It might be 25 years since Texas first hit the charts with I Don’t Want a Lover in 1989, but they’re back on tour and as brilliant as ever.
Not many bands can boast such an extensive back-catalogue. Texas have just embarked upon their 25th anniversary tour after releasing ’25’, a commemorative album of their greatest hits on February this year.
Their show at Brighton Dome was completely sold out, and in a reflection of their continuing popularity, a crowd of all ages eagerly filled the Dome on Saturday (April 18) night.
An impressive array of instruments covered the stage, and as the crowd took to their seats and waited for Texas to appear, the excitement was palpable. The 25th anniversary tour was billed as An Evening with Texas, featuring amusing stories and a question and answer section along with the band’s fantastic live show. With an interval halfway through the feature-length performance, much of the show saw everyone up on their feet.
Lead vocalist Sharleen Spiteri is known for her live performances, and on the opening night of the band’s new tour she didn’t disappoint. The anecdotal stories about the band, alongside Spiteri’s quick comebacks during banter with the audience showed that despite being 25 years into her career with Texas, Spiteri’s stage presence is as strong as ever.
Her vocals were on point, and their set consisted of a nicely-balanced mix featuring their catalogue of hits, along with a couple of covers and some songs from Spiteri’s solo albums.
The band played together seamlessly, and even added in an extra song after an impromptu request from an audience member. At one point during the show Spiteri got down from the stage and wandered into the crowd to help a woman with a pre-planned (and successful) proposal.
Originally formed by bass player Johnny McElhone in 1986, Texas played their debut concert at Dundee University in Scotland in March 1988. After years of playing shows at large arenas including Wembley, the band now favour smaller venues, offering fans a more intimate experience.
An Evening With Texas – The 25th Anniversary tour continues until May 7.
April
20th – The Lowry, Salford Quays
22nd – Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
24th – Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline
25th – Queens Hall, Edinburgh
27th – Sage, Gateshead
28th – City Hall, Hull
29th – Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
May
1st – Forum, Bath
2nd – London Palladium, London
3rd – Winter Gardens, Margate
5th – St David’s Hall, Cardiff
6th – Hexagon Theatre, Reading
7th – Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-On-Sea
For more information, click here: http://www.texas.uk.com/
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