Gary Barlow lets it shine

Eden Session 2018 review

By Kristina Clark | Published: Mon 11th Jun 2018

Wednesday 6th June to Saturday 7th July 2018
Eden Project, Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG, England MAP
varies for each show
Daily capacity: 6,000
Last updated: Mon 16th Apr 2018

This was my first visit to the Eden Project and I was intrigued by the prospect of seeing a gig there. When I arrived I was greeted by a lush green paradise which was so beautiful I decided to visit the next day as a punter, just to look around. The Eden Project has been hosting gigs each summer since 2002 with a vast variety of performers.

Support for Gary Barlow comes from Jason Brock. Some may remember him from Barlow’s ‘Let It Shine’ reality programme. Brock pleasantly surprised me, putting in a competent, emotional performance much more professional than you would expect, a highlight being a lovely version of Whitney Houston’s ‘run to you’. But rest assured the crowd are her to see one man only...

Gary Barlow has progressed from the one that was overshadowed by Robbie Williams to a force to be reckoned with. In fact, how many lead singers of a band can sell out numerous dates by themselves with much demand for more?  The Take That frontman has cemented himself in the hearts of many and become a national treasure.  In fact, demand was so heavy for this gig it caused the Eden Project website to crash in three minutes; a sign that Barlow/Take That don’t visit this area often.

Gary arrives on stage to ‘since you saw me last’ one of his solo hits from his recent solo album, this is met with a glorious reception. However, once he launches into ‘Greatest day’ the atmosphere is nothing but electric. He delivers hit after hit to a receptive, responsive audience, women shrieking and men pretending that they are not into it! What is truly beautiful is the orbs of the Eden Project are pulsating along with the music, it all adds to an amazing evening.  He delivers hit after hit with a flawless vocal which is only available with a veteran in the music industry for 25 plus years, his confidence grown over many solo tours. Once the classic ‘Back For Good’ is performed, the audience is eating out of hand. By the time he finishes with ‘Never Forget’ everybody has hands in the air doing the traditional hand gestures.

At one point Gary says ‘what a beautiful venue, I hope I get to perform here again’. Judging by this reception, he will be welcomed back with open (never forget) arms.  

Set List:
Since I Saw You Last
Greatest Day
These Days
Live Those Years Again
Open Road
Pray
A Million Love Songs
Dare
Another Crack in My Heart
Love Ain’t Here Anymore
Sure
Everything Changes
Could It Be Magic
Shine
Blinded By Your Grace, Pt 2
Said It All
The Garden
Forever Love
Love Won’t Wait
Patience
Back For Good
Let Me Go
Cry
Sing
Rule The World
Never Forget

 


review by: Kristina Clark


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