The night began with support from Iona Zajac, a solo performer armed with an electric guitar and resplendent in tartan tights. Her music carried a folk-like vibe, though her set felt a little one-paced at times. However, ‘Bowls’ stood out as a highlight, alongside a haunting song about a 16th-century murder ballad.
Then came the moment the crowd had been waiting for—the legendary Alison Moyet. The atmospheric opening, which was reminiscent of a scene from ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’, set the tone for what was about to be an unforgettable night.
From the very first song, it was clear that Moyet was in exceptional form. Not only does she possess that voice—rich, powerful, and unmistakable—but she is also a true wordsmith, a 60-something force of musical nature. Her engaging between-song banter added warmth and humour, making the experience even more personal.
The stage setup was elegantly simple, but the lighting was immense, elevating the performance as Moyet and her two-man band tore the venue apart. The setlist was a masterclass in balance—seamlessly weaving classics from her back catalogue with newer material.
Iconic hits like ‘Nobody’s Diary’ and ‘Only You’ proved their timelessness, their reworked arrangements adding a modern edge while keeping their emotional core intact. As the set drew to a close, a stunning rework of ‘Is This Love’ showcased Moyet’s immense talent—simply breath-taking.
Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, the encore was upon us. The crowd was out of their seats as she powered through ‘Situation’, followed by yet another electrifying remix—this time of ‘All Cried Out’.
And just like that, the penultimate night of the ‘Key’ tour came to an end, with rapturous applause ringing through the venue. It was more than deserved—Alison Moyet proved once again why she remains a powerhouse of British music.
Review by John Brown Photography
