 | | Simon Webbe |
It wasn't until some nice soul pointed out to me that Simon Webbe was an ex-member of everyone's favourite boyband gossip column fodder, Blue, that I was brought to my senses. Although frankly, I was more of a Lee Ryan girl, but there you go. However, it's good to know for the sake of Mr Webbe's career at least that there are those out there who are prepared to traipse to the Arena on a Saturday night regardless of who they mistakenly believe him to be. And judging from the vast amount of screaming women present - some of whom really are old enough to know better - it appears as though his Justin Timberlake-lite act has a rather devout following. It's always interesting to see how an ex-boybander can cope outside of the sleek confines of his former act. There are some, such as Robbie Williams who excel and relish the freedom and creativity the solo life affords them. Unfortunately for dear old Mr Webbe, it doesn't look as though he's going to join those ranks anytime soon. Perhaps it's just the sound in the venue or the backing singers, who almost threaten to drown him out when he rather clumsily starts tripping over his lyrics, but tonight, his voice sounds weak and weedy. Not even a few unconventional choices of cover versions, such as Oasis's Wonderwall and Muse's Supermassive Black Hole - the least said about which the better - can save him from being bogged down by a set-list which is at best uninspiring and at worst, downright tedious. There are numerous innovative and exciting sounding young male pop acts to be found within the UK today. Simon Webbe is not one of them. The sooner he rejoins Blue to undertake a lucrative career gyrating at holidays camps across the UK, the better for everyone. | 
