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Paloma Faith
Haydock Park Racecourse
July 1st 2022
The rain certainly didn’t stop play at the Paloma Faith open-air gig this Friday evening. It was one of many performances and part of her huge Summer UK tour 2022 and also, the first time in Haydock for this award-winning star. Claire Glover and Melanie Smith were there to report back in words and photos.
The crowd waited in anticipation under their umbrellas, following the horse racing at Haydock Park Racecourse, courtesy of The Jockey Club Live nights. The dazzling, bright stage lights floodlit the crowd and racecourse beyond. Paloma entered the stage to excitable cheers from the soggy plastic poncho-wearing crowd. Most of whom, by this time, had seemingly been drinking copious amounts of alcohol at the races, prior to this spectacular live show. Hence they were somewhat oblivious to the weather.
She looked fabulous in a long grey skirt and jacket, decorated with zips, a red tie and sporting a matching beret that complimented her striking blonde bob cut. She has become rather chameleon-like with all her different, unconventional yet eye-catching fashion styles. She opened with the popular and energetic song Gold, then segued nicely into Last Night on Earth. The lively stomping song Monster (taken from her 5th album Infinite Things) is where Paloma gets into the groove, with high kicks and animated posturing with her guitarist. Paloma addressed the crowd during an instrumental, shouting “Hi Haydock” and began referring to the difficulties of the last few years, and how life is just so unpredictable and how we should live in the moment tonight.
Paloma took a breather and sipped a mug of tea (at least that’s what she said it was) before asking the crowd to join in with the next song, Picking Up The Pieces. Paloma is quirky, down to earth and engages well with the crowd, she delighted them all by telling us that Northerners are a much better audience than them “darn South:”. She also spoke about the challenges of the pandemic and the negative effects it had on family and friends. Her exact words were “it all went to shit” yet in a very light-hearted and humorous manner.
Paloma was joined on stage by her brilliant band, which included drummer Daisy Palmer, bass player Andrea Goldsworthy, Pianist Pete Daley and Sam Lewis on lead guitar. The beautiful and dynamic backing singers (The Faithettes) provided powerful vocals and harmonies that made the songs come alive. Paloma enlightened her fans that since her career began in 2009, they all love to “get round the old Joanna” She then jumped up to sit on top of the beautiful black grand piano, and together, they delight the crowd with an oldie Stone Cold Sober, which was her debut single in 2009, taken from the album Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful.
Paloma shared a very moving moment when she spoke of her bandmate and musical director Banks, known as B.B. Bones,and her heartbreak at his passing away in recent weeks of a terminal illness. Also, how special it was they had recorded him, so he can still play with them at gigs. She then sang the emotional goodbye song, she had written for her special friend Beautiful And Dammed.
Paloma informed the crowd they were going to attempt a cover and it could be a disaster, yet they certainly did Janis Joplin’s fantastic song, Piece Of My Heart justice. The crowd loved joining in with this one too. Lullaby, that followed showed the versatility and range of Paloma’s superb voice. Next up Can’t Rely On You had some really breathtaking, funky bass and beautiful piano playing.
The finale of this fabulous show was to treat the crowd to her highest charting number in 2014 – Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Paloma asked could everyone put the torches on their phones, saying it looks so beautiful. Paloma Faith and the band also shine in this song, the charming backing vocals and Paloma jumping up and down the octaves, made for exciting listening. A tenor saxophone would have been the icing on the cake for this incredible song. All the crowd sang along at the top of their voices to this which was a perfect send-off for Paloma and Co.
Paloma is such an engaging and uplifting performer with a personal touch, someone who genuinely cares for her fans, resulting in a memorable and amazing show.
Please note: Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to contact the photographer please email: mel@mudkissphotography.co.uk
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Paloma Faith’s website is here: palomafaith.com. She’s also on Facebook and Twitter, as @Palomafaith.
All words by Claire Glover. More writing by Claire on Louder Than War can be found at her author profile here. | Twitter
All photos by Melanie Smith – Louder Than War | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Portfolio
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Fabulous review Claire. You’ve worded it perfectly. Loved the show, Paloma really does shine on stage x
Thanks very much Belinda, appreciate that, glad you loved the show Claire xx