Choosing a support act is a delicate decision for any artist, but it’s particularly brave of Mr Hudson to take someone as charismatic and high profile as Tinie Tempah out with him. Strolling on to the Roadmender stage to hysterical whoops from the crowd, Tempah dispenses an outstanding half-hour set, flicking between stand offish and charming, he whips the crowd into a complete frenzy. Number one smash Pass Out has the floor shaking from the crowd jumping and his reworking of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance is an unexpected gem. He won’t be in venues of this size for much longer.
Benjamin Hudson McIldowie, known musically as Mr Hudson is currently just about everywhere. He’s had a bumpy road to get here though, after seeing his debut record largely pass public by.
But, ironically, two of the most influential artists in the world, Kanye West and Jay-Z, heard the record and invited Hudson to collaborate with them.
Increased public profile followed and he’s getting a second bite at the cherry, with a bigger marketing budget and a good deal more success this time round. Sonically, he’s somewhere between Seal and Mamas and Papas, with a wry lyrical touch set over lush instrumentation and big sweeping choruses. When he writes epic pop songs, like White Lies and the superb Supernova, it really works. But on other tracks, like Stiff Upper Lip and Knew We Were Trouble it feels a bit flat. If he follows through on some of the potential he shows tonight, he has a great career ahead of him.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here