Our guest music blogger Verity Vincent had the pleasure of catching Adele at London’s O2 Arena last week, find out what really happens at an Adele concert right here…
As Adele rose from beneath her stage in the centre of London’s O2 Arena, the tingling introduction to Hello ensued and her voice filled the room. With the opening lyric, there was never going to be any other way for her to kick off a show. And what a show it was.
Skipping through her back catalogue with Hometown Glory, Rumour Has It and Skyfall, her newest offerings from the album 25 were cleverly placed amongst the old favourites. With the ribbon of light around the stage, it almost felt like you could’ve been at a 1950’s bandstand event.
It has been overly documented how Adele is one of few with the ability to make a venue of thousands feel like she’s performing for you in your living room, but it’s true. Her simultaneous vulnerability and utter control make you relaxed and excited all at once.
If you frequent social media channels then you may have seen a circulating meme asking “What actually happens at an Adele gig? Do people just stand around together and cry, then go home?” Well, 10% of that may be right. There were no elaborate stage sets, no costume changes or flashing lasers. What an Adele gig offers, is personality, insane vocals, a roller coaster of emotions (there is a high possibility of sporadic outbursts of tears) and pure class… minus the profanities, but that somehow adds to her vast charm.
As Adele returned to the second stage near the centre of the venue for Someone Like You, walls of iridescent fabric descended around her, creating an incredible backdrop for the video feed and if that wasn’t a show stopper, we were about to see one! As the fabric drifted away, raindrops cascaded from the ceiling as she launched into ‘Set Fire to the Rain’.
After announcing that she was headlining Glastonbury, Adele addressed the subject that some feel her music is “too boring” for a festival atmosphere. Her answer to this? “I ain’t fucking boring!” No, she ain’t! I think many have a preconceived notion that Adele sings ballads and that’s all you get, but her shows are so much more. Talking to her fans about life, loves, her son, funny anecdotes, taking the time out for those all important selfies and bringing young fans onto her stage; it’s a whole package of entertainment, wrapped up in her infectious cackle.
Ending on an up-beat note with Rolling in the Deep confetti filled the air – which upon closer inspection had been personalised with song lyrics and notes of thanks. A nice touch and a perfect way to end such a personable evening with 20,000 people.