Concert review
G-A-Y club, Astoria, London - 31 July 2005
by Marie

Texas have been around for almost 20 years, and with a string of hits under their belts, I was only too happy to see them perform at G-A-Y for a tenner; and wow was I impressed. I’ve never been a particular fan, but I have to say this was one act I’d gladly see again. Sharleen holds the band together, and this could clearly be seen with the way she strutted on stage with a laid-back air of confidence and ease.
The crowd went wild as she belted out “Black Eyed Boy”; the bands first song for the night. She entertained the audience as she introduced herself and her band mates, made jokes between songs and showed everyone what a down to earth star she really is.
Unlike most of the acts that I’ve seen perform at G-A-Y, Texas seemed genuinely chuffed to be there. Sharleen had a constant smile on her face, and was giving it all she could throughout with her amazing vocal and musician skills. One fan held a sign that read “show us your tits”, which she pulled out with a cheeky grin on her face and had a laugh about as the crowd cheered; she took it all in good jest and said how happy she was to be playing at the venue.
Performing “Say what you want” was a favourite for me as she moved around the stage with pure energy, and everyone soon became putty in her hands singing along and shouting for more. Their new song “Getaway” was a big hit, providing a good rhythm and a poppy beat with chilled out vocals, alike the hits Texas are known and loved for.
After twenty minutes or so, (the gigs are usually short-lived at G-A-Y), Sharleen announced she was due to leave, but as the crowd yelled for more, she performed “Halo” and a frenzy was built up by the fans. Sharleen was clearly enjoying the attention, and so she should. When she walked off stage half an hour or so after banter with the audience, and an amazing performance of their last song, “I don’t want a lover” with just as much enthusiasm as their first, the club’s promoter Jeremy gave her a huge bunch of flowers and she said how much she’d enjoyed herself; she was smiling all the way offstage. With a new song and eagerly awaited album, “Red Book”, out in October, I hope Texas will be around for a long time yet.


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