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by Ralph I have been a life long Texas fan, well maybe not lifelong bearing in mind that I am 41 years of age but this was the concert that I have been waiting to see since the bands last real UK outing at "T in the Park" in 2001. That wet muddy day in 2001 was brightened up when Sharleen and the guys stepped onto the stage and the sun came out, but, this was different, this was an indoor all seating arena that seats maybe 2000 people. I have been to a couple of gigs at this venue so knew the seat I wanted, Tier 1 seat A1, A2, A3 or A4 and as can be seen from my ticket I got what I wanted. Got there far too early and got seated in plenty of time to see Robert Post go through his repertoire. Good musician with a good voice and some good songs but I was only there to see one act. The lights went down and at about 9pm the unmistakable twangs of the guitar intro to "I don't want a lover" filled the air, that intro must be one of the most recognisable and amazing intros ever written and it sent a shiver down my spine. The lights start to come up and the stage is filled with blue light as the drum beat begins. Ally changes guitar and the woman with the angels voice stepped forward and disappoints us all by telling us that she doesn't want a lover !!!! By this time, everyone in the stalls are on their feet as Sharleen belts it out. I did not make a note of the set list, I was too busy sitting with my eyes fixed on the stage and the biggest smile you have ever seen on my face for the rest of the 1 ½ hours that this remarkable lady and her very talented band entertained us. Ms Spiteri is a "born performer", she is up there with the best of our time. She is a natural on stage and oozed confidence but did not come across as cocky or big headed as so many so called "artists" do these days. It was fantastic to hear that familiar west coast accent which reminded me of my younger days spent, as were Sharleens, on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. She engaged in some banter with members of the audience responding to the "Jaffa Cake" issue and the fact that someone had seen her somewhere with a fish supper in her hand. The songs came belting out, I Don't Want a Lover, Halo, Can't Resist, Black Eyed Boy, Get down Tonight. In Our Lifetime, when we are Together, Getaway etc etc Tony and Sharleen performed a fantastic rendition of "sleep" before Sharleen began to extract the Michael from Michael about his love life . For me there was one song that stood out head and shoulders above the rest, if that's possible, but for this song I would give her performance 12 out of 10 and in my opinion should without doubt be released as a single. She sat at the piano and performed, "Nevermind", it was simply amazing. Two encores and a standing ovation ended the evening all too soon, I could watch Texas perform endlessly and am counting the days to the release of Red Book My only concern at this stage is that it will be another 4 years until they do another tour or that Sharleen changes tack and decides to pursue an acting career. Whatever they decide I wish them the very best of luck in all that they do and thank them for making this 41 year old so happy with their music for the last 20 years or so. |