Yesterday evening Claire Richards wrapped up her My Wildest Dreams tour at Union Chapel. It was her “home” show, all her family and friends were in the audience.
What a moment to share with our favourite @_ClaireRichards. Her last show of this tour before the album is released and it’s in her home town and her family was in the crowd ??
Watch out Claire, Daisy definitely wants to follow in your footsteps. #MyWildestDreamsTour pic.twitter.com/82sKpEOkeb
— Claire Richards Central (@_CRCentral) December 7, 2018
Opening act AJ Brown warmed up the crowd nicely ready for the leading lady. AJ’s great vocals and piano playing having the crowd at Union Chapel clapping and tapping their feet along.
Just after 9pm Claire took to the stage, looking radiant in a black top and polka dot skirt. She opened with a 7 Billion, a track off her upcoming album, My Wildest Dreams.
Then came her 2nd single End Before We Start.
Then came a nod to her “other day job” Steps.
The audience was treated to stripped back versions of Steps classics One for Sorrow and Deeper Shade of Blue. And yes the crowd were more than happy to indulge in the iconic One for Sorrow dance moves as Claire sang.
The first standing ovation of the evening of which many more followed came when Claire sang All Out of Love, a throwback to her H and Claire days.
Claire’s setlist was well balanced a mix of tracks from her upcoming album, classics that the crowd would know as well as few surprises. They included a cover of Shawn Mendes, In My Blood, and as a somewhat surprising reveal from Claire of what was her audition song for Steps back in May 1997, River Deep Mountain High, it’s not the usual type of song you expect from her. But she sang it superbly and showed just exactly why she ended up in Steps.
Seeing Claire live as a solo artist and hearing her talk to the crowd ( something she admits she used to do whatever she could to avoid doing when performing with her Steps bandmates.) Why it’s taken her so long to build up the confidence to go solo?
Watching Claire perform live is a magical experience. She is a performer who was made to do small intimate venues like the stunning Union Chapel. Her openness and honesty with the crowd paired with her stunning vocals create such an emotive experience that leaves both her and her captive audience fighting back the tears. Claire puts such emotion into every song she sings, that she makes the audience feel every word she is singing. Claire has a rare gift and we are very glad she is now showing the world just what talented vocalist she is.
Claire’s debut solo album is released February 1st 2019. You can pre-order it here.
Did you go see Claire on her My Wildest Dreams tour? Let us know at @CelebMix!