Express & Star

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review

There is a scene towards the end of Jersey Boys - the musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons - where the lead character says: "Like that bunny with the batteries I just keep going and going and going."

Published

And so it comes to pass as the real Frankie Valli is still performing in his 83rd year.

He doesn't bound about on stage like the Duracell rabbit - at his age you wouldn't expect him to. But, Oh what a night!

Valli cannot hit the high notes like he used to, but he was given an early chance to show off the falsetto with which he made his name as Dawn came four songs in.

Of course, Jersey Boys brings to light songs that are not readily associated with Valli, like Stay, Bye Bye Baby, Can't Take My Eyes Off You and Silence Is Golden and all featured here, the latter with help from two of his Four Seasons' backing singers.

There were times, however, when it appeared he had too much helium intake.

After promising Birmingham he would have even more fun than the last time he was there, the concert began with a historical video montage and ended with pretty much everyone on their feet. There were young and old in the audience too; indicative of the impact his music has had over the years.

And we had a great view of proceedings looking straight ahead towards the stage.

My Eyes Adored You had the glow sticks out early on in front of us. There was also a Frank Sinatra tribute with Under My Skin and a medley of '60s material with Spanish Harlem, My Girl and Groovin'.

Beggin' and Grease were among the big hits that followed before the aforementioned Can't Take My Eyes Off You had everyone up and the finish came with the four big number ones, namely Sherry, Walk Like A Man. Big Girls Don't Cry and Rag Doll with Let's Hang On to finish.

Valli may be going strong at the age of 82, but you know he won't last forever. In the meantime, let's hang on to the pleasure he has given his millions of adoring fans in the last six decades.

By Mark Shipp

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