Kenny Rogers thrills Midlands faithful

Kenny Rogers concert review

Birmingham Symphony Hall

Country legend Kenny Rogers brought a ray of American sunshine to a rainy Midlands evening with a selection of greatest hits from his 50-year career.

It is only when his songs are played back-to-back it dawns just how many hits the singer-songwriter has enjoyed.

Looking relaxed in a white shirt and jeans, he immediately got the crowd at Birmingham Symphony Hall jigging in their seats with two high-energy numbers.

But the biggest cheers were reserved for hits such as The Gambler and Coward of the County. Fans jumped up from their seats and clapped along during both songs to the delight of the 71-year-old performer.

Probably the best performances were passionate renditions of ballads Through the Years and a spine-tingling She Believes in Me.

Between songs, crowds were entertained by jokes and anecdotes from his career.

He ended with a version of his hit duet with Dolly Parton Islands in the Stream before leaving the stage to a standing ovation.

His backing band also gave outstanding performances adding a bite to some of the best-known songs.