When I bought tickets for En Vogue's reunion gig at the Indigo2, I was a little unsure about what to expect. I had seen them live in the early 90s when we were all a lot younger, and we can all think of artistes who insist on doing one last gig or tour long after they should have accepted that it's over. I had also bought my partner's ticket on a 'no win, no fee' basis, as he was a bit reluctant about going. We agreed that he would reimburse me for his ticket only if he enjoyed the gig!! So I had a lot riding on this...
As the warmup dj entertained us with 'wicked choons' from En Vogue's 90's heyday, I was excited but also a bit nervous on En Vogue's behalf. What if they could no longer pull off those sassy moves, those intricate close harmonies? Would I have to put this gig under the heading of Sad Attempt To Relive Glory Days Of Youth?
My fears were unfounded. The keyboard player, bassist and drummer provided a solid foundation for the heavenly vocals from my favourite quartet.
Cindy, Dawn, Maxine and Terry powered their way through their greatest hits, as well as treating us to a fun medley of other divas' classics, which had everyone dancing and/or reminiscing. They were able to shift the mood with ease from thumping rock (Free Your Mind) to hand-waving torch song (Don't Let Go) to dreamy romance (Giving Him Something He Can Feel) to straight, down the line funk (Whatta Man). And, boy, did they work that stage - preening, jumping, sashaying their way through the whole repertoire. Each of them was just as happy to take the lead as well as contributing to the tight harmonies. They did not let us down.
Our only complaints were a) that there was no encore. I guess they decided to go with the 'leave them wanting more' philosophy. And b) the outfits were not as classy as we had come to expect from En Vogue - they had been the epitome of style in their heyday and, apart from their amazing voices, that's what had helped them to stand out from the crowd.
But I did get reimbursed for my partner's ticket, and I think that says it all!
Indigo2 @
- Greenwich @
- Thu 21 Oct 2010 @
Favourite moment: The breakdown section of My Lovin' (Never Gonna Get It). Those harmonies were still as crisp as ever! @
Setlist: Love Don't Love You, Free Your Mind, My Lovin', Whatta Man, Giving Him Something He Can Feel, Don't Mess With My Man, Don't Let Go, Hold On. Diva medley: Ain't No Mountain HIgh Enough, You've Got The Best Of My Love, Got To Be Real, Lady Marmalade, Proud Mary @
Opening act(s): None @