Date: 29th March 2008

 

Location: Littlecote Berkshire

Live @ Berkshire, 2008

29th March 2008

Review By Odgey

..........................................................................................

 *Live clips in 2000's tab*

Setlist

******

Can't Wait Another Minute

System Addict

Rain or Shine

Bump Dis (Sted solo)

All Fall Down

Let me be the One

Innocent (Steds solo)

Another Weekend

Rain or Shine Reprise

The Show at Littlecote in Hungerford Berkshire started at around ten, first of all, Denise couldn't make the gig as she had a prior work commitment, (which has been stated since the announcement of the gig), but both Denz n Steddie wanted the gig to go ahead, so with the two stand-ins, trained approved and chose by Denise herself, took her place and did a great job fillin in for Denise!, Jennifer and Susan, then we have the Dancers, Melissa, Rob, Jazee, Essen, who also did a great job with the Famous Five star dance routines, (they weren't even born when FS started).

 

For this gig and for the first time since the 90s,

They wore matching ourfits, Blue Adidas T shirts, White Adidas tracky bottoms, and trainers, in the colours of All fall down outfit, looked cool.

 

This was a 18's over w/end, so the age was varied, and they got a fantastic reception from everybody!, through out the set!

 

Steds solo tracks, were very fresh and funky and the dance routines were amazing, esp for a man of his age!!, Sted and the gang joked and interacted with the crowd throughout and got people up (which i will kill Rob for doin 2 me! , lol.) There was a really relaxed atmosphere

 

Looking forward to next gig we're in for a treat!, what a show to mark 25 years of our favourite group!, Can't wait for the others to comeback and make an appearance too!.

Huge Thank you to Sted and his gang (aka) Five star, Jonesey and the rest of the team for a great night!.

_________________________________________

31st March 2006

Review By Pauly P

..........................................................................................

Well, I made it back! I am soooo tired. It was a long night for most of us.

So...

The Star tried to trick us this time by arriving separately in different cars and everything. Denise has had her jeep imported from California - very nice. Buster's mercedes is in for a service so Mummy and Daddy had a hire car.

But we found them and managed to have a nice chat before the gig. Denise has come fresh from a Chanel show and stolen the runway clothes, I think - fierce!

Stedman was accompanied by Liz (PA) and the Pearsons' cousin who was adorable and hugely glamorous (natch!)

Poor Marcus arrived by train from Leeds to join in the fun.

So it was the now familiar line up of Stedders, Denny and Mar-coos.

The gig started promptly for, like, the first time EVER!

The crowd was very drunk and almost entirely dressed as naughty school children - it was an odd experience. So odd some of us turned to drink to get us through.

Our adorable A Merry Cans unfurled their professional banner revealing the legend "A Merry Cans Love 5 Star" which we had all signed in their chalet before the gig.

The set list:

Find the Time

Whenever You're Ready

Godsend

Brand New World

Another Weekend

All Fall Down

Treat Me Like A Lady

Ok, I'm joking:

Rock My World (intro)

Another Weekend

Rain or Shine

Can't Wait

Godsend (1 verse acapella)

Somewhere Somebody

Brand New World (1 verse acapella)

System Addict '05

Denise was revealing more chest than ever before with an eye-popping bra and leather trenchcoat ensemble. That got the attention of the naughty schoolboys!

They made a huge fuss of our A Merry Can friends and they got a cheer from the crowd.

We all felt the gig was far too short this time. There was no encore for SA05 - it was just plonked on the end and off they went.

Hilariously, Timmy bleedin' Mallett came on after the gig and got booed loudly by all. He looked very embarrassed.

After the gig Mr Mallett appeared and got into his car - but not before some of our crowd got some pics with the, er, legend.

News?

Denise's song for Nikki Flores will be in a new movie starring Julia Roberts' niece (?!) called Aquamarine (or something - I was a little tiddly).

Delboy has a new baby daughter and Denise has been over in Lala Land visiting her new niece (do not hold me to this as a lot of the conversation is a blur and I may have gotten things mixed up, but I believe that is fact).

It was another great night - good to see some fans in the crowd apart from us. Especially the young lady wearing her own "I Love Five Star" t-shirt. Bless her for getting tearful when Denise shook her hand from the stage.

Who was there? Auds (natch), Shake, Ac, Pete, Moi, Karl, Linda, Fiona, June, Dale, our American friends, Peter J, Bob and Joe who met up with us and very naughty schoolboy Mark (as well as Mel who I seem to have missed).

October - The Star are appearing in Minehead on 7th and Skegness on 8th. Which venue will you patronise with your cash? Too difficult to attend both in the same weekend - gonna see who else is on the line up and decide

_____________________________________

Nightingale club Birmingham 16th October 2005

They came on around 1.20am,was very hot,crowded and tired and achin,we all were...but was well worth it...

As always the show kicked of with Another weekend, though this wasn't a well know one to a lot,its a fan fave,this just gets the whole place going,then singing the better known tracks to the general public...Rain or Shine and Can't wait...

 Denise blew everyone away with the disney song Beauty and the beast . The entire club exploded in screams and applause ... Amazing vocals, this song just really showed her vocal abilities to the max!!!.

Denise went coy when we all started chanting "Strike! Strike! Strike!" at her smiling and looking embaressed, but she sang it for us anyway,was great to hear this even if it was a snippet,cool track

Pauly shouted Peter pan then i did and then it was a frenzy of Peter pan and she laughed. We shouted it again and Denise launched into a perfect rendition of "You Can Fly". Note for note, word for word perfect. what a treat for us.

They went off to "Somewhere Somebody" and were back on for the "System Addict '05" encore.

Well, the line up was the now usual Denise, Stedman and Marcus. All looked fab, Denise had her one time trademark Cats eye peepers. Denise was still in the Mafia look mode...the boys just wore black trousers,shirts,looked cool.

it was another amazing gig and there was plenty of fans there.

The crowd in general was very loud and very appreciative even the younger ones who didn't really know who they were got into it...Job well done.

...........................................................................................

8 October 2005 Bognor Regis Butlins.

Five star came on pretty late as things ran over..

1.30 am,so the set was a litle shorter this time round.

Kicked of with the trademark opener Another weekend, as this always gets the crowd goin.

Denise wore her Mafia woman outfit, hair tied back,she looked fab,Sted and Marcus wore black shirts/trousers..and white trainers Denise wore trainers too,they all looked cool.

Next up was Rain or Shine

followed by Can't wait

Somewhere somebody and to end it

System addict (Shanghai surprize mix)

which makes it a lil awkward for them to really dance to,so they opt for bouncing alot.

Great show even though it was a bit shorter than usual and no acapella tracks this week.

Crowd loved them all the same.

*****************************************************

29th August 2005 Flamingos Club in BLACKPOOL

 Rock My World - Intro

 Another Weekend

 Rain Or Shine

 Can't Wait Another Minute

 MEDLEY -

 Find The Time

 Theres A Brand New World

 Whenever Youre Ready

 With Every Heartbeat

 Love Take Over

 Let Me Be The One

 Strong As Steel

ACAPELLA -

 Eyes Don't Lie

 Godsend

 What About Me Baby

 Somewhere Somebody

 ENCORE

 System Addict Remix 2005

"Da show wuz absolutely AMAZING - All 3 (Denise, Stedman & Marcus) looked HOT - All dressed in black - guyz wearin white trainers - and Denise wearing long black leather jacket, kinky high-heeled boots, short black skirt over black pants and 2 Scottish material type scarf things - Looked Funky! Wid her hair tied back.

Unfortunately dey didn't perform "The Slightest Touch Remix" and Buster did say 2 remix's are ready (not new vocals)

The Club wuz packed out, people of different age groups...even a granny at 80yrs who sat next to the stage...........5 STAR U were DA bomb! "

Big Ello and NICE meetin all DA fanz - Pete, Audrey, Leroy, Martin & Hiz Boyz, Peter, Craigey etc.....

*****************************************************

Chicago rock cafe 31St March 2005

Another weekend

Can't wait

Rain or shine

Somewhere somebody

System addict (Sleazesisters mix)

Acapello

Find the time

Whenever youre ready

What bout me Baby?

All fall down

The first gig of 2005 see's Five star perform for the second time with Marcus who is standing in for Lorraine, who is taking a break. They all look funky sted and Marcus with White trainers,Jeans and Black shirts, Denise with a diamonte vest and Black oants with White trainers and wild curly hair. Five star come on at around 10.30.

The show starts with Another weekend and the crowd respond straight away,followed by Can't wait,crowd warm to them more as each song goes on. Rain or shine comes next,followed by Somewhere somebody.

Acapello sot next Denise sings Find the time, Whenever youre ready,What bout me baby? and All fall down.ending with the Sleazesister remix of System addcit.

Manchester pride manistage 29Th August 2004

Can't wait

Rain or shine

System addict

The second of Five stars appearances in two days at Manchetser gay pride weekend. After last nights amazing gig at Cruz 101 Denise is alone agin,as Doris and Lorraine had to pull out due to injury,instead of cancelling Denise goes ahead. Just as she is announced it starts to chuck it down as Denise launches into Can't wait.the crowd love it,and next up is Rain or shine,its still chucking it down,just as the song nears the end the rain stops. Crowd respond with cheers and the rain doesnt spoilt it,people stay anyway. Denise ends this short set with System addict (Sleazesister mix),this goes down a storm, another great set by Denise who despite being on her own again still puts on another great show.

*****************************************************

Cruz 101 28Th August 2004

Rock my world Intro

Another weekend

Rain or shine

Can't wait

Slightest touch

If i say yes

System addict (Sleazesister remix)

Acapello

Find the time

Brand new world

I get such a high

R.S.V.P.

For Manchesters 2004 Pride weekend Five star due to play Cruz 101, Fans anticipated seeing the 3 girls(With the return of Doris),Doris,Lorraine and Denise, but due to illness within the group both Lorraine and Doris have to pull out, leaving Denise to perform alone for the first time in their/her 12 year long career.

Denise in a silver top with black pants. Starts of with the Rock my world Intro which she decides to sing,then straight onto Another weekend,the crowd are going just as mad as they did the last time Five star played here in May this year. After the song ends the crowd bow down to her,which seems to bemuse her a little she smiles and launches into the next song..Rain or shine,as usual the crowd love this old time favourite and many join in. The next track is Can't wait. followed by a little acapeelo burst of Find the time. Then Slightest touch is next, this is a fave in the gay clubs in Manchester,the crowd bow down to her again and go mental,Denise seems quite moved by this reaction.

hen we get to hear another acapello burst this time with Brand new world, I get such a high, R.S.V.P. The nest track is If isay yes,they don't play this often live,so its a nice change.

the last track is the new remix of System addict Slezesister mix

which goes down great with the Cruz 101 crowd.

*****************************************************

G.A.Y. ASTORIA June 5TH 2004

Rock my world intro

Another weekend

Rain or shine

Can't wait

Slightest touch

If i say yes

System addict(Remix)

Acapello:

Strong as steel

This is the third time in 9 years Five star have played at the Astoria in London. at around 02.00, Five star come onstage to the opening of Rock my world intro,launching straight into Another weekend, the crowd are going mad by now the next track is Rain or shine,as usual everyone knows this and most join in with the Pearsons. As always Five star work the crowd in between songs. Next song is one of their best know tracks... Can't wait followd by The slightest touch,which always goes down a storm whenever they perform it.

heres a small acapello part where Denise sings Strong as steel and dedicates it to the fans.

Next a change with If i say yes added to the setlist,as the pearsons don't often perform this,this is a rare treat.

Ending with System addict remix.

*****************************************************

Cruz 101 29Th may 2004

Can't wait

Rain or shine

Slightest touch

(Happy Birthday to cruz)

Stay out of my life

System addict(shanghi)

Accapella:

Rock my world

Shine

Whenever your ready

What about me baby?

Brand new world.

For Cruz 101s 12 Anniversary Five star are Playing.

Denise sporting a kinds straight shoulder length bob hairdo tonight,and both girls wearing Silver and Black tops with Black pants and Sted with his Blue shirt and Silver and Black pants.

Coming onstage at about 1.20 to an absolutely incredible reseption,even five minutes before they actually come onstage the whole crowd is chanting,screaming clapping for them,so when they finally get onstage the place erupts even more the show kicks of with Can't wait for a change instead of the usual Another weekend...The crowd are just going crazy and Five star who always get an awesome reception and are appreciative and often overwhelmed by the crowds enthusiasm are visably moved throughout,at one point Denise and Lorraine are moved to tears,which in turn moves us lot of mad fans at the front,its a wonderful atmosphere. Next up Rain or shine which just about everyone knows and loves,most people are singing along to this with the Pearsons. Slightest touch which is a club favourite in Manchester gay clubs has the crowd going nuts.

Next a real treat as Denise sings Happy birthday to the club, you will never hear Happy birthday sung like this again!.

Stay out of my life follows and again this is a fan fave and written by Denise. Finishing with System addict the crowd are going doolallytap and Five star are totally loving this amazing overwhelming reception the place is full to the brim.

But before they go we try the Lakeside Acapello trick and someones shouts Rock my world which Denny launches into straight away,crowd having a fit by now,then we get Shine, Whenever youre ready, What bout me baby? and Brand new world, to a very excited happy, grateful cruz crowd. A truly amazing outstanding show and an amazing reception for the Pearsons.

*****************************************************

Butlins Bognor 23rd May 2004

Rock my world-Intro

another weekend

rain or shine

can't wait

slightest touch

Stay out of my life

somewhere somebody

system addict(shanghi)

For the second month running this is the second in two nights after last nights packed show at Nightingales.

Starting with Anoter weekend,to warm the crowd up,then moving onto Rain or shine,the crowd enjoying this routine and song. Lorraine announces Eyes don't lie,which doesnt happen,so we move straight onto Can't wait,which goes down brilliantly,in between the songs the Pearsons interact with the crowd and get them worked up. Slightest touch is next,again the crowd love it,Stay out of my life is next another Five star classic,written by Denise this is a great track live. Denises shoelaces come undone,til Linda reties them,then Denise goes into her partpeice of sayin

"Let me hear you say Party", this time we get the 12"extended version. Next track is Somewhere somebody a really upbeat song thats included in the setlist more often these days.

Finishing with System addict remix

.............................................................................................

Nightingaless 22nd May 2004

Rock my world-Intro

Another Weekend

Rain Or Shine

Eyes don't lie

Can't Wait

The Slightest Touch

Somewhere Somebody

System addict remix

3rd show in a month and 3rd show in Nightingales since 2002 and as always the place is full by the time Five star come on at around 1.40-ish. Of we go with the lead track at gigs Another weekend the crowd respond instantly and show the Pearsons just how glad they are to have them back, rain or shine soon follows with half the club singing with the Pearsons to this timeless classic. The more recent Eyes don't lie comes next with Denises flawless vocals. Five star always seem quite taken aback by the overwhelming support and love they get from the crowd where ever they go,but this place just loves them. They interact with the crowd as always, only this time Denise announces she has moved back to the UK for good...Yay.

Can't wait is next and the crowd are right there with them,the energy Five star have still is amazing and the routines are just as good now as back in the day.

Slightest touch is next and the place in bouncing and totallt lovin this show,another classic track from the group.

A now familiar track at recent gigs Somewhere somebody,which is a great catchy track the crowd show their appreciation...last song of the night is System addict mix the bouncing one.

*****************************************************

Butlins Bognor regis 25th April 2004

Rock my world-Intro

Another weekend

Rain or shine

Eyes don't lie

Can't wait

Slightest touch

Stay out of my life

Somewhere somebody

System addict(shanghi)

The second show in two nights, after last nights amazing show at Lakeside. As usual the show starts with Rock my world intro,leading straight into Another weekned as usual this wakes the crowd up from the start, Denise and Lorraine in Silver,sequiny tops and Black pants,and Sted in Blue shinh shirt with Silver and Black pants,Denise opts for the nice big soft curls again. Rain or shine follows and the crowd are in their teens again,The 2000s version of this song Eyes don't lie comes next and goes down a treat. Can't wait, a Five star classic follows,Slightest touch is up next everyone loves this track,a Five star anthem. Then onto Stay out of my life, the crowd are lovin this show and not just the fans.Launching into Somewhere somebody, again the rourines are flawless,and still look as good all these years later. You can see they enjoy performing this track, and ask the guy in the booth to turn it up. Five star finish the show with System addict and again as its the Shangai mix, they pogo round the stage lovin it,and the crowd lovin it too.

*****************************************************

Lakeside complex 24th April 2004

Rock my world-intro

Another weekend

Rain or shine

Eyes don't lie

Can't wait

All fall down

Let me be the one

Slightest touch

Stay out of my life

Somewhere somebody

Funktafied

System addict

Acapello

Rock my world

Whenever your'e ready

RSVP

Brand new world

Find the time

Shine

Rescue me

What bout me Baby?

I give you give

We'd all been looking forward to this gig,it was a nice venue,was nice weather,nice atmosphere,this was a gig for the fans.

Five star came on around 10.30-ish.Sted wore a Blue shiny shirt with Black pants and Denny and Lozza wore Black and Silver tops with Black pants,Den had big soft curls tonight

Opening with Rock my world intro,then straight into Another weekend,this just never fails to rouse the crowd,an absolute classic track,next up is the publics fave Rain or shine,goes down great,with the crowd gettng behind them as well as fans.

Followed by Eyes don't lie which the fans know,then back to an old classic Can't wait,which gets people up after some persuasion by the Pearsons,All fall down comes next the sog which put them on the map bigtime,another old soul classic next with Let me be the one,the crowd are letting the Pearsons know how much they appreciating this great show.By this time almost everyone is up and the crowd are totally loving it,launching into Slightest touch,the crowd lap it up.Stay out of my life written by Denise comes next,then Somewhere somebody which they performed at the Royal variety show in 1987, Dens adlibbin on the songs make them stand out more than usual.We get to hear Funktafied which is a rare treat and another track written by Denise,with Den explaining that "This is a really really Sexy song and i felt really really sexy when i wrote it" go figure!

we already gathered that!,Crowd love this sexy smooth track performed brilliantly with a fab dance routine,throughout the routines are flawless by the Pearsons and so professional, slick.

Ending with System addict,but the Shanghai suprize mix which is really fast and hard for them to dance to properly,so they jump alot instead. of they go....onlt to come back onstage with Denise adlibbin,then Someone shouts "Rock my world" and away we go acapello style, fans goin nuts by now,rhen its a free for all,Whenever you're rady is nxt then RSVP,fans are getting more and more excited,Brand new world,Find the time,Shine,Rescue me,What bout me Baby?,I give you give,this was such a treat,as these are songs that have never been performed live and if they have not for a long tme and to hear them acapello is brilliant and the crowd are over the moon what a show.

