Review: Will Young at Sherwood Pines

GREY skies did not manage to dampen a soulful performance from Will Young at Sherwood Pines on Friday as the star performed a mix of his well-known hits and mellow ballads.

The singer-songwriter has enjoyed a decade in the limelight after winning Pop Idol in 2002.

As part of a series of concerts for the Forestry Commission, a large crowd of old and young alike donned waterproofs and settled in for the muddy night.

A stage set with an unusual washing-line backdrop added a colourful backdrop to the evening.

Nerina Palot provided a relaxing support with her acoustic set as the crowds poured in with her own ballads such as being Sofia offset with a cool cover of Rihanna’s Umbrella.

A charismatic Young opened with Runaway which set the tone for the confident set ahead. Come On and All Time Love set the partying crowd alight. Of course it was his biggest hit Light My Fire that stole the show, performed with the help of a well versed audience.

Will Young was joined by a trio of singers, talented jazz drummer and keyboardist . Fans that were used to Young’s pitch - perfect style were impressed by his dynamic approach to well-known songs.

Young gave a relentlessly energetic performance, transforming even the slowest of ballads into moments which filled the forest with atmosphere. Young was a capable host, interacting with fans and leaving the stage to perform closer to the crowd.

If concert-goers left unsatisfied, it was only at the fact Young did not perform all of his numerous feel good hits.

By Megan Pengelly

SLIDESHOW: Click the play button to view pictures of both Nerina Pallot and Will Young during their performances. Pictures by Mark Fear