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Texas at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool

Texas at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool. 8 September 2024 – Review

In the realm of pop and rock, few bands have enjoyed the longevity and impact of Texas. After more than three decades filled with chart-topping hits and sold-out tours, the Glaswegian band, led by the charismatic and refreshingly candid Sharleen Spiteri, continues to captivate audiences. Their performance at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena marked a historic 35-year milestone for the band, and Spiteri’s infectious energy set the stage ablaze.

The evening kicked off with a captivating 30-minute opening set from the incredibly talented KT Tunstall, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. It was remarkable to see the arena so packed for a supporting artist, a testament to Tunstall’s popularity and the anticipation surrounding her performance. Joined by the skilled Andy Burrows of Razorlight fame, Tunstall delivered a vibrant mix of her hits alongside a selection of new material, keeping the energy and fun high throughout.

As Tunstall showcased her impressive loop pedal skills, Burrows complemented her performance with a rich tapestry of sounds, seamlessly switching between drums, bass, and acoustic guitar while providing melodic harmonies. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression before the main act took the stage.

As the iconic spoken word excerpt from Paris, Texas played, the anticipation in the arena intensified. The massive stage curtain dropped to reveal a stunning backdrop of a Texas canyon, and the unmistakable guitar intro of their 1989 breakthrough hit, “I Don’t Want A Lover,” filled the air. Dressed in a sparkling black suit, Spiteri emerged, delivering a powerful performance that immediately engaged the crowd.

“Do you like my sparkly suit?” she playfully asked after a mesmerising rendition of “Halo,” before emphasising the evening’s goal: “We’ve got 35 years of music to get through.” The setlist was a delightful journey through their extensive discography, with two hours of music from their impressive catalogue. For fans, every note resonated with nostalgia, and the emotional connection was palpable.

The evening featured a perfect blend of classic hits and more recent tracks, including “Mr Haze” and “Hi” from their tenth studio album. The band also showcased their versatility with a stunning cover of Al Green’s “Tired of Being Alone,” and Spiteri’s vocal prowess shone in the solo rendition of “Put Your Arms Around Me,” a rare treat that left the audience in awe. The spotlight also fell on guitarist Tony McGovern during an intimate acoustic duet of “Sleep,” highlighting the band’s collaborative spirit.

Spiteri’s anecdotes about the band’s journey, including a humorous encounter with The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins, added a personal touch to the performance. Her playful banter with the audience had them laughing and cheering, especially when she challenged McGovern to a guitar-picking demonstration, which he ultimately failed.

In a delightful blend of humour and relatability, Spiteri captivated her audience with a charming anecdote about her daughter’s birthday party happening that very evening. She humorously recounted the all-too-familiar struggle of parenting, revealing that despite her daughter’s best intentions for a thorough clean-up, it would no doubt all fall to her. She went on to describe how she would spend the next two days cleaning everything her daughter missed, which was most of it. Laughter rippled through the crowd, many of whom could relate to her predicament. Spiteri’s use of expletives added an extra layer of hilarity to her storytelling, transforming a simple tale of domestic chaos into a comedic masterpiece that resonated deeply with her listeners.

The atmosphere was electric as the crowd erupted into song, belting out upbeat classics like “When We Are Together,” “Black Eyed Boy,” and “Summer Son,” each note ringing out in perfect time with Spiteri who never dropped a note. As the concert approached its finale, the anticipation for the encore reached a fever pitch. Spiteri departed the stage only to make a triumphant return clad in the iconic leather suit from their “Inner Smile” video—a remarkable moment for two reasons.

First, the arena was sweltering, with damp hair and flushed faces all around, so how Spiteri continued to dance and bound around was beyond me. And second, it had been over two decades since she first donned the suit in 2001. Spiteri expressed her delight that it still fit, a reminder of the passage of time since I last saw the band. The suit, a tribute to her self-proclaimed obsession with Elvis, served as the perfect outfit for a captivating rendition of “Suspicious Minds.” The red lights spelling out “Texas” on the backdrop echoed the spirit of Presley himself.

As the concert reached its climax, Spiteri delivered a fiery performance of “Inner Smile,” even climbing on the speakers at the side of the stage to channel the King with a few of his signature moves.

Throughout the night, Spiteri’s candidness and down-to-earth personality shone, as she peppered her set with humorous expletives, one of which confirmed that she never wears makeup. Her authenticity and incredible vocal talent have solidified her status as a true performer. She does not rely on flashy theatrics but instead captivates her audience with her voice and presence, reminding everyone that sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate brilliance.

The evening was a remarkable celebration of Texas’s enduring legacy. The concert was a heartfelt homage to 35 years of music, truly memorable, one I will never forget.

 

 

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