There are few certainties in life, but death, taxes, and becoming the inspiration for a musical artist’s latest offering should your relationship falter are definitely some. Queen Paloma has publicly laid bare the emotional rollercoaster that is the destruction of a family unit with her latest offering, “The Glorification Of Sadness”. It’s a brutally honest insight that is as cathartic for the artist as it is for anyone who has experienced such heartbreak in their own lives, charting the lowest of lows and the rebirth and new beginning of oneself as a single entity.
On Monday evening, Paloma reopened her scars in her typically grounded and honest fashion to the adoring throngs of a packed-out Bristol Beacon. Not one for doing things in half measures, Paloma effectively gave her fans two concerts for the price of one with the evening split into two distinct parts. The first of her two sets was a soul-baring rendition of the new album, covering some 13 of its 17 tracks. From the moment the first note hit, everything was geared toward bringing the emotionally charged album to life in as visceral and visual way as possible.
Arriving out of the shadows and stepping into the light, one of the UK’s finest vocalists of the past 16 years roared with feminine power. Looking resplendent in a stunning steam punk-style all-black dress that screamed both sadness and strength. “This Is How You Leave A Man” gave goosebumps to every soul in the cavernous auditorium. “God In A Dress” was very apt as Paloma prowled the stage like a lioness, the epitome of strength. The album’s power ballads, such as “Divorce”, gave many a lump in the throat and ample opportunity to showcase the incredible vocal range synonymous with the beloved star.
Like a phoenix rising from the flames, the darker melancholy moments gave way to light as the upbeat dance vibes of “Enjoy Yourself” and “Cry On The Dance Floor” reverberated around the hall and had everybody out of their seats and dancing.
If Set A was bathed in shadow, Set B was a kaleidoscope of color as Paloma dived headfirst into fandom and provided a greatest hits power blast that made the seating redundant and had the crowd dancing from the off. The stellar sound and lighting of The Beacon were pushed to the max as “Stone Cold Sober” was roared back at the stage and Paloma reached out to high-five those in the front row. The star was fizzing with effervescent charisma as she playfully interacted with her band, who were absolutely sublime from beginning to end.
You almost forget how many standout hits Paloma has had, with constant cheers erupting as the crowd recognized the intros of the likes of “Upside Down” and “Can’t Rely On You”. The feel-good party atmosphere upped a further notch as summertime good times came early with “Lullaby” and “Changing”. Before the house was brought down with the traditional close-out hit “Only Love Can Hurt Like This”, the entire venue was a sea of phone lights as the crowd sang in unison. It was a night full of tears, fears, smiles, and hope, and Paloma reminded us that even when things are at their darkest, we should have FAITH.
📝📸 @bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
