans who sprung in and out of the air among a sea of illuminated mobile phones as the rapper split the crowd and played them off each other in repeated sing-offs.
The 32-year-old said: “This crowd right here is the type of crowd I lIve for. We’ve got a special group of people here tonight. It always feels like me and all our friends and family going crazy, it’s our show.”
A flying Ferrari glided over the heads of the thousands at Birmingham's Resorts World Arena, while a surprise appearance from UK grime artist Giggs sent the musical mob into pandemonium. The crowd then went wild when Drake called on his fans to “open the circles” as he delved into his catalogue of hits.
The rapper’s troupe of six female dancers also brought a touch of glamour to the gig with their seductive acrobatics before a nostalgic video montage of Drake’s musical journey hit the screens.
As he closed with iconic God’s Plan, he preached to his legion of fans before promising a new album next year.
The superstar said: “I really do feel on nights like this I have the best job in the world. Nights like this remind me how much I like being out here.
“I will see you next year with some new music, and a new party.”
