Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Sun 4 Sept
words: RUPERT MONTGOMERY photos: WWW.MISSIONPHOTOGRAPHIC.COM
Dolly Parton danced on to the stage at the Motorpoint Arena to a sellout audience on the second night of her world tour in Cardiff. Although hard to believe, at 65 she burst into Walking On Sunshine full of energy in a mauve catsuit and sparking overskirt which sent iridescent rays of light from the extremely well-managed lighting. She cruised through 29 songs in two and a half hours.
Jolene certainly appeared a favourite amongst fans when she recalled her reasons behind writing it. For someone so small but perfectly formed, to have so much talent in terms of writing, singing and playing a variety of instruments, just isn’t fair. On top of all this, she also finds time through her Dollywood Foundation to send out free books to improve childhood literacy.
Parton pleased the packed crowd with a mix of well-known classics and some new hits from her latest album Better Day, and a rap number about Queen Latifa – a spoof of course having just made a film together. From 9 To 5 to a rocking River Deep and Mountain High, I found Little Sparrow strangely haunting during which the proverbial pin could not have been heard.
Her fans cover all generations and no doubt will increase after this tour. Her performance delivered with sincerity and good old country charm. She was received with open and waving arms by her adoring fans, many of whom were dressed in western gear in order to demonstrate their allegiance to the country music legend. May the queen of country reign for many years.
