WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
For over four decades, Kim Wilde has been a cornerstone of British pop music, delivering hit after hit with her unmistakable voice and timeless melodies. She is synonymous with anthemic choruses, bold synth-driven melodies and an undeniable charisma that has endured since she first burst onto the scene as one of the most exciting new artists in the early ‘80s. Her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her signature sound has ensured her longevity in a fickle and ever-changing industry. Tonight, Manchester’s Academy welcomes her “Closer” tour and we’re all hoping for an unforgettable show, that both embraces the energy of the present and honours her legacy.
The Academy has always been a fantastic venue for live performances, offering a perfect balance of intimacy and energy. Tonight, the crowd is a real mix of teenagers and long-time devotees who’ve followed Kim since her early hits. In a nostalgic nod to the synth-heavy era that first catapulted Kim to her fame the stage is bathed in soft neon lighting and as the lights dim, the crowd erupt into cheers. From the moment she steps onto the stage with a big beaming smile, it’s clear that Kim is here to deliver and to enjoy herself.
The pulsating beat of ‘Hey Mister Heartache’ sets the perfect tone for the evening. Kim’s voice is sharp, powerful and unmistakably hers, commanding attention, carrying both the punch of rock and the allure of pop in perfect balance. The band complement her performance impeccably, the audience clapping along almost immediately. As the chorus explodes, the crowd sing in unison, it’s not only a perfect opener, but “Hey Mister Heartache” is a declaration that tonight, Kim Wilde is here to remind everyone why she has remained a pop icon for so long.
With the momentum of the opening number still humming in the air, Kim transitions seamlessly into ‘You Came’. A signature hit from the height of her career; the song brings a wave of nostalgia that fills The Academy. It’s a song that embodies the quintessential sound of the ‘80s, an irresistible blend of new wave sensibilities, catchy synth lines and a driving rhythm that makes it impossible not to dance. Wilde’s vocal delivery is flawless, each note imbued with both the energy of the original recording and the maturity of an artist who has honed her craft over decades. Fans erupt in cheers and we’re all suddenly back in the halcyon days of 1988 and as Kim struts across the stage, it’s clear that she’s in her element once again.
Kim’s stage presence is magnetic, during ‘Never Trust a Stranger’, effortlessly commanding the audience’s attention as she moves across the stage with the same confidence that made her a star decades ago. It’s a perfect blend of pop hooks with an edge, Kim’s emotive delivery, conveying both the fragility and strength inherent in the song’s message, make it a standout performance. The crowd’s energy is infectious and the song’s anthemic chorus has them belting out the lyrics in unison, their enthusiasm mirroring Wilde’s own joy on stage.
One of the night’s most touching moments comes with ‘Hourglass Human’, a duet between Kim and her niece, Scarlett Wilde. It’s a stunning performance that highlights their vocal chemistry and together, they transform “Hourglass Human” into a conversation about legacy, family and the passage of time. Scarlett’s harmonies add an ethereal quality to the song with the emotional connection between them electric. When the final notes fade, the applause is thunderous, a collective outpouring of gratitude for a moment that feels both personal and transcendent.
If there is ever a moment tonight that truly transports the audience back to the early ‘80s, it’s the performance of one of her darkest and most atmospheric hits, ‘Cambodia’. The haunting synths and brooding beat transforming the venue into a surreal soundscape creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere. Kim’s vocals laced with the same haunting emotion that made the song such a standout in her discography. From the darkness of ‘Cambodia’ the mood shifts with ‘Water on Glass’, a song that showcases Wilde’s unique blend of new wave pop and rock attitude. The track’s shimmering synths and rapid-fire lyrics bringing a fresh burst of energy to the set, proving that even Kim’s deep cuts hold up decades later. The band are particularly strong here, with crisp drumming and sharp guitar riffs adding an extra edge to the song’s already dynamic energy.
With the intensity of “Water on Glass” still coursing through the venue, we’re treated to the uplifting anthem ‘View from a Bridge’ before one of the most energetic performances of the night ‘Chequered Love’ raises its head. This is a quintessential Kim Wilde anthem, catchy, upbeat and impossible not to dance to. As soon as the opening riff kicks in, the crowd erupt in cheers and by the time the chorus hits, almost the entire venue is singing along at full volume with Kim ferociously working the stage feeding off their enthusiasm.
No other song could end the night. ‘Kids in America’ is the moment everyone has probably been waiting for. The song, an undisputed classic of the New Wave era, still has the power to ignite a crowd like few others. From the first lyric to the final chorus, the entire venue is on its feet, singing and dancing with unrestrained joy. Kim’s performance is full of energy and watching her deliver it with the same fire and passion as she did in 1981 is a sight to behold. Its driving beat, catchy synth hooks and rebellious spirit encapsulating the very essence of what made Kim Wilde a superstar.
As the final chorus fades out, tonight has proven that Kim WIlde is still a formidable live act, capable of delivering a show that is both nostalgic and fresh and whether she is performing her biggest hits or newer material, she has the audience completely captivated. The band has been exceptional, delivering tight, energetic performances that have complemented Kim’s vocals and what vocals they are. As good today as they’ve ever been proving Kim Wilde is not just a figure of the past; she is very much a force of the present.
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I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
