GIG REVIEW: Amy Winehouse
- Posted on November 27, 2007 5:43 PM
- 6 comments
Amy Winehouse
Brixton Academy
23rd November 2007
Review by Katie Spain
I wasn't meant to see Amy Winehouse on Friday but through a strange circle of events, three tickets landed in my hands and I found myself spiralling in a tipsy whirlwind towards Brixton Academy. We actually spent so much time oiling the creaky joints that we very nearly didn't make it. Luckily Amy very rarely starts on time... the place was packed when we arrived but there was no sign of the troubled Jazz star.
Will she show up? Will she hold it together? Where the hell should we sit? The questions ran thick, fast and hazy through the South London air.
As luck would have it, the best gigs are very often the ones you don't plan. The gigs that pop up without warning are often the best. Especially when you missed out on tickets months before. We missed the support act but after waiting hours in the Dublin Castle for the 'Winehouse arrival' my bladder and I weren't too worried. Amy showed up and sealed it beyond reason - she is a first class performer due a spot in musical history.
Miss Winehouse's problems are no secret these days; Booze, drugs, a husband in the locker and battles with her weight. She's ‘papped’ when she least expects it, hounded when she says what she thinks and frowned upon when she flicks the finger at the intruding vultures.
But that's fame right? In this country it is... and there's only so much sympathising we can do with people who make cash from public interest. It's tough, but somebody’s got to do it. The one thing many critics seem to forget is that many musicians, actors and artistic talent have a problem with alcohol, drugs, body image and their mind. It's part of the package - for some it's more public than others.
An Amy experience isn't complete without:
A drink - check.
A beehive - check.
A slight wobble - check.
Brass backup - check.
A customary look of: 'I don't know what I'm doing here but I'm going to sing my heart out' - check.
Rising above the tearful, drunken Birmingham performance that kicked off her UK tour was a tall order. You know what, she did just that.
Donned in a little white polka-dotted number, she took us on a Soul drenched journey through ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’, ‘You Know I’m No Good’ and ‘Back To Black’. A moving rendition of ‘Wake Up Alone’ was dedicated to husband Blake.
Drinks were downed but staggering certainly wasn't part of the show. We sat mesmerised as Amy pranced about in a world of her own. It's not a world I'd like to be in right now but for a few rare hours, she made us part of it. The crowd wrapped their arms and cheers around the enchanting figure on stage and greeted the encore of ‘Valerie’ with adoration.
Above it all, there's a sense of vulnerability about Amy Winehouse. For every critic, she has a handful of adoring fans. The reason you ask? She's unique - and like her or not, she has one hell of a voice. As I write this, news of the cancellation of Amy's upcoming gigs has just hit my desk. She has cancelled all remaining live and promotional appearances for the remainder of the year on the instruction of her doctor.
Amy says - “I can’t give it my all onstage without my Blake. I’m so sorry but I don’t want to do the shows half-heartedly; I love singing. My husband is everything to me and without him it’s just not the same.”
Let's hope she's back on track soon. This is one fiery little flame the music world would be worse off without.
Were you there? Did Amy float your boat? Will you miss out on one of her cancelled gigs? Leave your reviews and messages in the comments section.
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Comments (6)
Bentley
This is my comment the comment`s people have writen are full of shit pretending they like her then putting her down wat the fuck make your mind up i love her music and i actualy love her to bit`s she dose remind me about me i love me and i love her though she
dont know me we live realy close to each other and yes i have seen her about yet still im not star struc so i go about my business how ever still dont put her down love her like you love her music full stop finish.
Posted on December 30, 2007 2:22 AM
swela
Lady Blue, one day the storm will pass. Some just feel it more.
Bless up, full respect, u have touched the world.
Posted on February 11, 2008 9:27 PM
susy
I totally admire Amy I think she is a lovely person and she has touched my heart with her uniqueness and singing. I havent managed to see her yet but my friends have raved about the concerts hey attended, I will def go when she starts concerts. Good for you Amy your a star. God belss.
Posted on February 29, 2008 9:11 PM
Fujan Parsa
I absolutely love amy, she's the greatest musician ever to have walked the face of the earth and there will never be anyone better than her, I just adore her!!
I was at this gig, standing in the very front and it was magical, she touched even the people standing in the very back,she's unique and just amazing!!
no matter what people say she's a strong person and she'll get through everyhting, she'll be just fine....there's no one out there like her!!
love u foreva amy, you're the best
Posted on April 12, 2008 9:29 AM
Rebecca
OMG was this concert on in Dublin Castle or did you just mention it !!!!
Posted on May 10, 2008 11:31 AM
geri maguire
she's unique and just amazing!! no matter what people say she's a strong person and she'll get through everyhting, she'll be just fine....there's no one out there like her!! love u foreva amy, you're the best
Posted on July 23, 2008 9:25 PM
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