Pop legend Anastacia returned to Nottingham last night with her Ultimate Collection Tour.
Appearing on stage, the iconic Anastacia image, her killer stage presence is heralded by two female drummers as she launches into the empowering Army of Me. With the lyrics ‘Wiser and stronger’ it is a song which could sum up the American songstress following a career which spans nearly 20 years, or “a lot of time’s – we don’t say years” as she expertly puts it.
During these ‘time’s’ the singer, songwriter and producer has notched up over 30 million record sales worldwide, becoming one of the most instantly recognisable voices of our time. She has also battled many health problems. The 48 year old singer has fought breast cancer twice, resulting with her work for Cancer Research. Recognition of her decade-long efforts in breast cancer awareness meant she became only the second woman to be presented with the Humanitarian Award at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in 2013.
The tour follows a great couple of years for Anastacia following the release of her Ultimate Collection back in 2015, which made the top ten in the UK charts, giving the singer her sixth top ten album in Britain, and an appearance on last year’s BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
It is that powerful mega mezzo soprano voice which kept the Nottingham audience captivated for nearly two hours, as she powered through her best known hits, together with fan favourites, Who’s Gonna Stop The Rain chosen by fans in real-time on an app, alongside tracks from her 2012 covers album It’s A Man’s World, including Best of You by the Foo Fighters Best Of You.
Performing is not something which Anastacia takes for granted following long bouts of ill health. Visibly moved at times, such as during Pieces of a Dream, she talks of how music makes her feel, particularly in light of events over the last few weeks. You’ll Never Be Alone, she explains, was written for her God Daughter, but the following year Anastacia was to be diagnosed with cancer. At this point in her life her “Fans became her family” writing these same words back to her. “Don’t leave people alone, be there for them”. she tells us from her heart.
It’s clear Anastacia connects with her fans. Thanking us all for leaving the house and putting fear in our pockets, she reaches out to us by leaving the stage and joining the audience for hugs and selfies. Finishing the evening up in the tier amongst fans for the encore of One Day In Your Life, but not before the audience have been up on their feet for anthems Left Outside Alone, Paid My Dues and I’m Outta Love.
Cowboys And Kisses showcased the singers soaring vocals, which never faulted during the delivery of an amazing back catalogue which cements Anastacia’s timeless status, with a voice that will continue to reach many for years to come.
Set List:
Army of Me
Sick and Tired
Stupid Little Things
Paid my Dues
Cowboys & Kisses
Who’s Gonna Stop the Rain
Welcome to my Truth
Lifeline (Dance)
Heavy on my Heart
Pieces of a Dream
You’ll Never Be Alone
I Belong to You
Disco Medley (Good Times/ Get Lucky/ Uptown Funk/ Pull up to the Bumper)
By Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
Photos by Andy Tattershall for NottinghamLIVE
where’s the rest of the setlist?