Justin Timberlake, Arena Birmingham - review
Pop superstar Justin Timberlake brought Sexy Back to Birmingham with a tremendous show filled with song, dance and light displays for thousands of his adoring fans.
The whole set was a sight to behold, with dancers and vocalists appearing through the floor via lifts, huge screens floating above the platform, lasers firing out over the crowd, grass blades shooting through the stage, and even a campfire singing session.
His intricately planned two-hour city centre gig also made sure no fan was left without a good view of the icon, thanks to a unique platform which wound like a tree-lined path from the stage to three quarters of the way through the crowd.
“Birmingham, what’s up?” beamed Justin.
“Welcome to the Man Of The Woods Tour.
“I hope you came here to dance tonight.”
Fans of all ages looked on with delight; singing, moving and clapping along to the hit-filled set at the packed-out Arena Birmingham, as the former NSYNC star treated the crowd to an array of favourites from his highly successful solo career, including LoveStoned, SexyBack, Señorita, My Love, and Mirrors.
A top moment was Justin’s performance of Cry Me A River, which saw the 37 year old wander down the winding platform - now filled with smoke - through the crowd, as he showed off his trademark high-pitched range wonderfully.
Justin thrilled the audience with outstanding, seamless moves throughout, joined by a six-strong troupe of talented backing dancers whose choreography was faultless.
And though he had so many great performers to hand, a highlight of the show saw the Tennessee-born star dance alone with just a fluorescent mic stand beneath an array of spectacular spotlights.
His band The Tennessee Kids also impressed, boasting four brilliant backing singers and an array of talented musicians on brass, percussion, drums and guitar.
“It’s a pleasure to be back in England,” added Justin.
“This is my home away from home. I love being here.
“So much of my solo career started in the UK. I want all of you to know how grateful I am.
“I love that you came out tonight.”
Say Something, Rock Your Body, Like I Love You and finally Can’t Stop The Feeling followed, before the dynamic show drew to a close.
Justin, who took the time on several occasions to shake hands with his adoring fans beneath the stage, seemed as happy to be in Birmingham last night as his thousands of followers.
What Goes Around Comes Around... We can only hope he comes around again sometime soon.
