Sunday 11th October 2009 @ Academy, Bristol

Turning up a little early for a gig is always a good idea; however, it seems turning up early to a Dizzee Rascal gig is a necessity as Frogmore Street had a queue going all the way up it half an hour before the doors even opened. Dizzee had a lot to live up to!

DJ Semtex provided the tunes for the night and he is always amazing to watch; only having one arm certainly doesn’t stop him from mixing and scratching with the best of the DJs I have ever seen. As he introduced Dizzee Rascal onto the stage, a sold out Academy roared like a football stadium. With numerous number one singles and a number one album, this guy can do no wrong and tonight’s show was more a celebration of his achievements than a promo for his new album.

The audience became part of the show from the off when, in typical panto style, they were split up for an “Oi!” shouting contest, the introduction for a rousing rendition of Fix Up, Look Sharp. There was so much energy and interaction in the performance that all you can focus on is Dizzee and his live rapping companion.

The grime or gangster rap attempts don’t seem to work with Dizzee’s persona anymore and the new material has been heavily influenced by dance and dubstep, an area which best suits him. I was surprised how in just a week the audience had committed the new album, Tongue N’ Cheek, to memory and were able to sing along to practically every word.

This gig was so much fun and with anthems like Holiday and Bonkers that seemed to make the building shake, everyone left buzzing and with a smile on their face. An incredibly sweaty gig for all involved but a success none the less. If Dizzee tours again, I suggest you book tickets quick as I have a feeling most of these folks from tonight will be first in the queue for another helping!

www.dizzeerascal.co.uk

Stu Freeman