Tabloid
George and Alicia entertain Abu Dhabi
British singing superstar George Michael and American soul star Alicia Keys put on an electrifying show at the Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 08:38 December 2, 2008
- George Michael performed to a packed crowd at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City on Monday night.
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi, Austria, Argentina or Azerbaijan it didn't matter how far you'd come to see George Michael and Alicia Keys, it was well worth the journey. Value for money was the name of the game at the double-billed gig at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City.
Giant screens projected crisp images of both Keys and Michael for more than three hours of live music at what was billed as Michael's final live performance, after announcing he would stop touring earlier this year.
Admittedly, it would also have taken you that long to get a bottle of water if you wanted one, but somehow the pair managed to gloss over the inadequate numbers of entrances and toilets, and warm a hungry and thirsty 30,000-strong crowd.
Bank manager Fiona Peel travelled from the UK to see her idol one final time. The 29-year-old from Somerset said: “I am lost for words. It was amazing and definitely worth the journey."
The two-time Grammy Award-winning singer had a hard act to follow as Keys wowed fans and probably picked up a few more as she sang her way through an hour-long set of pure music.
Fast becoming a rarity in today's music business, the songstress stayed in one outfit, forgot the fancy dance routines, special effects and videos and instead proved herself as one performer who is even better live than on her albums.
Impressive
Not a note was dropped as she played the piano and interacted with the crowd through each number. Superwoman, A Woman's Worth, How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore, Teenage Love Affair — all the favourites were included. But it was the distinctive “run" which all too easily gives away her super-hit Fallin, and the popular No one, which saw the crowd go wild.
A toilet break still an impossibility (and water? Don't even go there!) it was Michael turn and almost every body in the house agreed it was a hard act to follow. The incredibly cynical left saying they had already had their money's worth.
A 30-minute stage set change later and it was round two — and it was anything but disappointing.
Bursting onto the stage in a suit jacket and roomy trousers (perfect for executing his trademark wiggle), Michael may not look 18 anymore but his voice hasn't aged a bit.
Five screens projected video of the 45-year-old performing hits from a 25-year career that has seen him sell more than 100 million records.
I'm Your Man – from the Wham! days got things started followed by Father Figure, Faith, Star People, Too Funky, Amazing, Spinning the Wheel, Everything She Wants and many more. It was one of those concerts where you simply can't fit in all the favourites despite the desperate shouts from the crowd for Club Tropicana. A few unusual ones made the cut including a variation of Nina Simone's Feeling Good, Ewan MacColl's First Time Ever I Saw Your Face — popularised by Roberta Flack and Sting's Roxanne.
Biggest karaoke session
But as expected it was Careless Whisper and Freedom the crowd were waiting for. Heads turned as the lights went out for close to five minutes before Michael reappeared and the famous synthesiser intro began and Abu Dhabi held it's biggest karaoke session yet.
Fans came from as far away as Russia and Canada to see the former-Wham! members swansong, though most, including Danial Metter and his wife Kate, did not have far to travel.
Originally from Glasgow, the couple has lived in the capital for eight years.
“We are so pleased concerts are starting to take place in Abu Dhabi," he said. “It has been a while coming but it's worth it to see these amazing people perform on our doorstep."
Keys, a hit maker in her own right, has sold more than 30 million records and sings on the theme tune to the latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. She was visiting the UAE for the second time after performing in Dubai in 2004.
Meanwhile, reports in the British press claim an offer of £1 million (Dh6 million) was made Michael, who announced his retirement earlier this year, to come to the UAE and perform for one last time.
Michael, who said his age was the key factor in his decision to give up touring, said he is seeking “a quieter life" out of the public eye, But he didn't let his age get in the way as he gave an energetic performance.
An amazing gig, two breath-taking performances from two inspiring artists. One criticism (or suggestion) — a duet would have been the cherry on an already perfectly-baked cake.
Did you know?
George pocketed $3.7 million (Dh13.5 million) for performing at a Russian billionaire's New Year's Eve bash in 2006. The businessman paid him to entertain his 300 guests with an hour-long concert. The party took place on his private estate, 32km outside Moscow. George was flown out to the billionaire's mansion with his 20-strong entourage of band and backing singers.
George wrote many of his songs while working at a movie theatre when he was a teenager.
George's album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 won the Brit Award for British Album in 1991.
He won the 1997 Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist.
George wrote Careless Whisper at the age of 17, but didn't release it until he was 21 years old.
He is said to be worth approximately £70 million (Dh381 million).
His last performance with Wham! was on June 1986 at Wembley Stadium.
In the past, George has sung duets with such singing legends including Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blidge, Elton John and Whitney Houston. George's height is 1.80m.
In October 2006, George was arrested for possession of drugs. He was taken in by the London police after he blocked traffic at a busy set of lights when he passed out in the driver's seat of his car.
After a string of car accidents, Michael has now employed a driver to ferry him around London.
Source: www.tv.com
Things he's said…
Speaking on his 2008 US tour George Michael said: “I don't want to do anything on this scale again. No more stadiums. I'd like to be the Tony Bennett for my generation. It's the end of a certain era, and I'm not sure how much I really want to be a part of what's next. So, it's a kind of a way of saying thank you to everybody before I move on."
“Even though it's become a really cliched thing to see musicians working for charity, it's still effective and it still has to be done."
“I still believe that music is one of the greatest gifts that God gave to man."
“I do think that Live Aid was a great thing, it focused people, I think it showed young kids the way in many respects and I think a lot of people are still inspired by what happened in the mid-80s."
Share this article
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle
