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Review and photos: David Weddle.
It was one of the hottest days so far this year in Newcastle, and people came out in their droves to see one of the hottest music acts perform on the hallowed stage of Newcastle City Hall.
Singer Fletcher, whose following is substantial—her Instagram page alone has over one million followers—brought her show to the city with support from ARXX. With queues wrapped around the venue, it was clear that the night was going to be a good one.
With the release of Fletcher's sophomore album, 'In Search of the Antidote', it has been none-stop for the acclaimed singer-songwriter. With shows across South America, including Lollapalooza, and her headline tour, Fletcher's music has reached North America, Australia, and Europe, not to mention the current UK tour.
Kicking off proceedings was pop duo ARXX. As it was guitarist and vocalist Hanni's birthday, the duo walked on wearing birthday hats and head gear, and at some point Hanni received a nice little bouquet of flowers, Canny. The pair performed a good mix of their music, and the crowd definitely enjoyed what they heard. Unfortunately, due to not one but two stoppages as Hanni spotted audience members needing attention, both Hanni and drummer Clara decided it was time to call it a night and said their goodbyes to Newcastle.
It's a real shame they weren't able to finish their set, but the fan's safety is too important to take chances, so good on them for making that call.
After security worked hard to make sure everyone was hydrated and safe, the time came for the main event.
Singer Fletcher, whose following is substantial—her Instagram page alone has over one million followers—brought her show to the city with support from ARXX. With queues wrapped around the venue, it was clear that the night was going to be a good one.
With the release of Fletcher's sophomore album, 'In Search of the Antidote', it has been none-stop for the acclaimed singer-songwriter. With shows across South America, including Lollapalooza, and her headline tour, Fletcher's music has reached North America, Australia, and Europe, not to mention the current UK tour.
Kicking off proceedings was pop duo ARXX. As it was guitarist and vocalist Hanni's birthday, the duo walked on wearing birthday hats and head gear, and at some point Hanni received a nice little bouquet of flowers, Canny. The pair performed a good mix of their music, and the crowd definitely enjoyed what they heard. Unfortunately, due to not one but two stoppages as Hanni spotted audience members needing attention, both Hanni and drummer Clara decided it was time to call it a night and said their goodbyes to Newcastle.
It's a real shame they weren't able to finish their set, but the fan's safety is too important to take chances, so good on them for making that call.
After security worked hard to make sure everyone was hydrated and safe, the time came for the main event.
As the intro played and the band made their way on stage, Fletcher was nowhere to be seen. Then, as a voice seemingly from nowhere started singing and the crowd started screaming, there was Fletcher standing above a huge screen belting out the opening bars of 'Maybe I Am'. Fletcher is obviously not afraid of heights; that screen was some size.
Playing the first two songs from the rafters of City Hall, Fletcher gave everyone, including those at the back, the opportunity to get a glimpse of the pop star's enthusiastic smile as she surveyed the crowd from her vantage point before disappearing and reappearing on the stage alongside her band to perform 'Serial Heartbreaker'.
The set was full of energy, and it really looked like Fletcher was having a ball at City Hall. Fletcher's new album is all about love in its various forms, and there was definitely a lot of love in Newcastle for the singer. Fletcher's style of pop is high-energy, self-reflecting, and openly honest, which definitely endears her to the people of Newcastle.
The lucky few on the balcony were given a surprise treat as Fletcher made her way to join them, which was great to see, as the reactions from the audience were priceless. Fletcher made sure to make the night as special as possible for her loyal fans.
As far as the setlist goes, there was a good mix of Fletcher's previous releases as well as the new album, including the last song of the night, 'Becky's So Hot', which ended a night of incredible highs, literally and metaphorically. Fletcher's voice was outstanding, and the band was on point. There was no doubt in my mind that the audience loved the show; they were all in very good spirits.
If you have yet to hear 'In Search of the Antidote, you should definitely check it out.
