CAUGHT LIVE
By Scott Williams
By Scott Williams
The Mighty Usher was on top form as he hit the road with his OMG Tour! After 15 years of huge success we were truly in the presence of Talent in the 2 hour show. As an original Usher fan I had high expectations for the show as this was the first time I had seen him live, and he certainly delivered at Manchester's Arena.
To a roaring crowd, leather clad Usher surprised us all by making a grand entrance, flying on a platform at the back of the arena to the stage whilst singing opening song Monstar.
As the crowd went wild he then teased the audience by simulating a strip tease and throwing his jacket to the side of the stage before bursting into She Don't Know.
Stomping into Yeah! followed by old favourites U Remind Me and U Don't Have to Call. I was very pleased these songs were included, with so many hits it was easy to drop the old songs for the new ones. So as the show progressed I was delighted to hear the oldies like Burn and Caught Up.
I was especially excited to see The Man perform U Make Me Wanna and Nice and Slow from the first album. I was however, slightly disappointed that My Way wasn't in the set list. Also Pop Ya Collar failed to pop up.
He more than made up for that though with an amazing performance of Trading Places, as he seduced a girl from the audience sending the Ladies into a frenzy! Then on to dancefloor hits Love In This Club, Hey Tottie, Hey Daddy and DJ Got Us Fallin In Love.
After failing to realise he was in Manchester by calling us London! He got boo'ed for trying to make up for it with a mention of the Manchester football rivalry, so obviously the phrase Manchester C'mon after this was winning us back on side.
Towards the end of the show Usher teased by unveiling a sparkly pair of boots, as a tribute to Michael Jackson. The crowd screamed with anticipation when the opening bars of Don't Stop Til You Get Enough belted out.
Then he started dancing MJ style to a chanting audience, but sadly only sang one line. This left everyone extremely in disheartened as it would have been a far better tribute to sing at least one song in honour of the King of Pop, who he modelled his career on.
Then he started dancing MJ style to a chanting audience, but sadly only sang one line. This left everyone extremely in disheartened as it would have been a far better tribute to sing at least one song in honour of the King of Pop, who he modelled his career on.
Finishing a gruelling show Usher closed his set with OMG, and this was well worth the wait til the end. His energetic dance moves and powerful voice, although shaky at times, was spectacular! We were truly in the presence of talent and experience. Justin Timberlake should be quaking in his boots, as Usher is back and OMG what a concert!!
