REVIEW: EXAMPLE AT THE GREAT HALL, CARDIFF (08/12/11)
2011 has simply been a triumphant year for Eliot Gleave, otherwise known as Example. ‘Playing in the Shadows’, the third album of the Fulham rapper stormed the album charts and reached number one. The first single from the album, ‘Changed the way you kissed me’ also reached top of the charts back in March this year and could be considered as this summer’s biggest hit.
Example is no stranger to Cardiff, previously performing in the Cardiff International Arena with Lily Allen back in December 2009 and headlining the Millennium Music Hall just before the release of their album in may last year. The queue that wrapped around Cardiff’s Great Hall is an obvious indication of how far Example has come in such a small amount of time. The streets were filled with an incredible amount of young fans, desperate to get in the venue and scatter to the front barriers.
Filled with hip hop and dubstep, trio Asteroid Boys opened the show. Tearing up the stage with gallons of youthful attitude and talent the band who originate from Newport, just outside of Cardiff had the young crowd in the palms of their hands. , the only disappointing factor was the venue was half empty due to the fact half the crowd were still queuing to get in.
With energy levels set high, thanks to the DJ performing in between artists, Fenech Soler made a blazing entrance and got the crowd in the party spirit. Fans of the Northamptonshire based electro pop outfit showed their support with a number of signs being held up to catch their attention.. Performing a cut but dominate set, front man and focus Ben Duffy’s seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm are lapped up by the up-for-it crowd.
As the lights go down and anticipation at its all time high, spine chilling screams fill the great hall for the man making his way to the stage. The crowd explode for the opening numbers ‘Skies don’t lie’ and ‘won’t go quietly’. The set was packed with an atmospheric party feel, adapting his hits to a more rave/dub step show feeling. Example’s performance was not shy of energy or confidence and his interaction with the crowd is what separates him from other live performers, persistently encouraging the crowd to jump along with him. Performing a set that consisted of songs from all previous albums, there was a song for everyone to enjoy at this show.
Before leaving the stage for a brief encore, Example hit out crowd pleaser and chart topper ‘kick starts’, before returning to the stage to conclude the show with the summer banger ‘Changed the way you kissed me’ which left the sold out Great Hall all on their feet singing carelessly.
Tickets buyers left the venue you with a value for money smile on their face and the Fulham rapper deserves nothing but praise for this performance. With a new album already in the process of getting written there are only bigger things coming for Example in the not so distant future.
Words and photos: Mike Lewis
