Pete Tong brought his Ibiza Classical experience to Southampton on an appropriately sunny Sunday evening.
The lively crowd may be in for a slow start on Monday morning after a fun-filled weekend at the TK Maxx Summer Sessions.
There was a real mix of ages present with many reliving their youth through the Balearic tunes. There were also many younger fans loving the timeless dance classics.
Pete Tong and the incredibly talented Heritage Orchestra begin the show with ‘Right Here, Right Now’ – made famous by Summer Festival Guide favourite and headliner at many events this year, Fatboy Slim.
There’s something truly special about hearing club classics recreated by so many talented passionate musicians on stage.
Club classic ‘Pjanoo’ follows, with its simple seven note melody.
Following this, the party steps up a few gears, with special guest singer Holly Petrie joining the stage. Holly may not be a household name (yet), but she has written songs for the iconic Anastacia, as well as arranged choir backing for the likes of Ed Sheeran and Quincy Jones.
Holly begins singing ‘Lola’s Theme’ with the haunting lyrics
'I was just a lost soul, I needed a guide
And the moment that you came to change my life
You fired up my heart and made me smile
And you and I know that
I'm a different person, yeah
Turn my world around.’
Who knew house music could be so poignant?
Many more club classics follow, including covers of Children by Robert Miles, Rhythm of the Night by Corona, and even Cafe del Mar, invoking memories of the classic Ibiza sunset bar with the most incredible sunsets over the balearic seas.
The biggest crowd pleaser comes from Pete Tong’s impressive orchestra reproducing ‘Insomnia‘ live – there’s not many who will get much sleep after this pulsating version.
‘Freed from Desire’ follows shortly after with the crowd bouncing and singing every ‘na na na na na na‘ loudly while holding their phones in the air as the impressive lasers and light show illuminate the Southampton skies after sunset.
Some people in the audience commented that the volume of the music tonight was a little quiet, but the city centre location necessitates that sound levels cannot disturb the local neighbours. It also ensured a strict curfew at 10.30pm.
The orchestra finish with an impressive version of ‘You Got The Love’ – originally recorded by Candi Staton, it was made more famous by Florence and the Machine. With Holly Petrie on vocals here on the south coast, this version is equal.
The following morning after the show, this reviewer couldn’t get the tunes out of his head. It’s always a good sign when the music stays with you and encourages you to revisit timeless classics days after.
Such a great evening and it’s a show everyone young, and well, young at heart, will enjoy.
There are still a few tickets left for the Beach Boys and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark later this week. Links to these shows are below: