Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Monday 7 April 2025
Photographer: Kevin Bull
Reviewer: Susan Piercy
Walking through the gates at the NEC felt quite different to other shows. For one, there was a live band playing outside in the forecourt. It was a nice touch, and did raise the anticipation. The crowd outside was in fine form even before entering the building. Putting aside the show Cyndi performed in the Hunter a number of years back, it certainly felt quite special to have Cyndi in our town. She has always been a one-of-a-kind and tonight’s performance only reinforced that within the sold-out crowd.
Opening the night with a video collage which rushed us through her 40+ years recording career, the confetti canons exploded all over us, CYNDI LAUPER had arrived. With platinum hair shinning bright under the impressive lighting, draped in just the right amount of sparkle for this fine 71 year old, Cyndi shone. ‘She Bop’ gave the crowd no option but to rise, uptempo and bouncing, the crowd rose like one and it was a great opening song choice. I might highlight the recorder solo which Cyndi delivered… opening song of the night mind you. This is why we love Cyndi.
Ahead of us was two and a half hours filled with day-glow colour and music to take us back to our youth. I’m a child of the ’80s so Cyndi for myself, and for many others here was quite an important moment. Her arrival with She’s So Unusual in 1983 was significant and impactful. She spoke to us directly and honestly, detailing the important moments in her life and the stories behind her songs. These moments felt as important to her as it was to sing her music, a strong connection was made.
Yes, Cindy certainly still has it. Her voice is still strong and sure. The Cyndi gold-dust that she sprinkles over the top settles in all the right spaces. As expected, there is this quirkiness she exudes, this air of ‘fun’ that surrounds her. She commands your attention, confident and fearless.
The expected early hits were highlights with the early arrival of ‘I Drove All Night’ giving with crowd a wonderful chorus to sing along with. ‘Change Of Heart’ was the surprise of the set, a song that jumped out at me tonight, long forgotten, with wild guitar solo by Alex Nolan and a strength that made it a highlight. ‘Time After Time’ followed, being performed to a sea of mobile phone ‘lighters’, and ‘Money Changes Everything’ closed the set on a big, raucous high.
Following a short breather, Cyndi moved to the smaller B stage positioned within the crowd, and ‘True Colours’ becomes majestic – the fans were blowing, the drapes were flowing, and this is why we love Cyndi.
What a great night. The sound and production were on point, the capacity crowd loved every minute of it. How fortunate are we to see Cyndi Lauper on her farewell tour, and in Newcastle.
