Review: Soul II Soul at the Manchester Bowlers Exhibition Centre
| 6th March 2018
28 years ago, a British group that was formed in London released one of the biggest UK hits of all time and now in 2018 Soul II Soul returned to the stage making it feel like it was yesterday.
The 80s soul band took to the Manchester Bowlers stage on the 3rd of March 2018 alongside support acts The Brand New Heavies and R&B 1Xtar DJ Trevor Nelson.
Bowlers Exhibition centre is best known for its big raves like Baseline festival, so I was shocked when I realised the concert would be taking place at this venue. However, the layout of the concert worked really well. In one room they had the VIP section where there was an on-going DJ, private bar and tables and chairs. In the main event area there were two bars and chairs at each side of the stage.
I thought that the venue organisers were very thoughtful thinking about the Soul II Soul fans by making some seats available. If I was to criticise anything about my experience at the Bowlers Exhibition I would say they needed a much better selection of drinks and refreshments.
The Brand New Heavies opened the show by warming up the crowd by making the fans feel their “dream had come true” by showing them they still have it and they could still deliver an amazing live performance.
After a short interval which gave me enough time for a refreshment, Soul II Soul arrived on the stage opening their set with their second biggest single “Keep on Movin” sending shivers up the fans’ spines as they reminisced.
Then Jazzie B took to the mic introducing the phenomenal Carol Wheeler whose voice was still as soulful and seductive as ever.
Throughout the whole Soul II Soul set the live band was truly spectacular and proved that 30 years later they could still create the same sound and atmosphere which their fans delighted in.
Before the big finale Jazzie B asked us “what’s the meaning of life” playing us “Get a life” which ran smoothly into the highly anticipated song Back to life (however do you want me) which was far from disappointing and the highlight of the night.
To end the night Trevor Nelson gave us sounds from the old school and kept everyone up off their seats and dancing. “I thought everyone would leave after Soul II Soul” said Trevor but the crowd were here to stay.
Overall, I would say the experience took me back to 1989 where music was at its best!
For more information on Soul II Soul follow Instagram Twitter and for more information about the tour visit http://soul2soul.co.uk