By Fiona McKinson
Shepherds
Bush Empire, Tuesday 3 June, London
The Shepherds
Bush Empire was predominantly full of teenage girls who made me feel old.
Some were dressed casually in jeans and trainers whilst others were dressed
to the nines in fitted tops and a-line skirts. The fashionable crew were
in the house and they were all hyped up to be entertained by the latest
teenage sensation that is Mario.
The crowd had been warmed up by a DJ who got the biggest reaction from
Sean Paul and B2K
joints. Zena was also well received
as the supporting act, and many were singing along to her new single 'Pull
on the breaks'. But it was Mario who we all came to see, and boy was it
worth it.
Looking as
equally trendy as his audience members, 16 year old Mario arrived on stage
in a red and yellow suit looking ready to party. Now in my day it was
it was the likes of the Boyz, ABC
and Immature who set your pulse racing,
but in 2003 Mario is the hottest property setting the girl's hearts alight.
Having kept us waiting for two hours it was sheer heat produced by the
volume of bodies inside the Empire, which meant that some girls were fainting
as soon as he got on-stage. The Chemistry between artist and audience
was there for all to see, much more interesting then the average science
lesson many of the kids would have that week!
Mario had left their bedroom walls, and was in effect live and direct
- cups of water had to be handed out by stage crew to the overexcited
young fans, but it was the splashes of water thrown from Mario's bottle
that really quenched their thirst. Mario went further offering to cool
them down with his sweaty towel, when thrown into the crowd determined
hands went flying, but attention was quickly brought back to the main
attraction on stage.
Mario was
ready to feed their hunger for his sumptuous soul, and proceeded to belt
out hits from his self titled album including the latest single, 'C'Mon',
and 'Holla'. For 'Braid my hair', his favourite cut form the album, he
slowly removed his red door rag to reveal his trendy cornrows. He also
sang '2-Train', penned by his label mate Alicia
Keys. His consummate performance demonstrated that he can handle
the stage, and indicated that he has learnt much from his musical inspirations
such as Brian Mcknight, Usher
and Stevie Wonder. He is often compared
to Usher and showcased a few dance moves to illustrate why. He also paid
homage to Stevie through his own rendition of 'Cherie Amour.'
Mario's ballads were reminiscent of a Brian Mcknight or Joe
vibe, and his vocal ability and musicianship serve to highlight a promising
career for this young star. With the height of a man, it is only his baby
face that reminds you of his age. Yet doubtless to say his army of female
fans wouldn't forget his age or any other details about him!
Mario stole too many hearts if the number of teddies thrown on stage is anything to go by. The young man even bagged himself a ring which he duly slipped on. Make what you will of the other gifts which made their way on to the stage such as condoms! Mario promised to keep all the presents he received, though I'm not sure what he will do with the empty bottles... Not all the kids were so rowdy, and one sweet young birthday girl was invited onstage to hug Mario and be serenaded, wrapped in his towel and led backstage. Mario donned a blue Adidas tracksuit for the last half of the show, and the closing song was the one we had all been waiting for - 'Just a friend 2002'. As he and his dancers recreated the video, I'm sure his fans would agree that Mario is far from 'just' anything, and they would be more than happy to be more than friends, if I was a few years younger I know I would...
Return
To Concert Review Archive
US Music | Clubs | Front Page | UK Music | Events