KD Lang

Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Mon 30th May 2011

After spending the bank holiday weekend in Glasgow and after a mammoth five hour drive in bank holiday traffic, the last thing I wanted to do was go and see another gig.

The last time I saw KD Lang live was the 'All You Can Eat' tour at a packed NIA so this show was gonna be a real treat.

I had a few weeks before seen KD on Later with Jools Holland on the BBC and I must admit I was taken with her at all, thought her vocals were quite flat.

I hauled my sorry ass to the Symphony Hall in Brum, one of my favourite venues, the acoustics are superb and the staff are always cheerful and helpful. Tickets and pass sorted we headed off to our seats. We had a superb view on the stage and loads of leg room, I was settled in for the night.

We arrived at the venue after support act Little Miss Higgins went on stage, we missed the first few songs. At first I thought who the hell are these and why on earth would KD choose them to support her. BUT I totally warmed to them, Ms Higgins was so hilarious, her banter between songs was comical and her accompanying guitarist Foy Taylor was quiet but couldn't half play that guitar.

Ms Higgins was on for 30 mins and the songs I did hear were joyous, foot tapping tunes. Every song was explained and where the lyrics came from, a true storyteller. Songs that stuck out like a sore thumb were 'Radville' named after a town, 'Bargain Shop Panties', so catchy it's untrue and 'The Dirty Old Tractor'.

I was that impressed with Little Miss Higgins I shall be checking her out if she is ever doing anything else in the UK.

The stage was set like something out of the 50's film classics: Old style film studio spots with a velvet backdrop.

K.D. Lang


An early start: KD came on stage with her band 'The Sis Boom Bang' at 8.30, this is never heard of, it's usually 9.00 or much later. No complaints from me, meant I could get an early night-ish. No matchsticks required.

This tour was about showcasing new album 'Sing It Loud', what an absolute peach it is too, KD Lang at her best. The Sis Boom Bang were very tight as a band and complemented Ms Lang's amazing vocal prowess.

90mins of pure unadulterated excellence. This show was totally amazing, no fancy pyrotechnics or screens, or bare chested dancers, it was all just about the music.

KD and the band didn't disappoint, 18 songs including an encore were belted out. I sat in my seat thinking KD was better vocally than when I saw her in 1995/96, although tonight was all about new album 'Sing It LoudMiss Chatelaine' which I totally loved, a rocked up version of 'Constant Craving' and the most amazing vocal performance I have ever seen in my life, which totally took my breath away with 'Hallelujah', the audience were on their feet and it was well deserved.

'I Confess', 'The Waters Edge' and the wonderful 'Reminiscing' were all fantastic, I just couldn't get enough.

K.D. Lang


The audience were totally in awe of KD, her silky smooth voice and astounding vocals had them eating out of her hand. 'Inglewood', 'Perfect Word' and 'Habit of Mind' were up next, it was pure bliss.

The show was over too quick for my liking, the encore was quite long, 'Heaven', 'Sugar Buzz' and the highlight with the band was a barber shop style song [didn't catch the title-sorry]. We didn't hang around for the last song otherwise it would've meant a two hour wait to get off the car park.

All I can say is I'm actually glad I made the effort to see Ms Lang and her terrific band, she still has the vocal prowess she had ten years ago and it was an absolute pleasure to be in her presence.

K.D. Lang

article by: Michelle Owen-Williams

photos by: Michelle Owen-Williams

published: 03/06/2011 10:32



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