Although green-fingered Kim Wilde has been quite quiet and not a regular on the touring scene over the last few years, she has still got a reputation for giving great performances. So here she is supporting her new album ‘Closer’, which has been a big success with several singles having big air play on radio stations, and together with songs from her legendary album ‘Close’, made up of most if her setlist tonight. She showed that she has a lot of fans new and old as there wasn’t many tickets left, and when she takes to the stage, they let her know that they have waited too long for this, loudly.

At first, I thought that she looked a little nervous, but that soon went, as she stormed straight into three tracks from ‘Close’, and everyone was on their feet straight away. Unusual in the foreboding surroundings, before being told by Kim Wilde to have a sit down for a rest because you won’t get a chance later, and they didn’t. Lots of hits were rolled out as you would want and expect. Highlights for me were ‘Cambodia’, ‘Water on Glass’, ‘You Came’, ‘View From A Bridge’, ‘Chequered Love’, a storming version of ‘You Keep Me Hangin’ On’, before leaving the stage, and for an encore ‘Scorpio’ from the new album. And of course, finishing with ‘Kids In America’. What an excellent night of top quality new stuff and classic Eighties music.

Just a mention of her superb band, which includes her sibling, Ricky, a superb musician, writer and producer, plus her niece, Scarlett, with whom she sang a duet, ‘Hourglass Human’ for the first time. It was a true family affair, but with thousands of gate crashers.

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe