'Blue 20th Anniversary: Heart & Soul Tour’ Malaysia - Plenary Hall, KLCC ~ 8:00pm Friday, 10th February 2023.
One of UK's most popular boy bands of the early 2000s, British quartet Blue returned to Malaysia on Friday evening after they last performing here in 2019. The show was part of their 20th Anniversary Heart & Soul Tour, marking over two decades since they released their 2001 debut album 'All Rise'.
The line-up has remained constant all these years - Antony Costa, Simon Webbe, Duncan James and Lee Ryan. Even they were gone for a hiatus from 2005 to 2011, the foursome never really went away.
Witnessed by 2,900 of eager Malaysian fans, the band manages to capture the heart of local music-lovers with their non stop incredible showmanship, which was organised by local event organiser’s dynamic-duo, Hitman Solutions and Happymoon.
According to Mr. Rohit Rampal, CEO & Founder of Hitman Solutions, "Just as we (Hitman Solutions & Happymoon) anticipated, tickets were sold-out and most ticket-buyers were in their late 20s till mid 40s. It was very heartwarming to receive such a response by fans of Blue because we took a chance by bringing the boys to Malaysia and it paid-off."
Even after two decades, Blue stil got it, their energetic yet synchronized dance moves singing hit songs such as ‘One Love’, ‘All Rise’, ‘Best In Me’ and other numbers, took the audience on a journey down memory lane.
Blue are no has-been, playing some newer songs such as 'Haven’t Found You Yet', ‘Ultraviolet’ and 'Dance With Me' from their sixth album, 'Heart & Soul', released in October 2022.
Still, the bulk of the music was from 20 years back. The set list was essentially a Best Of Blue compilation, and the biggest sing-along of the night accompanied hits such as 'If You Come Back', their version of American R&B group Next’s 'Too Close' and 'Fly By'.
They also pulled off a medley of even older covers, a mix of Motown tunes that included Stevie Wonder’s classic 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours' (1970) and Kool & the Gang’s 1981 hit 'Get Down On It'.
And yes they may be getting on in years, but the members can still pull off the synchronized dance moves, the ones that you may be familiar with from their music videos of yore.
It took a couple of songs to get the crowd warmed up. When Blue came on stage to croon 'Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word' , the fans cheered but remained seated. But when the quartet launched into 'U Make Me Wanna' from their second album 'One Love' (2002), audiences were up on their feet and dancing. It was a party until the end of the show.
Most of the crowd, who looked like they were in their teens or tween when the early albums were released, sang along and there were even some who could still pull off Blue’s dance moves.
Mr. Kesavan Purusotman or more affectionately known as KC, Managing Director of
Happymoon shared, "We’re extremely humbled with gratitude because Blue accepted our invitation to hold a concert here although they’ve been coming to the country a couple of times on different occasions, but fans are still excited every time the band makes its
appearance, especially when they heard Blue has just released their latest studio album".
According to one of the band members, "Malaysian fans were one of the best crowds we
have ever had. The energy that they exude, and how they sang every word to each and
every song is mindblowing!"
The band entertained concert-goers for a straight 75-minute with a number of surprises
such as a special opening act performance by Malaysia's silver screen darling, Diana Danielle
which received rave reviews.
Mr. Rohit added, “Last night’s concert marks another successful concert with our music ally, Happymoon, and just like the tour name ‘Heart & Soul’, this concert really touched our
hearts and souls, from the lads themselves being so in-tune with the crowd performing their
amazing hit numbers.
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