Hurts Manchester Apollo 25/10/13

Hurts Manchester Apollo 25/10/13

 

We last seen 'Hurts' in the blog mentioned back in April of this year,so as a rule I wasn't going to review this show,but I have since changed my mind.

 

Tonight they are supported by 'Paaws' a European band fronted by a female singer and some electro melodies they are clearly influenced by the Brit 80's electro scene,they have a fan base here in amongst the fans too, most here tonight are not U.K. fans some have come as far as Italy,Russia,Ukraine, Romania, I had never heard of the support band personally.

 

By 9pm the stage was set on a sort of raised steel platform designed to look circular, with steps off to left,'Adam' was to the right on keys and guitar and 'Theo' took to the stage in Black shirt and Black trousers ,still with gelled back hair but minus the leather gloves tonight. 

 

As the dry ice builds the atmosphere,they begin with 'Mercy' and a mixed setlist longer than the shows before the tracks from 'Exile' sit nicely and go down a treat with the sold out crowd, 'Theo' seems to have them in the palm of his hands tonight ,they play singles 'Miricle' and 'Blind' he is bursting with energy bouncing on feet like a frustrated Tigger  and laughing at the sudiences reaction,he laps up the attention,both arms outstretched,head back grinning like a mad man.

 

They play my least fav song on 'Exile' 'The Sandman' he gets us to wave our arms about,which further puts me in mind of a moment in 'Depeche Mode'  history (remember the 101 DVD on 'Never Let Me Down'),'Theo' throws his arms about from side to side and the crowd join in, he want's Dave's crown I'm convinced.

 

One of the key moments in the show is an acoustic version of  'Blood,Tears & Gold' which was the first real 'Hurts' song to be played it's poigniant and the crowd love it, a special moment where 'Theo' says "I want you to get your mobile phones out switch them on and hold them in the air,everyone from front to the back".

 

Everyone obliges it looks magnificent it put me in mind of 'Coldplay' in '2011',all the white glowing lights set the scene for the next song 'Illuminated', its a memorable sight 'Theo' looks like he's going to burst with excitement he takes the moment in.

 

There are no covers in the setlist tonight ,just their best songs from 'Happiness' including 'Better Than Love' which they close with,tonight you can see how much people adore them,they seem to of made it to the peoples hearts.

 

'Theo' and 'Adam' take a bow it feels like they've conquered another venue in their hometown a they usually play small venues I can see them playing in arenas in 2 years time or less, Suddenly the lights come on and its all over again another euphoric show.

 

 

 

More to come soon ...

 

Lmi   x