REVIEW: Jamiroquai at Manchester Arena

Lauren Bones | 8th November 2017

I have been listening to Jamiroquai with my dad since I was in nappies, so I could not miss the opportunity to attend their tour opening gig at Manchester Arena.

From dancing around my living room to Cosmic Girl to seeing the band perform in such an iconic venue was definitely a dream come true. It’s been quite a while since I have been to a concert with a reception quite like the one I experienced throughout Jamiroquai’s performance at Manchester Arena, the warmth felt throughout the venue for Jamiroquai’s first gig of their UK tour was quite infectious. The arena was completely rammed – from standing to the two tiers that looked like there were up in space.

The band were undeniably tight and flawless throughout every song throughout the gig, and Jay Kay’s vocals, partnered with his infamous LED-crown, still has that unmistakable soulful, crisp voice that could be recognised anywhere. His hilarious and funky dancing was definitely one of the highlights of the show, as he boogied in his ‘appropriate Jamiroquai’ logo trackies.

Jay Kay and his band wove together a clever set, with songs old and new that the entire venue screamed their hearts out to. I was completely exhausted after the gig from dancing and singing so much which is definitely a good sign.

For the duration of the gig, Jay Kay strutted the stage, throwing himself about while maintaining his fantastic vocals. Half way through his performance, Jay announced “Shit… The batteries have died!” (in his iconic LED-crown), definitely adding to the humour and upbeat atmosphere of the evening.

Overall, the performance was literally out of this world and like nothing I have every experienced before. It was the perfect way for Jay Kay and his band to begin their tour. They continue to take their magic and intergalactic energy around the world throughout November.