By Sam Tonks
London Stadium is known for its sporting legacy, but it can be versatile. This summer, music took centre stage with Depeche Mode, Guns ‘N Roses and Robbie Williams entertaining sell-out crowds.
Back at the start of June, Depeche Mode kick-started the sound of music in London Stadium. Their ‘Spirit’ Tour, entered the UK for the first time this year in the Olympic Park, putting on a live performance for the first time in three years. Dave Gahan rolled back the years with some well-known classics.
The momentum of an unrelenting rock atmosphere never died as recent single ‘Where’s the Revolution’ had the crowd chiming. Incorporating Grandmaster Flash’s rap from ‘The Message’ into ‘Barrel of a Gun’ was a surprise twist early in the set, letting fans know they were in for an entertaining evening.
Reviewed as an ‘immaculate set’, Gahan covered the icon, David Bowie’s, track ‘Heroes’ bringing an emotional end to the night. ‘I Feel You’ brought the capacity crowd to their feet as the band followed up their performance by announcing an Autumn European tour.
Guns ‘N Roses lit up London Stadium next. 20 years it took for Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan to unite in the UK and it was worth the wait. Entitled ‘Not in this Lifetime’, that was how unlikely this tour was to the band themselves.
Over two nights in Stratford, six hours of rock thrilled raucous crowds, even David Beckham popped into London Stadium, in a stop on Roses worldwide tour.
In reviews, Rose was said to be ‘in fine voice’ as he opened with ‘It’s So Easy’ in passionate style. They have plenty of hits but paid tribute to fellow legends with Elton John, Queen and Pink Floyd songs featuring during an epic set. Arms a loft and voices bellowing all the way to Westfields, Sweet Child O’ Mine brought the house and show down.
Robbie Williams’ final UK date came in late July on his ‘Heavy Entertainment Show’ tour, spanning 18 countries over 29 dates. As the first solo artist to headline London Stadium, he’s engraved into its history.
Dedicated Williams fans were scattered around as anticipation built during the ‘Robbie National Anthem’, typical of his sense of humour and quality of fan engagement.
Running through tracks off his album which the tour is named after, popular numbers like ‘Party Like a Russian’ and ‘Love My Life’ had everyone on their feet singing. A fitting rendition of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’ paid homage to a hero of his, before he ran through his classics.
The stadium was a picture of lights and voices in time and tune as he sang ‘Angels’. A heartful performance of ‘Strong’ was ‘awe-inspiring’, in reviews, as Robbie proved he’s one of Britain’s best.
