SHANIA TWAIN - BRITISH SUMMER TIME // HYDE PARK, LONDON
Fans grabbed their boots for a day of
iconic country performances
★★★★☆ (4/5)
SHANIA TWAIN PERFORMING AT LONDON’S BRITISH SUMMER TIME AT HYDE PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: DAVE HOGAN MEDIA
“Let’s go girls” is bellowed by cowboy hatted crowds as they approach hyde park to see pop country icon Shania Twain and a bill of stellar support acts.
Natalie Imbruglia attracted an impressively large crowd for first act on the main stage. In her 30 minute set she managed to pack in hot after hit, with tracks such as “Torn” sounding expertly performed by Imbruglia and her band. She commented that she had not performed at Hyde Park since 1998, her return was certainly well received.
Fellow country singer Elle King brought her rasp laden vocals to a crowd pleasing set. “I got lucky” proved a highlight of the set, showing her slice of life lyrical ability of King alongside her vocal prowess.
Anne Marie brought her trademark irreverent pop and wonderful wardrobe to Hyde Park. Having duetted with Twain on the song “Unhealthy” (as well as her own chart topping hits) it was a given that her vocal performance would be of the highest quality. Every song sounded clear as Anne Marie made the stage her own.
A slice of pop folk from the Corrs was received with furor by the audience. Songs such as “Breathless” and “Runaway” clearly resonated with the audience, resulting in enthusiastic singalongs.
With the final support complete, it was time for the main event. The crowd were euphoric by this point after a long day of brilliant performances.
Country icon Shania Twain took to the Great Oak Stage alongside a chorus of cheers from the audience. Illness apparently threatened to cut short her performance, however she didn’t let that impact her for one second as she dazzled all those in attendance.
Her set would prove to be a veritable goldmine of pop-country classics which show why Twain has headlined Hyde Park (and some of the largest stages around the world) many times.
Tonight’s set features heavily from the classic albums “Come on Over” and “The Woman in Me”. Twain’s vocals proved serviceable, and any stumbles were
imperceptible as the tens of thousands of fans chanted out every word of the mega hits.
From the tender love of “You’re still the one” to the empowered romp of “That Don’t Impress me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Twain delivered the hits while also interacting warmly with the crowd in between.
Twain seemed genuinely moved by the support from her fans. This summer has seen her perform across the U.K. to large outdoor crowds( including the iconic Glastonbury) her ability to draw such audiences upon entering her fourth active decade shows the strength of her back catalogue.
As the day drew to a close, fans had been treated to a fantastic day of music and entertainment. This day had really shown the strengths of the BST festival to deliver unbelievable lineups in a beautiful venue.