It may have been a wet and windy night in Bristol in mid-October, but Becky Hill definitely brought the heat with a lively performance that had her fans chanting her name from the get go. On the back of her long awaited first album, and of course the enforced 'covid' break, the capacity crowd were well up for this and they were even carrying out the fainting bodies before she took to the stage.

First up was Richard Fairlie, a veritable one man band with a smooth voice and great interaction with the audience. I aways admire anyone who is left totally exposed, standing there with just an instrument or two in front of an audience that isn't their own.

Richard was confident, had some great stories about his recent song writing trip to LA (I just normally go to my shed and write mine) but above all, had some great tunes. He effortlessly switched from beats and backing tracks, to playing guitar as he slowed things down a little.

Then it was time for the main performance. As the crew prepped the stage, the dropping of the curtain revealed some square boxes which were curious and greeted by oooo's and aaah's from the expectant crowd. It was getting very hot in a full to capacity hall and that proved too much for a number as the security waded in to carry them out for a drink and some fresh air. As Becky took the stage the strange boxes suddenly made sense, elaborate lighting for the stage show, and how spectacular they looked.

From the start, Becky's voice powered through the tracks from her latest album 'Only Honest on the Weekend' , a poppy set of tracks with a gritty edge driven by that amazing voice. She smiled. She chatted to the crowd and she smiled some more. Two tracks in and the energy in the room was building, 'has anyone listened to my new album?' she asked the audience and I think everyone screamed back in the affirmative. This was her crowd and she knew how to milk it. She seemed to be interacting with everyone, individually, little waves and 'hello's / 'lovely to see you' , and definitely made the night of a few of the younger fans up on the balcony, while apologising to the parents for some of the content / language they may hear a little later on.

The first three songs us photographers are allowed to be 'in the pit' for went on and on, I think it is the longest time I have every done in there, and what fun it was. The second track stopped, then had a little reprise, much to the audiences delight, followed by a 5 minute chat with the crowd, over the chanting, as she regaled the fans about how much she loves Bristol. By track three I was dripping wet and quite frankly knackered, I'm obviously not as young as I used to be, but this was just the start as Becky got through nearly 20 songs. 'I got you' track one on the album and one of the more angry, grittier songs on the album really hit the spot, with everyone in the room dancing and singing along.

And that stage setup, a simple concept, a square boxed framed with LED tubes, so effective. Becky came across as a really lovely personality with an amazing voice and some catchy songs. Her debut album is out now and despite her UK tour coming to a close soon, she has a few dates over in Ireland to complete. I think we will be hearing loads more about Becky Hill over the winter months. Now please excuse me as I'm off to wring out my t-shirt and have a nice sit down.

Words and Pictures © GM Gig Photography