Mark Ronson’s second night sold out show at London’s Hammersmith Apollo brought a close to an unbelievably successful mini tour and month where his career has skyrocketed in to a new league. Mark Ronson has been criticised by some quarters of the press and many have failed to understand how someone who does not perform his own material or sing could win the converted “Best Male Artist” at The Brits normally reserved for the likes of Robbie Williams and Daniel Beddingfield. Tonights performance though showed that he is certainly worthy of The Brit and the host of other Grammy’s that he picked up last month.
The concert was excellent and there was a real feeling of anticipation when the 32 year old producer of the year took to the stage. The solid musical performance was underpinned by bass supremo Stuart Zender who onstage appeared as Ronson’s right hand man. Zender who was one of the founding members of Jamiroquai is no stranger to the limelight having sold millions of records in his own right. The show which had all the razzmatazz of a Las Vegas spectacle had a host of stars all trying to out perform each other. Australian singer Daniel Merriweather sung a number of tracks including the number one hit “Stop me” and newcomer Tawiah shone with her stunning performance of the Zuton’s classic “Valerie”. Other singers included New York Rapper Cee Lo, Brit winner Adele, Candi Payne, Tim Booth, Jamie Klaxon, The Pipettes and others. None of the big name singers on Ronson’s album singers were present at the gig however the crowd didn’t seem to mind and enthusiastically lapped up every performance. Overall the concert was excellent and even more impressive when you consider than Ronson himself is more of a backroom player. I am sure that he will play other dates later in the year and if you can get hold of a ticket I’d recommend that you snap one up.