Santa meets Sinatra as Rick rocks Christmas: TIM DE LISLE reviews Rick Astley’s Swinging Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
As a child of the 80s, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I hear about these iconic acts from my formative years taking the stage once more. The 1980s revival continues to captivate us all, and it was no different at the packed O2 where Culture Club performed last week.
Rick Astley’s Swinging Christmas (Royal Albert Hall, London)
Culture Club (The O2, London)
Originally, the Christmas chart hailed from the 1970s. However, in recent times, the 1980s, as they often do, have staged a comeback.
Initially, The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl were the ones adding a tang of sorrow to the festivities. Now, it’s George Michael who introduces an exquisite sense of melancholy.
His unexpected passing on December 25th, 2016 revitalized the song “Last Christmas.” Reaching the top spot in 2021 and returning to that position this week is a testament to its enduring popularity.
Rick Astley appears to be well-suited for a Christmas anthem. Despite his one attempt with Love This Christmas (2020) falling flat, he instead opts for a holiday tour, blending Santa’s charm with Sinatra’s elegance. If we can’t enjoy traditional favorites during this season, when else is the right time?
Rick possesses all the necessary qualities – charm, charisma, style, and impeccable timing. With ease, he can breathe new life into stale content simply by subtly adjusting his pace. If fate had taken a different turn, he could’ve easily made a name for himself as an outstanding lounge singer on a luxury cruise ship.
When the music tempo decreases, he reaches peak performance. His renditions of “As Time Goes By” and “When I Fall in Love” are so delightful that they seem fit for a double A-side release…perhaps for the next holiday season.
The resurgence of the 80s era persists at a bustling O2 venue. Heaven 17, earning four stars, ignite the stage with Temptation, and Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, rated three stars, stirs emotions with True. However, this performance is all about Boy George from Culture Club, who takes center stage.
Back in 1981, I chanced upon George at a lively London nightspot, long before his fame exploded. As a vibrant 20-year-old, there was something undeniably alluring about him, a blend of exotic mystique and cuddly charm that had people drawn to him like moths to a flame. His charisma was infectious, and laughter seemed to follow him wherever he went.
At 63 he still is. In a parallel life he’d be Graham Norton.
In this instance, he chooses an unfortunate move – opting to play the entirety of Culture Club’s first two albums. Many of these songs have faded into obscurity due to their lack of enduring appeal. However, playing “Karma Chameleon” in this context makes it stand out even more radiantly, while the other tracks are performed competently.
The design is bright and vibrant, the video full of energy, the costumes adorably outlandish. And George’s dialogue is delightful. He’s similar to Adele but in reverse: you can’t help but hope he doesn’t stop talking.
He loves his anecdotes and aphorisms. ‘Repetition,’ he declares, ‘is the backbone of genius.’
Introducing Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, he remembers Virgin Records wanting to release it. ‘I said, “Are you crazy? It’s too slow, too personal.” But it was the truth.’ And it made his career.
‘It’s not the truth now,’ he adds, ‘but I can pretend.’
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2024-12-22 03:53