CityLife

Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers
The Apollo
June 14, 2010

He might not be a stranger to these shores, his last visit only being in March of last year, but it’s been some time since he’s played his country ballads and soft-pop classics in a more intimate setting.

But then, Kenny Rogers has never been one content to play his set and ignore his audience, even in the biggest of arenas. He treats concerts as more of a chance to catch up with old friends, and those in the Apollo couldn’t be more enamored with the country-crooner as he commands the Ardwick venue’s stage with his warm humour and charming manner.

Expertly backed by his eight-piece band, Rogers belts out the hits from his extensive back catalogue, which spans 50-plus years. He revisits all his hits, from early outings with The First Edition, the young Kenny in its accompanying video backdrop barely recognisable to the one up front , to more recent material from 2006’s Water & Bridges long player.

It is noticeable, however, that age is starting to diminish his once commanding vocals as he looks to struggle with some of his more upbeat numbers and keep up with his group.

Although with the enthusiastic crowd chorus-backing his every sung note, that’s hard to detect.

Rogers’ audience certainly isn’t shy about showing their love and enthusiasm for the silver-fox Texan; from those dressed in full old Western get-up, to a group each wearing T-shirts with a lettering that  spells out the headliner’s name when they’re stood together.

That love looks to be reciprocated from the stage as Rogers jokes and chats with the crowd − even dipping into his own deep pockets and giving money to one less-enthusiastic attendee for every hit he could recall, as he did at his M.E.N Arena visit last year.

The atmosphere peaks with rollicking classics The Gambler, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town, Lucille, Coward Of The County, and his Dolly-less encore (though he never actually leaves the stage) run-through of Islands In The Stream, sadly lacking some of its romance when belted out solo by the veteran performer.

If it’s all over too soon (it still being light outside) the country music figurehead puts on another memorable performance, with those filing into the street sure not to forget it.