Cardiff Motorpoint Arena - 10/12/2019
Since its origins in the mid 1980s in the chicago and new york house scene, house music has come a very long way, becoming one of the biggest genres of music.
One of the main contributors of compilation albums was one Pete Tong, for house afficionados the essential collection and his long standing BBC radio program ‘the essential selection’ were a must listen, featuring some of the great hits of the era.
Tong received the order of the british empire in 2014, making him confirmed dance music royalty. Tong’s Ibiza connection is famous with his residence at both pasha & nightclubs, coupled with his links to the British dance scene including Cream Live cd’s & the release of one of the first collections ‘the annual’ back in 1995.
So where was there next to go for Pete Tong? The answer is an amazing live show of classic Ibiza tunes played by the impressive 65 member strong Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckely, with their interpretation and arrangements of the finest dance tracks from the last 30 years.
Tong presides over the performance from a platform, his command resembling that of a pulpit as he delivers a sermon to stun and entertain. It is very easy to get into the vibe of Ibiza with cinematic visuals on large screens taking you to the clubs and the scene iconic of the island. The lasers and light show give the feeling of being in the superclubs during their heyday. The crowd react, hands in the air as they enjoy every second reliving their youth.
Some of the tunes include a brilliant version of Cafe Del Mar, Music Sounds Better With You, ATB’s 9pm til I come, Robert Miles Children & Moloko’s Sing It Back with surprise guest Beverly Knight. Other vocalists present on the night were Becky Hill who performed a fantastic version of Robyn’s With Every Heartbeat, there was also a slower number sung by Roberts Owens, one of the originators of the Chicago House Music Scene. Impressive versions of the much loved classics Insomnia & God is a DJ by Faithless before a show stopping version of The Prodigy’s Outer Space with a tribute to the late Keith Flint.
As a concept Pete Tong and The Heritage Orchestra Ibiza Classics show works so well, in entertaining the packed Motorpoint Arena, the visuals, lighting, orchestral arrangements, great guest vocalists, coupled with the legendary Tong ensures a great nights entertainment.
On a wet and windy December night Pete Tong recreated the Ibiza experience, uplifting & enjoyable, it definitely didn’t go Pete Tong.
TC