REVIEW: Andrew WK at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea

This is American rocker and motivational speaker Andrew WK's first UK tour in some time.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2018, 12:15 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2018, 12:16 BST
Andrew WK celebrates another good review.Andrew WK celebrates another good review.
Andrew WK celebrates another good review.

Support band Yonaka bring a big sound with hints of the heavier side of Wolf Alice. They look battle-hardened, yet fresh-faced. I wonder what they were doing 17 years ago when Andrew was on Top of The Pops?

Speaking of which, as the stage is set for the headliner, a wave of youthful excitement washes over the crowd – a crowd with an average age in their thirties, who would’ve also no doubt seen the unforgettable version of Party Hard on TOTP.

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The keyboardist steps on stage and starts us off with a chant of: ‘Party, party, party!’ building to a piece of music fit for an epic movie trailer, and then darkness.

A kickdrum beat precedes wailing guitars to bring on Andrew WK, who is all energy, and the crowd are instantly onside.

Maybe it’s the keyboards and theatrics, but I get a Meatloaf vibe from Mr WK as the band hurtles through their setlist like they’ll never get to play it again. Every song powers along like the show-stopping finale to a set. Atop an iceberg of metal sits a message of positivity to all with hurdles to overcome – he is a motivational speaker after all.

Stylistically not a lot has changed, he could have walked onto the stage right out of 2001 for all we know, and that’s fine with all of us!

What a performance.

SAM CUTBUSH

Related topics:American