.theguardian - 1 days ago

O2 Academy, Liverpool
Pop’s lost prodigy returns for the first time in 23 years with a dazzling, genre-hopping show – and a falsetto that still floors the crowdThe 63-year-old American on stage tonight was one of the biggest stars in the firmament at the end of the 1980s. Back then, his debut album Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby went multiple-platinum, he was seen as the new Prince and told the world he was a genius. However, D’Arby’s career plummeted after the critical savaging of his more experimental second album and in 2001 he changed his name to “create a new identity that wasn’t traumatised by the ‘fall from grace’.” He walks on for his first UK tour in almost a quarter of a century to a hero’s welcome. The flowing dreadlocks have gone, but his glistening pate suits him and he retains his impish grin, quipping: “I only went out for some cigarettes, but took 23 years.”Maitreya’s band the Sugar Plum Pharaohs bring the funk and high-ranged backing vocals. His own voice, very briefly raspy, remains an astonishing instrument, capable of airy sweetness and gut-wrenching raw power. The extended high falsetto note at the end of Delicate receives its own spontaneous ovation. The Academy is busy rather than full, but the singer feels the love. “This is what clubs are for,” he yells. Continue reading...

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