Billy Ocean

Just a week after Michael Jackson seems to have sold 10 billion tickets for a never ending stint at the O2 arena and continuous press speculation as to his health to manage that many shows, it was good to actually see an artist who never courts controversy & even took 15 years off away from the business to raise his family. He is also Britain's biggest selling black male artist of all time having sold over 30 million records!! The nearly sold out beautiful City Hall is a wonderful venue for tonight's show.



Billy Ocean who turns sixty years old next year, strolls onto the stage waving to the crowd, dressed in a very smart coloured checked suit with an eleven piece band behind him, including a saxophonist, bongo player & four backing singers including, his daughter Sheree. Opening with the classic 'Love really Hurts Without You', I was surprised to see the audience stayed seated, I must mention the crowd consisted of predominantly middle aged and older ladies outnumbering the men by maybe 10-1. The Hull crowd seemed nervous to get up & dance amongst the all seated floor.

New song 'Can We Go Round Again' a reggae fused with salsa affair with flute winding through the background, whilst ocean plays the guitar, some of the hardcore fans sing the song back to Ocean. Finally Ocean asks the audience to get involved through 'Colour of Love' getting them to sing back to him.

Ocean shouts "Do you want a bit of Red Light?" as the stage is blazoned with bright red light, some ladies in the crowd make a mad dash to the front of the stage which starts a mini stampede of women chasing after them. The more enthusiastic fans make a grab for him gaining kisses & affection from Ocean as he leans down to them, whilst still maintaining his brilliant voice throughout. After 'Red Light' he seems to spend an eternity kissing fans and chatting to them like a mid show meet and greet. Ocean clearly enjoys being a singer, and the adulation that brings.

I was surprised when Ocean started singing 'The Long And Winding Road' as I don't particularly like this song, having heard so many poor cover versions in the past, however Ocean puts a new reggae slant to it and with his brilliant voice booming over the PA certainly makes for a more enjoyable version.



The party atmosphere continues with a hit laden back end to the show including 'Suddenly', 'Get Into My Car', and 'The Going Gets Tough', just a quick 30 second break and Ocean returns for a finale comprising of 'Love Lifts Us Up', and the brilliant 'Caribbean Queen'.

Whilst older pop stars seem to let themselves go and just perform as they need the money, Ocean's performance was an absolute joy to watch, his passion, his voice & sheer happy infectious enthusiasm through a near two hour show of pure joy. I don't think I heard one bad word from anyone after the show or any sign of disappointment, just a lot of very happy people.

If you want a good night out with some excellent entertainment, I don't think you can go wrong with a Billy Ocean gig.



Set list:
Love Really Hurts
L.O.D
Can We Go Round Again
Nights
Mystery Lady
Question
Colour of Love
Red Light
Love Zone
Love is Forever
Long And Winding Road
Stay The Night
Sad Song
Suddenly
Lover Boy
Get Into My Car
Going Gets Tough
Love Lifts Us Up
Caribbean Queen

FUTURE GIGS