When I heard he enjoyed it so much last time that he had decided to do the same gig again at the same venue less than a year later I was ecstatic.
Once again Cliff failed to disappoint and produced a blinder of a show. The pre show DJ provided a suitably excitable and relaxed vibe in the venue playing out reggae classics to one of the most ethnically mixed crowds I've ever seen.
The average age was probably somewhere between 40 and 50 with old mods and old school reggae enthusiasts who remembered Jimmy from 40 years ago dominating the venue, although there was still a surprising mix of younger fans.
The atmosphere was really welcoming and so comfortable by the time Cliff was introduced and literally bounced onstage to rapturous applause as he launched into his classic 'You Can Get It If You Really Want'.
From that moment on the show was just a whirlwind of high energy, charisma and full audience participation as Cliff proved that 50 years in the industry really does make an incredible performer.
I will honestly say that I have never in my life seen a performer move about the stage as much as the 64 year old Cliff does. His heart and soul is so clearly in what he is performing that the music just takes him over.
His backing band deserve a big mention too as every single member played so vibrantly and filtered Cliff's infectious energy into their instrument playing and movements.
At so many points Cliff encouraged the crowd to copy his assortment of dance moves, explaining to us that these are the moves he brought from Jamaica, and as he winded down to the ground and then high kicked the air, it was crazy to take in just how agile he still is.
Musical highlights included 'Baby It's a Wild World', the bongo drum filled 'Rivers of Babylon' and the spine-tingling 'Many Rivers to Cross' that provided a genuinely moving, tear jerking moment for a lot of the crowd, including myself, as it was so beautifully and purely executed.
Cliff was humorously dressed wearing a crown (rightly so in my opinion), as well as a red T-shirt emblazoned with his name and a bright yellow shirt on top with the same logo.
It's important to point out that he is not just an epic performer but to this day still holds his soulful powerful notes with such strength and passion.
A couple of times throughout the gig Cliff became more serious whilst referring to the change in his home country of Jamaica and struggles around the world, and before launching into his anti-war tune 'Afghanistan' he addressed the crowd with "This is a message to all leaders of the world. We want them to know, we, all the people don't want another Vietnam in Afghanistan."
Regardless of his more sombre communications, the mood of the gig never dipped and the life-loving smile that Cliff had plastered on his face permanently was infectious.
As the whole venue bounced about to his last track 'Wonderful World, Beautiful People' it truly felt like we had been a part of something really special; Jimmy had invited us whole heartedly into his world.
The MC that took to the stage after the show couldn't have put it better saying "Fifty years and hes still going strong. Amazing; he was there when it all began."
Even if you are not a fan of the man himself I would sincerely recommend catching the inspirational Jimmy Cliff live if you have the opportunity.
article by: Fiona Madden
photos by: Fiona Madden
published: 22/05/2012 16:19
FUTURE GIGS
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