Concert review: Beverley Knight at Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Homegrown diva Beverley Knight lit up the crowd in her latest visit back to Wolverhampton.
Beverley Knight
Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Homegrown diva Beverley Knight lit up the crowd in her latest visit back to Wolverhampton.
The Penn-born soul queen emerged to a booming and emotional reception at the Civic Hall last night.
With the likes of Wolves legend Steve Bull and current Molineux favourite Karl Henry in attendance, Knight rolled off a lively and animated performance in front of an enthused audience.
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Sporting the badge of her hometown football team on her wrist – which survived three wardrobe changes during the show – the performer showed off the skills that made her a star.
An MBE may remain the pinnacle of her career so far but the 38-year-old was also given another honour before last night's concert when a bus was named after her.
National Express West Midlands and Centro unveiled a single-decker bearing her name outside of the Civic before the show.
In a competition to name eight of its new buses, Beverley was voted the city's most popular music icon by residents.
"When I was told about it I thought 'that's nice' but then I have seen it I am so chuffed," she said.
"I used to ride them a lot when I was younger. It was the 512 from my home in Penn to town so I know them really well. I'm just thrilled."
Last night's offering was a mix of her hits and covers from a range of musical styles, including some left-field choices. A new take on Jamiroquai's Manifest Destiny put a different spin on an underground favourite while Always and Forever – first done by Heatwave back in 1977 – was something really special.
That had followed on from an acoustic set that highlighted the vocal ability of Knight, with backing singers and a band that added rather than subtracted from the equation.
Her most famous songs were at the forefront as the show reached its crescendo with the likes of Come as You Are, Keep This Fire Burning and the delighted crowd's hot favourite, Shoulda Woulda Coulda.
Review by Craig Birch
