Warwick Castle, 23rd June
The last time the queen of confessional pop toured the UK, Tony Blair’s Labour was in power, Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” was dominating the charts, and Steve Jobs was unveiling the first iPhone. However, some things are timeless. Rolling back the years, Gwen purred as she effortlessly unleashed a 21-song set to the thousands of adoring fans who had packed into the picturesque setting of Warwick Castle. Many dressed in Harajuku style from Gwen’s solo works, many in SKA outfits nodding back to her Anaheim, No Doubt roots. Neither would be disappointed.
From the get-go, the energy was at maximum voltage, as if years of frustration of not being able to perform to a UK crowd had evaporated in an instant. The masses reciprocated, dancing, cheering, and singing as Gwen led an army of backing dancers through some first-class choreography.
If I were to ask a hardcore Stefani fan to write down their perfect setlist, this would come remarkably close. Opening with “The Sweet Escape” and “Sunday Morning,” then straight into a powerhouse combo of “Hey Baby” and the better-than-the-original cover of “It’s My Life.” The crowd was transfixed, mesmerized by an artist many hadn’t seen perform in nearly a generation. Many brought their children who were not even born the last time “Bathwater” and “Cool” rang out around a UK venue. The set didn’t relent for one second. “Ex-Girlfriend” and “Hella Good” providing an explosive middle. Gwen took us into the solo years with “Rich Girl” and “What You Waiting For,” the latter receiving a huge pop from the crowd. All-time classic “Don’t Speak” rounded out the set. Gwen could have easily put down the microphone and let the crowd do the work for “Don’t Speak.” Every word roared back in a sea of outstretched arms. The crowd anticipated the encore of iconic tracks “Just a Girl” and “Hollaback Girl,” the field by now just an absolute party.
It wasn’t all nostalgia, though. We were also treated to the live debut of new track “True Babe,” wetting our appetite for the next chapter in this iconic performer’s career.
️️️️️
@bristolnomad_gigphotography @thebristolnomad
@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
