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When global pop superstar Ellie Goulding announced a tour supporting her fifth studio album released earlier in the year I was more than happy to hear that the tour would be at smaller venues rather than an arena tour you’d expect from an artist of her magnitude. The intimate nature of these smaller venues enabled her to truly connect with her fans on a level not possible for a some time in her career.
Opening the show was Canadian singer/songwriter Olivia Lunny, expressing that Ellie is one of her favourite artists and an inspiration for her own music Olivia was a perfect fit to begin the nights music with her edgy electronic pop and incredible outfit and stage presence. She instantly connected with the crowd as she played us tracks from her brand new e.p “Heartbreak on Repeat.” Even bringing us all together with a sea of phone lights to the acoustic track “The Walls.” With this performance Olivia has everything she needs for music stardom.
The stage was set with a dazzling backdrop of glistening silver foil, the lights danced off it and bathed the stage in the brightest glow. Her band and backing singers in place as Ellie made her way on stage. Her impeccable style was clear to everyone in her exquisite Dolce & Gabbana outfit.
She opened the show with a couple tracks from her latest album “Better Man” and her latest single “Let it Die” The audience erupted when she then jumped into one of the many collaborations she’s done with Calvin Harris “Outside”. This huge dance album lifted everyone in the room, raising the energy that would last all evening.
Ellie continued through her set list with equal parts new material and the anthems that catapulted her to pop stardom. With a band and five backing singers each song was made all the more special with its beautiful harmonies not heard on the albums. Ellies unique vocals were on point all night, each time she infuses notes with her trademark vibrato I’m taken aback by her incredible musicianship and songwriting talent.
All night Ellie paraded up and down the stage making it her own, stomping her feet and thrashing her hair about in true pop star fashion. In-between songs she would address the crowd, check in that everyone was okay and had enough water, its clear she loves what she does and is truly thankful for everyone and her fans. She remarked on how sweet the Newcastle was after she was clearly struck with awe during “Starry Eyed” with the volume of the crowd singing back to her.
As the night was drawing to a close we all knew what songs would round out the show. “I Need Your Love” threw the crowd into a frenzy of dancing before arguably the biggest singalong of the set “Love Me Like You Do”. There was of course only one song to finish on, “Burn”. She asked us to put away our phones and be completely in the moment, hands flailing in the air as we all sang and danced like it was 1999.
Article and Photos by Sam Wall
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