Last year Girls Aloud announced a set of greatest hits arena shows that would act as a comeback to celebrate their time as a music act and the life of band mate Sarah Harding, who passed in 2021 of breast cancer. Touring the UK in May and July and possibly beyond.
Despite their popularity and performing some 30 + arena shows for this tour, I found myself venturing out alone to this gig. Though a big advantage to doing this was that I was able to grab a single ticket near the stage front of the arena. When booking in January, had I wanted two or more tickets – I would have been much further back.
The nearest gig to me was Resorts World in Birmingham which is a pretty decent venue. Ticket prices are much more expensive nowadays but my seated ticket came in at just over £100. Though not VIP, it was very close to the extended stage. You could not ask for a better view in an arena.
Parking and getting around the NEC in Birmingham was straightforward as usual and well organised. Though food and drink prices are on the extreme side nowadays. As you would expect, the venue had merchandise and programmes. Programmes were £10 and other items generally upwards of £30/£40.
The support act was a DJ called Mr Theo who entertained in the arena before the main event. He played a pretty good choice of music that fitted well with the likely taste of the audience.
Prior to Girls Aloud performing, there was an excited buzz within the audience. Lots of interesting people, some dressed up and a mixed age group attending.
If you are planning on seeing the show and do not want any spoilers or setlist info, I would stop reading now.
Once Mr Theo had finished performing, it was only about a 15 minute wait for the girls who took the stage at 2045 through to 2230.
After dimmed lights and a build up to “Untouchable”, the girls appeared on stage as the curtain dropped to reveal them on platforms. Nicola then kicked off proceedings with the opening lines of the track.
The performance was split into three main acts along with an encore. Show pace is fast and is filled with all the hits. An energetic show with the girls performing with a dance troupe. Throughout the show, tribute is paid to Sarah to recognise her important part in the bands history with her recorded vocals and video added to parts of the show.
Set List here
Untouchable
The Show
Something New
Love Machine
Can’t Speak French
Biology
Whole Lotta History
Wake Me Up
Sound Of The Underground
Girl Overboard
No Good Advice
Graffiti My Soul
Long Hot Summer
I’ll Stand By You
Sexy! No No No…
On The Metro
Jump
Call The Shots
Something Kinda Ooooh
The Promise
The stage set worked well with a massive extended walkway into the arena and helping many to gain a really good view. Vocally they were spot on and sounded very good. They were also interactive with the crowd, each taking a turn to speak. I noticed lots of interaction from them with the audience and Cheryl will have made one young girls night (approx 8 years old) by singing directly to her. I also noticed Nicola complimenting someone on their hair!
While all good performers, my opinion is that Nadine and Nicola were the best and tended to lead most songs vocally.
Like most, I have many highlights but certainly “Wake me up” was brilliant. Video below along with part of “The Sound of the Underground”.
It was also enjoyable to watch “Sexy! No, no, no…” and of course “Something kinda Ooooh” which closed the gig with the group saying goodnight. An encore then followed with the expected “The Promise”.
At time of writing, some London and Liverpool dates remain and tickets are still available. If you want to go or are sitting on the fence, I would definitely recommend going.
Tour Dates here
Friday May 24 and Saturday May 25 – Manchester AO Arena
Monday, May 27- Cardiff Utilita Arena
Tuesday, May 28 – Sheffield Utilita Arena
Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1 – Newcastle Utilita Arena
Sunday, June 2 – Newcastle Utilita Arena
Tuesday, June 4 – Aberdeen P&J Live
Saturday, June 8 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
Sunday, June 9 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
Monday, June 10 – Glasgow OVO Hydro
Wednesday, June 12 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Thursday, June 13 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Saturday, June 15 – Leeds First Direct Arena
Sunday, June 16 – Leeds First Direct Arena
Tuesday, June 18 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Wednesday, June 19 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Thursday, June 20 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, June 22, 23, 24, 25 – London The O2
Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
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