Review | Anastacia’s Ultimate Collection Tour at the London Palladium
Since bursting onto the scene in 2000, Anastacia’s career has become a story worthy of a Broadway musical adaptation.
Given the current state of the music industry, to still be touring the world and enjoying international chart success is an accomplishment in itself, but then throw in record label politics along with highly publicised health issues, and you know you’ve got one resilient superstar on your hands.
It’s that feisty personality – along with her iconic vocals – that has won Anastacia a legion of loyal fans. Her latest European tour is in support of her Ultimate Collection album, which serves as Anastacia’s second greatest hits compilation, but one that is much more definitive and complete; something which is reflected on the tour.
Unleashing those famous diva vocals, Anastacia completely owned the Palladium stage with a set list that was jam-packed with classic hits that span the past two decades along with fan favourites and some inspired choices of cover tracks.
Proceeded by a chorus of drums, Anastacia makes her entrance onto the stage in it’s clear she’s brought a fiery yet professional attitude by the bucket load for tonight’s performance. The show opens with ‘Army of Me’ (originally from Christina Aguilera’s Lotus album) before moving into hits such as ‘Paid My Dues’ and ‘Not That Kind’, while the audience interaction was typically humourous and Anastacia’s appreciation of the fans seems incredibly genuine.
A slightly longer middle section will be an absolute treat for die-hard fans but might be a little testing for more casual audience members. It’s here that Anastacia pulls out the lesser known album cuts and movie soundtracks (remember Fantastic Four?!)
Still, it’s a credit to her that either with a full band in swing or a stripped down acoustic performance, Anastacia has the charisma and vocals to carry the stage for two hours straight.
A triple-punch encore of ‘I’m Outta Love’, ‘Left Outside Alone’ and ‘One Day in Your Life’ was a euphoric blast of early noughties nostalgia that had the entire theatre on their feet. Though perhaps it could’ve been more effective if those three tracks – arguably her biggest hits – were spread out across the show.
All in all, it’s a great show that has moments of high energy, but perhaps a few too many niche tracks to pull in casual audiences. All it needs is a rejigging of the set-list, and preferably to continue in venues with a standing floor area – this is one show you’ll want to be on your feet for as you try and match those incredible high notes.
Rating: 4/5
Words: Jon Hornbuckle
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