REVIEW: ERASURE AT WESTONBIRT ABORETUM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE (18/06/11)
We arrived at Westonbirt Arboretum under very dark skies on Saturday night with high expectations. We have been fans of Erasure since the very beginning and been to most of their concerts, so we knew we would not be disappointed. We were treated to a great support act, Sophie Ellis Baxter who did her very best to win the battle to warm the crowd up with the now increasingly heavy rain shower that had ensued. With the crowd now in a great way, suddenly the forever very flamboyant Andy Bell and the cool, collected Vince Clark appeared on stage and although by this time, the thunder, lighting and hail storm had taken over somewhat, it was almost seen as a heavenly triumphant entrance for one of the best bands on the scene. The crowd soaked through by now, danced and sang along excitedly as Andy Bell belted out all the favourites, “Sometimes”, “Chains of love”, “Ship of Fools”, “Drama”, and the list goes on. The only quiet moment of the concert came with the new song ‘“Save me” which given time, this song will receive the same enthusiastic reception as the rest of their work. Normal service was resumed with another favourite Blue Savannah and once again the arena erupted into song and dance and kept great company with Andy and Vince. Andy entertained the crowd brilliantly with his outrageous comments, some risqué dancing and his timeless classics and together with the backing singers, the set and rest of the band it was altogether brilliant. So despite the awful weather, we were once again reminded why Erasure are one of our favourite groups and that Andy and Vince are still able to deliver a great performance and keep their forever loyal fans very happy.
Words and photo: Allan Reeve
