WORDS AND IMAGES MICHAEL BOND
Becky Hill‘s highly anticipated UK tour made a stop in Manchester’s AO Arena tonight, and the atmosphere was electric as fans flooded the venue, eagerly awaiting the pop powerhouse’s performance.
Walking out to a great reception, was support for the evening Catching Cairo and it was clear that she was ready to make an impression with the crowd and take advantage of the already packed-out AO arena.
With her roots in North London, Catching Cairo brings her own diverse blend of beats and soulful vocals. Drawing on a broad range of influences from Motown, 60s, 90s, Reggae, Drum and Bass, House, Indie, and RnB. There’s a level of vulnerability in the lyrics and her sultry voice which helps carry the crowd through a range of moods. With just a DJ for company on stage, playing a mix of drum n bass & dance beats, a single white spotlight illuminates her in the darkness. This simplicity creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and engaging as she effortlessly navigated through the set. Building the energy up to ensure the crowd is primed and ready for what is to come.
Supporting an artist like Becky Hill is no small feat, but Catching Cairo has risen to the occasion, leaving a lasting impression and if her show is just a glimpse of what this promising artist has to offer it’s clear that she’s on the rise.
With most people either in pink cowboy hats or light up headbands and glow sticks, the anticipation continues to build across the crowd. As the lights dim, the opening notes fill the air, and it becomes clear that this is going to be an unforgettable night.
As Becky appears on a long-raised platform, right arm raised above her head, the crowd erupted into cheers as the energy in the venue escalates. Dressed in a pleather top, black boots, and grey skirt she opens the set with ‘True Colours’, taken from her 2024 album ‘Believe Me Now?’. Immediately captivating the audience with her powerful vocals, she begins to control the crowd, which continues as she drops her No1 track ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ which she co-wrote with Oliver Heldens. This energy and pace continue throughout the set with tracks like ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’, another collaboration with superstar DJ/producer David Guetta. For someone that only has 2 studio albums she has built up an impressive back catalogue over the last 10 years, from all the collaborations she has done with the likes of Rudimental, Chase & Status and MNEK.
As the show progresses Hill, joined by a live drummer and 3 backing singers, dominates the stage, switching between the main lower section and the additional raised platform. The production value of the concert is also great, with stunning lighting and dynamic visuals enhancing the show. The vibrant colours and lighting effects work perfectly with the upbeat tempo of her songs, creating a striking backdrop for her performance and blending the music, visuals, and energy perfectly.
Tonight’s set has a good balance of classic hits too, such as ‘Afterglow’. A song that helped kick started her career 10 years ago, through to more recent releases like ‘Disconnect’ which was created together with drum n bass legends, Chase & Status.
Switching to a smaller stage surrounded by the crowd, in the centre of the arena. The show takes on a more intimate feel as Becky, now accompanied by a piano continues with the set. Taking the opportunity to interact with the audience, she shows a more vulnerable side to her, commenting on what she is wearing and feeling self-conscious, showing just how down to earth she is.
As the night came to a close, Becky ramps up the energy with an electrifying finale from the 25-song set list. Performing ‘My Heart Goes (La De La)’, ‘Swim’ and ‘I Wish You Well’. Finishing on ‘Remember,’ the venue erupts into a euphoric sing-along as confetti rains down and the entire audience dances in unison, creating an amazing moment of celebration.
Tonight’s show not only delivered a captivating performance filled with hits but also created an environment where fans felt connected and uplifted. The combination of her powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, and high-quality production made for a great night.
As the lights came up everyone is leaving with smiles on their faces. Becky Hill continues to prove herself as one of the leading voices in pop music today, and tonight’s show is a shining example of why she’s adored by her fans. If you have the chance to catch her live, don’t hesitate, it’s an experience you won’t regret.
Setlist:
1. True Colours
2. Gecko (Overdrive)
3. Last Time
4. Crazy What Love Can Do
5. Piece of Me
6. False Alarm
7. Back and Forth
8. Outside of Love
9. Lonely Again
10. Afterglow
11. Disconnect
12. Man of My Dreams
13. I Could Get Used to This
14. One Track Mind
15. Keep Holding On
16. Back Around
17. Indestructible
18. Right Here
19. Never Be Alone
20. Darkest Hour
21. Lose Control
22. My Heart Goes (La Di La)
23. Swim
24. Wish You Well
25. Remember
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