Photo: Shirlaine Forrest
The 23 year-old John Newman really has enjoyed a whirlwind 18 months. Starting his rise collaborating with Rudimental, the soulful Yorkshireman has come into his own with his debut album Tribute catching the attention of many and with this the first of two sold out shows at London’s Shepherd's Bush Empire, his progression to the top has been outstanding.
Newman opens his set with spooky projections onto a curtain at the front of the stage, as a list of iconic names that opens the title track from his hit debut album filters in; the curtain drops and the show explodes into life. A high energy start sees Newman slipping and sliding his way across a post-modern stage design - complete with light-up stairs, and art deco lighting the show has a real dramatic feel to it.
Barely pausing for breath, the suave-suited, quiffed young man lets it all go with early highlight ‘Cheating’ quickly dispersing his well groomed look. Dashing up and down the light-up stairs, Newman pauses a few times to pull-off some messianic poses and bow to his enthusiastic crowd. Possessing such a level of showmanship that teeters on the verge of arrogance is a talent in itself but with such an incredible vocal performance, Newman fully justifies this stage presence. The whole show is encapsulating and despite a quite formulaic musical approach, with big bass lines, smart keys and epic crescendos Newman keeps the crowd well and truly on side with gospel number ‘All I Need is You’ and recent soul-hit ‘Losing Sleep’ standing out.
Final track ‘Gold Dust’ becomes quite literal in its meaning as giant confetti cannons fire gold sheets covering the whole venue in a typically dramatic and passionate fashion, in keeping with the whole show. Returning to the stage with the same energy that he started with, Newman performs his rendition of Rudimental hit ‘Not Giving In,’ getting the audience well and truly geared up for an appropriate finale.
Of course, the Tribute singer ends the night with smash-hit ‘Love Me Again’. The perfectly formulated pop-song has the whole venue bouncing as Newman continues to dance relentlessly across all corners of the stage right to the end. A real showman, Newman’s live performance is refreshing and innovative. Sure he is not the first to dance his way through a show but with the feel of a one-man West End show, the drama, passion and energy of the show means that everyone leaves happy.
Below: Exclusive photos from John Newman's 2014 UK tour
