Artists: The Corrs / Natalie Imbruglia
Venue: Sheffield, Utility Arena
Date: 18 November 2024
"I had a feeling The Corrs would be good live, but they even surpassed my expectations."
Natalie Imbruglia had just taken to the stage when we got our seats, low down on the left-hand side, approximately twelve rows from the front. The Australian songstress (she also has British citizenship) and her four-piece band sounded great, but if I’m honest, looked a little lost on an arena-size stage.
The songs were well executed and appreciated by those in attendance, but it wasn’t until her big hit ‘Torn’, which many might not know is actually a cover version, originally released by the American Rock band Ednaswap, that the volume levels rose to above library level. Until this evening, I hadn’t realised how similar sounding this song was to eighties Heart. Although naturally this song received the biggest reaction, I was most impressed with set closer (another hit single) ‘Big Mistake’.
Setlist - contains spoilers
So, I know there may be some reading this and thinking why are Fireworks including a review of The Corrs? Well, many of the reviewers from the publication have a very eclectic taste in music, which expands beyond the obvious Rock and Metal, and there are many shows that we would not feature. However, there’s one main reason they should be included and that’s Caroline Corr. Her phenomenal drumming elevates the band and gives them a sound fitting for arena shows. A big shout out to her drum tech as this was one of the best drum sounds I’ve heard in an arena since The Who several years ago at the same venue.
They took the stage to warm applause and although the arena was only half full (top sections were blanked off all the way round), the latter did not seem to have an adverse effect on The Corrs, who probably regarded it as the glass half full. The opening numbers ‘Only When I Sleep’ and ‘Give Me A Reason’ highlighted the great audio but were not a spectacular start to the show. The set was well paced with the atmosphere building as it went along. The first true Celtic ambiance for what the band are loved and famed for came with the combination of ‘Lough Erin Shore’ and ‘Forgiven, Not Forgotten’.
The stage set was very minimalistic with two large video screens either side of the stage giving close ups of the band members. There was an obvious focus on lead singer Andrea Corr and Sharon Corr on violin and backing vocals; guitarist Anthony Drennan and bass player Keith Duffy were positioned either side of Sharon, with Jim Corr to the left of his younger sister on guitars, piano, keyboards and backing vocals. He wore a sparkly black jacket, possibly to get noticed but it was his three younger sisters who naturally grabbed the audience’s attention.
I would often criticise bands for playing so many covers instead of their own hits; however, with The Corrs it’s an integral part of their live show and another reason why they should be included in Fireworks. ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac is the one that most people will have heard, and it was a laudable version this evening; ‘Dirty Old Town’ by the late, great Phil Lynott was an obvious/not so obvious cover; but the rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Little Wing’ was phenomenal. The solo was broken down into violin (Sharon), tin whistle flute (Andrea) and guitar (Drennan), both one of the surprises and highlights of the evening. The diminutive Andrea still looks and sounds fantastic and has a smile to melt a thousand hearts, and who knew someone could make the flute sound so good (except maybe Alyson Hannigan when, “This one time at band camp…”). She spent the whole evening skipping around the stage and looking on at her older siblings with love and admiration.
Halfway through the main set Caroline left her drum stool to join Sharon and Andrea at the front of the stage for ‘Joy Of Life’ and the poignant ‘Ellis Island’ (entrance to America in New York City for the immigrants). She was sat on a cajón (Peruvian box-shaped percussion instrument) whilst playing the bodhrán (traditional Irish drum) and singing. It was also lovely to see her smiling as she was more straight-faced playing her main kit. ‘White Light’ and ‘Closer’ really emphasised the emotion in Andrea’s voice and her Irish lilt was most recognisable on the brilliant ‘Spancill Hill’.
The first perceptible rise in atmosphere was the hit ‘Radio’, followed by ‘Queen Of Hollywood’ and the aforementioned ’Dreams’. Up until now the relatively subdued audience (also very respectful) suddenly sprung into life with the big hit ‘So Young’. The crowd on the arena floor all rose to their feet for ‘I Never Loved You Anyway’ and continued to sing in beautiful harmony as the song reached its finale; from the large screens you could see the tears in Andrea’s eyes, highlighting her humility even further. The classic ‘Runaway’ concluded the main set on a high.
The band left the stage for a few minutes and returned with the haunting traditional Irish song ‘My Lagan Love’. Then it was time for one last singalong with their biggest hit ‘Breathless’, a song co-written with producer Mutt Lange (Def Leppard, Bryan Adams). As is customary, they concluded the show with the instrumental Celtic Folk Rock ‘Toss The Feathers’, wanting to leave everyone fully aware of their undying love for their homeland, The Emerald Isle.
I had a feeling The Corrs would be good live, but they even surpassed my expectations. They were very professional, humble and fun, and with Caroline Corr there’s a Hard Rock drummer waiting to burst out.
Setlist - contains spoilers
Review: Mark Donnelly
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