Pop sensation Self Esteem arrived on Tyneside at the weekend for an eagerly anticipated concert at the Sage Gateshead. The show had long been sold out, which is a testament to not only the artist's star quality, but also their drawing power.
Self Esteem, whose real name is Rebecca Taylor, is touring in support of their critically acclaimed sophomore album Prioritise Pleasure. The artist's latest date in the North East followed on the back of a show at the Wylam Brewery just eleven months prior.
The singer made a dramatic entrance at the top of a flight of steps centre stage, where she was met by a troupe of dancers and backing vocalists. Taylor opened the show with the title track of her latest offering and had the whole room on their feet from the off.
The Gateshead audience was wowed with wonderful choreography, dance moves, vocal harmonies, and frequent costume changes throughout Self Esteem’s theatrical performance. Not only that, but the artist’s well-structured setlist and exquisite lighting went together hand in hand throughout the show and perfectly complimented the mood of the performance.
Following a brief costume change, Taylor and company switched up the pace with new song Mother, which transformed the atmosphere in the room. With its danceable beat and infectious rhythms, the whole room was clapping in unison. But the dance party didn't stop there, with How Can I Help You affording the crowd a second helping of floor fillers. Whilst Love Second gave the Self Esteem fans a further taste of the artist's brand-new material.
Throughout the evening, Rebecca seemed humbled at the fact that she had sold out the Sage Gateshead and thanked the audience frequently for attending. Illuminated by a single white spotlight and performing solo with just an electric guitar Taylor took the audience through heartfelt ballad John Elton. The auditorium was so silent and attentive that you would have been able to hear a pin drop.
Crowd favourite You Forever brought the show back to business as normal and resulted in a mass singalong from the North East audience, whilst a harmonious airing of I Do This All The Time brought the main set to a close.
Despite the fact Taylor joked that they weren’t returning to the stage, a three-song encore followed. The artist’s 1 hour and 15-minute set concluded with Still Reigning and a mass ovation inside Hall One at the Sage Gateshead.
Sometimes you see an artist perform in concert, and they are just going through the motions. However, not in this instance. With Self Esteem you don’t just get a concert you get a show.
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