Express & Star

Sam Smith, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review with pictures

Sam Smith fans wished the singer wasn't so good at goodbyes after he delivered a phenomenal performance at the Genting Arena.

Published
Sam Smith. Pictures by: Aden Southall

The London vocalist arrived at the NEC venue yesterday for the first of two Birmingham shows in celebration of his brand new album The Thrill of it All.

When the star took to the stage in a suave burgundy suit with a smile from ear-to-ear, the entire crowd erupted into fanatical cheers which remained constant throughout the entire show.

From the first notes of Burning, the audience was left dumbstruck by Sam's magnificent voice. Every harmony was jaw-droppingly pitch perfect and he demonstrated an unbelievable range that never faltered throughout the 90-minute set.

"Hello everyone, did you all have a nice bank holiday? Who is hungover?" Sam asked the crowd, to cheers from the vast majority.

Sam Smith. Pictures by: Aden Southall

The singer/songwriter made every audience member feel as if they were personally connected to him, as he regaled the crowd with intimate details of his songwriting process and the meaning behind some of his most heart-wrenching odes.

"I wrote this song with my best friend Brendan in 2015 when we were in Birmingham," Sam explained, referring to touching 2017 hit Scars.

"It is the most personal song I have ever written. I don't think I will ever write something quite like it again.

"It may sound like a sad song, but I created it as part of my personal therapy and it made me feel so much better."

Sam Smith. Pictures by: Aden Southall

The star then launched into the spine-tingling ballad, much to the audience's delight.

From fan favourites I'm Not The Only One, Money on My Mind and Lay Me Down, to new hits Midnight Train and One Last Song, Sam dazzled the crowd with the musical variety of his back catalogue, all tied together with one incredible voice.

He was joined by a dazzling gospel choir that added depth to his soaring choruses, and a live band that delivered spectacular guitar solos, rolling drum beats, and harmonious classical segments which pulled at the heartstrings of the entire crowd.

Ending on smash hit Too Good at Goodbyes, the arena was illuminated in phone torch light, at Sam's request, which was truly a sight to behold and evoked tears across the room.

The crowd had not had enough however, and the vocalist returned to perform singles Palace, Pray and smash hit Stay With Me.

Sam Smith. Pictures by: Aden Southall

As rose petals fell from the ceiling and the stage was bathed in warm lighting, Sam left the stage to a standing ovation from the crowd and cheers which shook the venue walls.

Sam Smith's Birmingham show left the audience begging for more - even after the main lights had come back on - and I for one can't wait for him to return to the area with his spectacular stage presence and musical talent.

He will play Birmingham's Genting Arena for the second time tonight.