P!nk’s arrival on Wearside marked the second US superstar to perform at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in recent weeks. Of course, Beyonce graced the stage of the home of the Black Cats at the end of last month.
Presently all eyes are on the North East as this spectacular event falls on the same weekend as Sam Fender’s two-night run at the neighbouring St James’ Park and the Arctic Monkeys’ performance on Teesside earlier in the week.
You would have to look back as far as 2010 for the award-winning artist’s last appearance in the North East. Subsequently, it goes without saying that due to demand, P!nk will perform two shows in Sunderland during the course of the weekend.
The iconic singer, songwriter and actress is currently touring in support of her ninth studio album Trustfall. The latter was released in February of this year and reached number one in several countries, including the UK.
Following supporting sets from GAYLE, The Script, and warm-up DJ KidCutUp, the headliner made a dramatic entrance. Appearing suspended way above the stage, the daredevil artist put on a spellbinding aerial display for the Wearside fans.
The opening number Get the Party Started was the perfect way to commence the show and a sentiment that continued throughout the evening.
Backed by a troupe of dancers, wonderful choreography punctuated each song in the set. Frequently throughout the concert, the pop legend made their way from the stage up a gigantic walkway bringing the fans closer to the action.
Of course, P!nk has more hits than a boxer’s punching bag, and the inclusion of timeless numbers such as Just Like a Pill and What About Us are a testament to that. Each of these had the audience hanging on every word. The Stadium of Light audience were united in song.
Many fans around the stadium got into the spirit of the event by sporting pink hats, feather boas and colourful face paint. Whilst the star of the show made several costume changes throughout the evening. One of the quickest changes came several songs into the set when a dress descended from above and slid onto the artist seamlessly, just like a glove.
The US-based superstar delivered a beautiful rendition of Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan from behind a white piano. A further cover of Sade’s No Ordinary Love was featured in the latter part of the evening.
The Summer Carnival tour stage set was particularly impressive. Featuring silver palm trees at either side, overarching neon lights and a gigantic mirror ball, to name but a few of its features.
P!nk’s angelic voice filled the stadium during Just Give Me A Reason. Whilst a pyro fuelled airing of Just Like Fire brought the heat to Wearside. The latter also allowed the band to truly rock out, with excerpts of Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker segued into the track.
There were so many standout moments in the show. Donning a pink feather jacket, a white top, and a blue skirt, P!nk joined forces with her backing singers for some astounding vocal harmonies during an acoustic rendition of Please Don’t Leave Me. Whilst a special guest appearance from P!nk’s daughter Willow during Cover Me In Sunshine highlighted the fact that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
With P!nk, you don’t just get a concert you get a show. The versatile chanteuse is the complete package. Thankfully for the artist’s North East fans, they get to do it all over again on Sunday.
It may have taken P!nk thirteen years to return to the region, but it was worth the wait.
BY ADAM KENNEDY
