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As one of the best songwriters of modern times, the Gary Barlow Songbook tour, sounded like a fun night out. So, we visited the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax well prepared for some arms in the air singalongs to some of the best pop songs of the last 3 decades.
With the insanely talented Beverley Knight supporting – a woman who could headline this venue on her own – the night began with a set of classic, soulful songs delivered with incredible energy in the beautiful sun-drenched courtyard. Her demeanour and personality ensured the show got off to a flying start with her own hits like ‘Shoulda, Woulda Coulda’ and ‘Greatest Day’ sitting alongside stunning covers of ‘Piece of my Heart’ and ‘I’m Every Woman’.
If they’ve not already asked her, the Piece Hall should have her name towards the top of the list for a show of her own next year.
As the huge band backing Gary Barlow takes the stage, the audience – who are made up of the exact demographic you’d imagine it to be – go wild. He came on stage to a rapturous welcome and took his seat at his piano for Open Road.
The first part of the show was predominantly a big band/swing themed affair and honestly, came across a little cheesy in parts. It didn’t do the songs like ‘Sure’ and ‘Everything Changes’ the justice they deserve, but thankfully by the time he played ‘A Million Love Songs’ – and played it straight – he was back on track and everything that followed made for an epic show.
His self-deprecating humour has always been an enduring feature of his and was fully on show as he replicated the ‘Pray’ dance routine with tongue firmly in cheek, and admitted it gets harder every bloody year.
With sections of songs grouped together by instruments they were written on, such as ‘The Flood’ and ‘Reach Out’ being focused on the guitar and ‘Forever Love’ and a few others around the piano he showed he good an entertainer he is – but then came the 5 –song run in that Halifax will never forget.
With 4 of the best Take That songs and the brilliant ‘Relight My Fire’ it was one of the most glorious endings to a show that you could possibly imagine. ‘Shine’ is a pure banger that got everyone bouncing, ‘Back for Good’ got them arm in arm with loved ones, ‘Rule the World’ had them all holding their phones in the air which created such an incredible spectacle in the stunning Grade 1 listed Piece Hall – and then finally ‘Never Forget’ had them all clapping along to close out an emotional night.
With his former bandmate Robbie playing in Manchester, it was a great night for Take That fans whichever one they chose. The ones that chose Gary certainly had a great time.
Check out The Piece Hall for their full list of shows running until the end of August – there’s definitely something for everyone in a packed summer.
