Joe McElderry and Sonia

Joe McElderry 28th June 2014 - White Rock Theatre, Hastings This was the final night of Joe's Set Your Soul Alive Tour, although you wouldn't know it. From moment one it was packed with energy. For someone who is known for his classical-styled ballads, it was a pleasant surprise that he had most of the audience out of their seats and dancing for much of the time. The set came mainly from his first album. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't sing anything from his latest, "Here's What I Believe" album, except a snatch of "Skyscraper" in his request spot. Talking of which, Joe has to be commended for taking a risk and singing songs shouted out by members of the audience. His backing band have to be applauded here because they could busk most of the request songs too. The stage at the White Rock is quite big for a 4-piece group and Joe, but he owned the stage. He has got serious dance moves and he spent the whole set on the move! All in all it was a great show. I would have liked to have met him for photos and autographs, but he was involved in an aftershow party. It's a shame he couldn't spare an extra half hour for the fans who were waiting for him. For Joe, it might have been an ordinary night's work, but for the fans it was a special event, and no after show meet and greet put a spoiler on things for me. I will see him again if he's round these parts soon though. 4 out 5 then. He loses a point for not meeting us!