Chris de Burgh, Blickling
While the ghosts of Blickling Hall may have been recovering from the presence of Shirley Bassey the night before, on Saturday it was the turn of rocker Chris de Burgh to get the audience to their feet.
By CAT BARTMAN
While the ghosts of Blickling Hall may have been recovering from the presence of Shirley Bassey the night before, on Saturday it was the turn of rocker Chris de Burgh to get the audience to their feet.
The scene was set – the stately surroundings, the warm summer evening, a stage and about 5500 people.
Picnickers were in for more than three hours of non-stop music and the constant presence of dozens of hard core fans at the front of the stage proved that after three decades in the business de Burgh can still draw them in.
The 52-year-old from the Emerald Isle was returning to the open-air venue near Aylsham for the second time, the first being in 1998.
Dressed in his trademark black it was hard to pick him out from the backdrop of the stage at first, but he was soon noticeable leaping around waving his hands in the air enthusiastically.
Most Read
- 1 The school where boys can wear skirts - but not shorts
- 2 Woman in her 20s dies in A47 crash
- 3 Cyclist in her 50s dies in A11 crash
- 4 A11 reopens after air ambulance called to crash
- 5 Michael Bublé concert bans chairs and blankets from gig
- 6 Drink driving teacher crashed into church wall with baby in car
- 7 Man jealous of ex-wife's new relationship burnt down house
- 8 Husband sues hospital over 'medical neglect' death of wife
- 9 Long-delayed wedding finally takes place... in 1941
- 10 Norwich Airport TUI flight delayed by 42 hours
With his five piece-band, de Burgh went through the ballads like A Woman's Heart and Missing You and the more rock-influenced songs such as A Spaceman Came Travelling and Don't Pay the Ferryman.
By the time Lady in Red reached the ears of the crowd the arm swaying had given way to slow dances in the candlelight.
The relaxed atmosphere continued as people milled about and de Burgh switched from guitar to piano and back to guitar for an acoustic set.
He included a few cover versions, with the Beatles' Hey Jude, returning for the second night running, and The Eagles' Hotel California.
With seemingly boundless energy de Burgh worked the crowd up to a grand finale which had everyone on their feet.
It only remained then for an impressive fireworks display to complete the night and send the crowd home contented.