Example @ Birmingham Academy, 10th December 2011
Another full venue marks the popularity of 29 year old Elliot Greaves, the rapper who couldn’t rap from Fulham was back with two sell out national tours and an arena tour next year. Elliott wants to “Give the people what they want” and it seems what the people want is uplifting rave music, which is exactly what he gives them, not pop music but darker styles as previewed in example’s third album “Playing In The Shadows” which debuted at Number 1 on the UK album charts with two number 1 singles.
Example’s all over the world with his punishing tour schedule, from Birmingham to Ibiza and it seems he can’t get enough of the performing. This is the second time Greaves will appear at the o2 academy this year. Like Professor Green who was only in Birmingham on Friday night the chart topping star is using different genres in his recent work. Example is keeping with the dance music but also looking into electronic genres working with the likes of Skream and Laidback Luke, working on dubstep and more hardcore club styles.
Before Example took to the stage the crowd were already enjoying the music picked presumably by the star, by the time he got to the stage a girl had collapsed and water was being given out by the gallon. The crowd were pumped, more so than for Chase And Status in October, which was unusual. Example started the show with hits from the 2010 album “Won’t Go Quietly” then moved on to his newer material. Highlights included “Watch The Sun Come Up” “Kickstarts” and the encore “Changed The Way You Kiss Me.” The set list was helpful as it gave the young generation gasping for air in the pit time to cool down-not every song was in need of a mosh pit. “Midnight Run” is already a firm favourite with the crowd.
Elliot was more serious on stage compared to last year’s visit and festival season earlier this year. His music however tells a different story. Greaves connects well with the crowd regardless of tempo or how mainstream the song is. Example is an intelligent showman and highly charismatic as seen on YouTube video “Example Does Stand up.”
With a 4th album reportedly on the way example can look forward to his Feb/March European tour. There’s no stopping the London based star it seems and he and his distinguished three piece band will then be on yet another UK arena tour. Hopefully with some special guests next time as twitter has led me to believe Example has close relations with some special people.
They were some festival moments as the crowd sang the words, smiles on faces hands in the air the night looked like it would never end. Example will be seeing us soon here in Birmingham and we cannot wait.
Review – John Kirby
Photos – Jordan Hughes