Photo: Wenn
Funk, flamboyance and very large disco balls brought the opening weekend of British Summer Time to a close, thanks to a career spanning set from pop royalty Kylie Minogue that sparkled - despite sound troubles.
Now into her fourth decade as an entertainer, this showpiece date of the ‘Kiss Me Once’ tour became a whirlwind of her greatest hits, perfect for a crowd already spun dizzy by the basslines of Chic and striking nakedness of Grace Jones.
Opening with ‘Better The Devil You Know’, it is clear the focus is now on affirming iconic status – Kylie appears draped in a royal gown - rather than pushing for contemporary chart topping relevance. That job is for Taylor Swift onstage next weekend.
Kylie draws on her experience to deal with the sound problems that threaten to dampen the mood. The mix sounds completely off – dropping out and alternating between speakers. But the Australian is a master of playfulness, and as backing dancers spell out her name in giant letters, she gets the crowd to “give her a K!” - a request they grant with glee. “Watch out, we don’t want to upset the neighbours, don’t go too far, otherwise they might pull the plug before the curfew” she quips, before diving into a cheeky a capella rendition of the soap opera’s theme tune where she first made her name. It feels genuine, spontaneous, and helps form a connection that saves the atmosphere.
Blasting through classics ‘Spinning Around’, ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ and ‘In Your Eyes’, each given a darker, bass heavy, house-driven twist, the energy overrides any lack of vocal clarity. And when Gay scene favourite ‘Your Disco Needs You’ sees a giant disco ball lower, it feels more of a party than any other headline set, Blur included.
Even the normal gig-goers, pushed a long distance back thanks to Barclaycard’s VIP prioritisation, are jumping along. “I’ve extended the stage as much as possible”, Kylie says in awareness of the division, “but I still can’t reach you. These guys will carry me”, at which point she jumps on the back of two security guards who carry her to the everyday fans. This willingness to interact is appreciated; ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ and ‘Locomotion’ sung in unison.
Hyde Park in the palm of her hand, Kylie takes the time to indulge a cover of Kim Carnes ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, “a favourite from when I would sing to the radio”, she beams. It very much fits the superstar on stage, still going strong after all these years.
