Paolo Nutini: O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester – live review

Paolo Nutini | NewDad
O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
23rd October 2022

Following an eight-year break from the music scene, accomplished singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini from Paisley is back with a bang, to the absolute delight of fans old and new. Due to demand, a second night needed to be arranged in the unique O2 Victoria Warehouse venue. Allowing a further 3500 fans to cram in to welcome Paolo back with open arms.

The show was opened by the brilliant Indie rock band NewDad from Galway on the West Coast of Ireland. Fronted by the talented Julie Dawson, they warmed up the crowd superbly with soft and lilting vocals complimented by a band of skilful musicians.

The crowd waited in anticipation for 35-year-old Paolo to enter the stage and as the excitement built, they didn’t have to wait too long for the man of the moment to make an appearance. What a welcome he received, and it was apparent from Nutini’s beaming smile it was a magical moment for him too. Still oozing good looks, and charisma, dressed in faded jeans and a tee-shirt, Nutini launched into Afterneath the first track off his fantastic new album Last Night In The Bittersweet. From this moment on Nutini and his amazing band of top-class musicians certainly had the crowd gripped and delivered a performance that rocked the rafters from start to finish.

Songs from the new album dominated the set, but this was so well-received and a testament to Nutini that he’d pushed the boundaries of his songwriting skills, resulting in incredibly crafted lyrics and melodies that were an absolute delight to listen to. Then followed the rocky and punchy Lose It, another track from the new album, and it was evident that Nutini’s powerful, gritty vocals, tinged with his endearing Scottish accent were still as versatile and mesmerising as ever.

Another emotional moment followed as the crowd all sang along to the beautiful song Better Man from (2014) Caustic Love. They were treated to a good few numbers from this album including Scream (Funk My Life Up) and Cherry Blossom. From his debut album (2002) a new exciting version of Jenny Don’t Be Hasty and New Shoes with Teenage Kicks by The Undertones skilfully sandwiched in between.

From Sunny Side Up the second studio album (2009) and eighth biggest-selling UK album in 2009, the band played singles Coming Up Easy, Candy and Pencil Full of Led, which were a delight for the fans to hear live again after so long, the latter song has been completely re-vamped and what an amazing version of the popular track it was. Also from the new album Last Night In The Bittersweet, the hauntingly beautiful Through The Echoes and Radio with Nutini proudly introducing the superb band, who proved they were able to play both old and new tracks just perfectly.

Not only an amazing performer, but Nutini is obviously also an all-around good guy, as at one point he beckoned to security that someone in the tightly packed crowd was “down”. He waited for the person to get assistance before continuing and stating he hopes he was alright and dedicating the next track to him. The announcement of the last song had the crowd groaning with disappointment in unison and Nutini teased affectionally by promising if they were good he’d sing some more for them.

He didn’t disappoint and returned to play a good few songs, which included the epic mind-blowing Iron Sky, during which Nutini climbed down into the arms of the adoring fans, shaking hands and hugging them, which made for such an overwhelming and emotional moment. This was followed by the awesome Shine A Light which built up to a breathtaking crescendo.

The band made their final exit leaving Nutini alone on stage with his acoustic guitar. He took a moment here to thank his loyal fans for their ongoing support and tell them he loved them before serenading them with the final song of the evening, Writer from the new album.

This finale was clearly an emotional and memorable moment for Nutini and the crowd. Most fans were clearly left speechless as echoes and gasps of ‘wow’, ’wow’, ’wow’ were heard coming from the very sweaty and adrenaline-pumped audience. The man was back with a vengeance, he certainly still has it and was on fire that night, leaving the crowd buzzing and desperate for more. No doubt this is a sign of things of more excellent things to come from Paolo Nutini.

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Paolo Nutini can be found at his Website | Facebook | Twitter

All words by Claire Glover. More writing by Claire on Louder Than War can be found at her author profile here. | Twitter

Photos by Michael Bond. More work by Michael can find on his author profile Facebook | and Twitter. His photography portfolio can be found here.

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Source: louderthanwar.com