 | | The Gossip (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
Whereas Kelly is a tone deaf rich brat playing at being a pop act, Beth Ditto is the genuine article – a post-modern pop star for the new millennium. Most people have heard of The Gossip because their singer dares to be bigger than a size zero in our fickle pop world, but they are so much more than a band with a large singer. Guitarist Brace Paine and drummer Hannah Blilie kick up a potent mix of disco, indie pop and dirty swamp blues, which gives Ms Ditto a chance to unleash her powerhouse voice.  | | The Gossip (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
It’s fair to say some of the songs aren't that innovative, although Jealous Girl did stand out. But it was a blistering version of Listen Up that got the crowd going turning the venue into a mad indie disco as the cream of Manchester’s cool set let their hair down. Beth Ditto knows how to work a crowd, even trying a bit of impromptu crowd surfing and taking time to thank the crowd for coming along. When you’ve sat through countless sullen indie bands, her obvious joy at playing live really connects.  | | The Gossip (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
The Gossip close the set with an absolutely titanic version of new single - and Skins favourite - Standing In The Way Of Control, which had Academy Two literally bouncing with teen over-excitement. A stunning rendition of a song written as a response to Dubya’s opposition to gay marriage which, in our gay friendly city, really struck a chord with her adoring fans. Beth saved the best for the encore when she wandered – thankfully not dressed in her trademark swimsuit – back on and launched into a beautiful a cappella version of What’s Love Got To Do With It, which was as good as Tina and suggests she has a big pop future if she wants it. Outspoken. Lesbian. Fat. Coolest person on the planet. Those are all labels that Beth wears with pride but the only label she needs is pop star. That’s what she is and I’d strongly advise that you make sure you see them as they are really standing on the brink of greatness. | 
