4 STARS
As you might be aware, Apple brought back its music festival (previously iTunes Festival) for the tenth year this month. Staged at London’s Roundhouse, ten acts have and will take to the stage to flaunt their stuff, including The 1975, OneRepublic and Robbie Williams. Last night, Calvin Harris took to the stage to give a phenomenal show!
Before I get to Harris, a word or two has to be said about his surprise support act: John Newman. Not only is he possibly the most successful and skilful support act I have ever seen, the overall timing was perfectly balanced between the two acts. It felt more like a joint headlined gig than just a friend Harris threw on stage at the last minute because he couldn’t find anyone else. Newman’s energy didn’t once diminish in his roughly hour-length set, balancing his hit songs with less familiar ones. He seemed so at one with his music, as his wacky dance moves certainly demonstrated.
My only complaint was the struggle to see him for those who are vertically challenged, myself included, but I guess that’s more a fault of the venue than the artist.
Harris himself was well worth the wait with his set taking the audience on a whirlwind from older songs, like ‘We Found Love’, to his newest song, ‘My Way’. His desk was elevated to give room for lasers, fire and smoke machines – good news for us shorties! The light show and digital displays were well-suited to the music. However, I did sometimes feel like I was back at a school disco with the generic visual effects of Windows Media Player. Yet, despite this, the atmosphere in the building was truly electric with both older and younger people able to rock out to simply great music.
Overall, although a little sketchy on a couple of aspects of audience experience, the concert was truly amazing. Apple delivered as great as ever, with a venue and artists that epitomise its creativity and forward thinking. I really wish such an experience was accessible to more.
I’d happily give the evening a 4 out of 5.
If you want to look more into Apple Music and perhaps bag yourself some tickets for next year in their free prize draw, here is their website: http://www.apple.com/uk/music/.
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