Evening Mail

~ 07/04/1999, by Andy Richards ~

WHEN Michael Ball kicked off his NEC show with the Full Monty's Hot Stuff, there was no need for him to shed his clothes as well.

For his marvellous voice was enough to inflame the passions of the mostly female sell-out audience.

And he failed to disappoint them as he led them through a two-hour plus stunning extravaganza on a "music and memories" theme.

Backed by a ten piece band and three hard-working backing singers, Bromsgrove-born Michael was back on his home patch and revelled in delivering a memorable night.

There were songs from across the musical spectrum including a rendition of How Can I Be Sure, in tribute to the late Dusty Springfield, Gethsemane, from Jesus Christ Superstar - quite apt for Good Friday - and a send-up of The Blues Brothers monsterhit, Everybody.

Michael ended the night with his much-loved showstopper, Love Changes Everything, from the smash-hit show Aspects of Love.