David Cassidy on the Web
Once In A Lifetime @ M.E.N. Arena
April 22, 2007
By Rob Allen
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
IT was a tale of two Davids as the '70s pop juggernaut that is the Once In A Lifetime tour rolled into town.
A packed house welcomed the chart topping giants of the decade and it was David Cassidy and David Essex who made notable impressions on an evening of flowers, fireworks and most importantly, fun.
Opening the night was Showaddywaddy, decked out in their trademark teddy boy outfits and proving to be the perfect opening act.
They may not be greeted with the same level of hysteria as the former pin-ups to follow but Under The Moon Of Love and Three Steps To Heaven certainly warm up the crowd's vocal chords.
As '70s heart throbs go, few were as voraciously adored as David Cassidy, and doesn't he just know it. Striding on stage and shaking his hips like a man on a mission to cause a thousand heart attacks it all becomes a little too much.
In between laying on trowel-thick complements to the crowd and a couple of dodgy guitar solos, Cassidy proves he can still deliver the goods with classics like Daydreamer.
One of the biggest cheers for the night came with the arrival of David Essex, striding into the spotlight like a distinguished elder statesman of pop.
There would certainly be no gyrating going on during his set. Still working as hard as ever, Essex delves into the past as well as playing more current songs such as Beautiful Day.
Hold Me Close
It's not long before the crowd is treated to Hold Me Close and there are few people remaining in their seats. He's an all round entertainer, genuinely funny in places and almost stole the thunder of tonight's headliners.
But, who can take anything away from the mighty Osmonds? They may be down a man, losing Donny to a solo mission, but their public had been sat patiently in their scarves and T-shirts all night.
It was soon time to welcome Jay, Wayne and the not so little Jimmy onto the stage. It is their smiles that won the public over all those years ago and tonight they beamed brighter than ever.
With drum solos, fireworks and screams from women who should know better it's the show the long standing fans deserve.
With songs like Love Me For A Reason and a ballistic Crazy Horses they just edged David Essex to be crowned the band of the night.
