By Charlotte Ndupuechi.
Billy Ocean’s still got it – and then some!
Amazing weather, a fantastic atmosphere and a night packed with classic hits combined to make Southampton Summer Sessions, presented by TK Maxx, a truly memorable evening last night (21/6/26).
With the sun shining down on an absolutely packed crowd, the evening began with Marti Pellow treating fans to a selection of favourites and ended with the classic Love Is All Around, instantly setting the tone for what was to come.
Billy Ocean was the main attraction. Speaking to fellow concertgoers before the show, it was clear that many had seen him perform before and had come back for more. Having never seen him live myself, despite being a big fan of many of his classic songs, I was eager to see if the legendary performer could live up to expectations.
He did not disappoint.
At 76 years old, Billy Ocean remains an exceptional entertainer. Backed by a superb band, he delivered a polished, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable performance that had both me and the crowd singing and dancing from start to finish.
The hits came thick and fast. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going had the audience singing along, while Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car was my personal favourite.
Beautiful ballads such as Suddenly showcased the warmth and quality of his voice, as well as the fabulous musicianship of the band, while Love Really Hurts Without You saw Billy effortlessly involve the crowd, creating one of the night’s standout moments.
The sound quality was excellent. Whether improvements had been made following last week’s Pete Tong concert or whether it was simply a testament to the quality of Billy Ocean’s band and production, every note rang out clearly across the venue.
Wherever you looked, people were smiling, dancing and singing along. The combination of timeless songs, superb musicianship and glorious summer weather created a genuine party atmosphere that perfectly captured what outdoor concerts are all about.
Southampton Summer Sessions continues to bring major acts to the city, but this performance from Billy Ocean will take some beating. A music legend in fine form, an enthusiastic crowd and a beautiful summer evening made for a fabulous night of entertainment.
A real treat from start to finish!
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