Live Review: Bonnie Tyler – 25th July 2024 – Indigo at the O2, London, UK
4 min read
It was a night of pure, unapologetic 80’s nostalgia last night as we ventured along to the O2 arena for another show in our busy July live event calendar. And at a venue that we haven’t been to in quite a while.
The Indigo at the O2 is a fascinating little performance space, nestled right next to the mammoth O2 Arena and while it plays hosts to many club nights, it also plays hosts to some quite prolific artists for more intimate style events. Over the years we have seen the likes of Ellie Goulding and Belinda Carlisle perform at the venue and last night it was the turn of husky voiced hitmaker, Bonnie Tyler.
Tyler was initially scheduled to perform as support to US crooner Michael Bolton on the same night however the cancellation of his show led Tyler to host her own headlining performance in the North Greenwich venue, much to the delight of fans who were gifted the opportunity to see their idol in a much more up close and personal setting. And there was no loss for Tyler either, having secured the same support slot with Bolton for his rescheduled shows in 2025.
Fans were out in their groups for the icon who was welcomed on stage to a roaring response and dressed sharply in glittering black leggings and white gem encrusted jacket, and the crowd were invested right from the opening introduction and arrival of the star; belting their way through the singers back catalogue with adoration and commitment. It was also a family affair for the Welsh singer who, around performances of early career notables including early number Hide Your Heart or more recent career hits like The Best Is Yet to Come, would shout of to various members of kin or friends that were dotted around the venue.
The night consisted of a mix of Tyler classics and rarities as well as a small handful of notable career spanning numbers – a pure gold rendition of Faster Than the Speed of Night and a trip down memory lane with It’s a Heartache provided two of the highlights within the set for fans.
A few meaningful covers including a performance of Bryan Adams hit Straight From The Heart which Tyler explained is the name of her recent memoir, an opening offering of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Have You Ever Seen The Rain and a memorable run through of Bee Gees ballad To Love Somebody were performed with as much heart as if each were her very own hits. A punchy cover of Tina Turner’s The Best also had the crowd up on their seats nearing the end of the night as the singer paid homage to the late musician.
Before each song Tyler would retell as story from her past or an anecdote would be married to the forthcoming songs unveiling, giving fans a glimpse into the musicians long and spectacular career, transforming the night from being a low-key concert to more of ‘An Audience With…’ style event, telling us about meeting with the likes of Jim Steinman and wanting to move into musical directions similar to Meatloaf in the 80’s and her journey through record labels.
Before an early performance of debut single Lost in France, Tyler would talk about her early beginnings as a local singer at 17 ½ years old while in a band, Bobby Wayne and the Dixies before joining next act Imagination and a chance meeting with Ronnie Scott. Each story was told in candid form and gave the audience insight into the songs delivered and the star herself.
While the crowd remained mostly seated for the show, the mammoth Total Eclipse of the Heart had everyone on their feet, phones in hand and providing the “Turn Around” backing vocals for the singer who dominated the quaint Indigo stage; tearing through the power ballad with pitch perfect precision and the rawness of a true rock legend. It was on this song that you could really hear the power in Tyler’s voice and get a sense that while her voice would often sound like it was failing the singer, it was its distinctive huskiness that leant itself so well to the live performance of the songs the singer gifted the crowd and she was able to manipulate that sound in directions that best suited each song, as she did again on fellow signature hit and closing classic, Holding Out for a Hero.
A stellar show by one of the leading ladies of 80’s power balladry and rock and an absolute legend!
Setlist:
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
Hide Your Heart (KISS cover)
Lost in France
To Love Somebody (Bee Gees cover)
The Best Is Yet to Come
It’s a Heartache
Notes From America
Straight From the Heart (Bryan Adams cover)
When the Lights Go Down
Flat on the Floor (Carrie Underwood cover)
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Faster Than the Speed of Night
The Best
Encore:
Turtle Blues (Big Brother & the Holding Company cover)
Holding Out for a Hero
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
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