JESS GLYNNE | LIVE REVIEW
Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, Sat 3 June
As a pretty keen rugby fan and follower of the Ospreys, I should be quite familiar with the location and atmosphere at Parc Y Scarlets, but shamefully I must admit that this is my first visit to the home of current PRO12 champions the Scarlets, and it’s not to see a rugby match. Last Saturday, pop star Jess Glynne was the champion on show.
A healthy crowd of early birds made their way into the stadium to take in the sun and catch the full bill of entertainment. Opening act Shakka played an enjoyable set, and threw in a Justin Bieber cover to keep the younger concertgoers happy. Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills followed next to get the party started and as you can imagine, did a more than pretty good job: a set of dancefloor-fillers, singalong numbers and a dance version of Scarlets anthem Sosban Fach to wrap things up.
Stage set, Brit Award-winning Jess Glynne [left] hit the stage with a full band much to the delight of her screaming fans. Rattling through hits including Rather Be, Not Letting Go and Real Love, the high tempo of these chart-topping tunes gave little let up for an appreciative crowd. There was plenty of confetti and inflatable beach balls to hit around for the excited full gig-goers, too.
Slowing things down to mention and remember the senseless attack in Manchester just weeks ago, a poignant, stripped-back acoustic version of Route 94’s My Love rung around the stadium. Adding favourites Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself and Hold My Hand to an already jam-packed setlist, the full stadium was sent home bouncing and singing along.
A great concert, and an amazing band (including three-piece funky brass section): as one of only two British female solo artists to have five consecutive UK number one singles, you wouldn’t expect anything less from the Londoner. More than capable of holding a crowd in her hand, and with outstanding vocals throughout, let’s hope there’s some new material on the horizon for her growing legions of fans.
words OWEN SCOURFIELD photos NATHAN ROACH