*****************************************************

5th October Skegness Butlins 2003

Oh Dear upon our Arrival at camp Skeggers i quickly lost the will to live after realising i had stepped into the Twilight zone!,

the Redcoats were a scarey breed!,they all had inane grins constantly,were permanantly happy,they know somethin we did not!(dunno what).

And the residents oh dear they were like the extras of a lunatic asylum film each with theri own personal ifliction!,they wore assorted outfits that should have beeen burned(with them in them).

They looked/acted like they had some kind of electric shock treatment related convulsions!. how i wished i had a gun to pick of various(most people).

fast forward to Sunday(if i had to relive 1st 2days,i will crack again)

We slept at redcoats stage doors alnight(not really)

we waited for bout an hour then they arrived on Chopper Bikes.......(not really)

When they did arrive,we had a lil chat with Denise,as they were late for soundcheck,

Went back to dungeon, got ready,went out at 22.00,waited til it were time!,

when the idiot(compere) a stupid bimbo who acted/sounded like she was talkin to a group of Five yr olds! announced them,it was only us who shouted more or less,Kicked off with Another w/end! always starts things woth a Bang!Sted in a black kinda see through shirt andb;ack pants,Den and Lorraine with their New Silver and black tops and black pants,a new short haired Den,crowd soon warmed to them

the energy they throw out and dancin/singin(at thier age) is Amazing,half of todays younger regects couldnt do half aswell!.

plenty of interaction with the crowd!,wow i screamed like a loon,i even outdid Lozza for sayin" yeah"(Hello guiness book of records) for sayin yeah as many times as humanely possible during a Five star set!,pretty close,but i think i beat Lozza on this night!,that took some doing!!!.Princess Denises vocals wow!well Bugger me Gently!,what can i say wowiee kerpoweee!. they truly got a Brilliant reception by the end of show,the whole place was screamin for more! A1+*****! class act!. My throat was sore by the end!.

We went outside to meet them Backstage,waited 5 mins then they came out,chatted for a few mins,was co-ersed into mooning for them(my Five star symbol tattoo on me Bum)

£40,and as sore as Hell at the time!,and i was sober!!!,beleive me at that place drink would have helped!!!,sleep,witty men and Five star saved me and my sanity!,i was sooooo iiiillllllll! again!,but it was bloody well worth it!.

.............................................................................................

July 13th South shields Newcastle

Was a scorcher of a day absolutely roasting hot,got to Brent park at around 12.30-ish sat round in the sweltering heat,getting slowly but surely burnt to a cinder!.Five star cam on around 15.00-ish and launched into their best known 80s Hits

they only did a set of Five songs

Can't wait

Rain or shine

All fall down

System addict

Stay out of my life

Each song going down a storm,and Five star working the crowd with their interaction,dancing and Denises vocals,the crowd loved this show as much as us fans.

After the show we went backstage and the amount of people who had also gone backstage to meet Five star was Brilliant,Five star chatted,signed,took pics with fans for over 30 mins,young old,diehard fans all went home happy.By now i resembled a lobster,only to have Denise tell me"You got a nice tan!" what?,i was burnt not tanned!.

****************************************************************

March 22nd 2003 Nightinales

Rock my World - Intro

Another Weekend

Rain or shine

Eyes din't lie

Can't wait

All fall down

System addict

Let me be the one

Slightest touch

Encore Stay out of my life

We set up camp in club just after 20.00 and took to the front of stage, not long after,to make sure we all got a good place.at about 1.20,we got what we went for...As usual kicked of with Rock my World intro, (Denise & Lorraine with Silver tops on,and black pants,Sted with Black & Silver shirt,and big Silver pants.) Den with her hair tied back this time Then launches straight into Another weekend, the crowd love it,the energy and enthusiasm is fantastic.,Rain or shine comes next and Five star seem quite taken aback by the crowds brilliant reception to them,everyone screaming and clapping,the place is heaving. Eyes don't lie follows,this is a instantly,catchy, likeable track,With all 3 Interacting with the crowd and getting them going.ext up is Can't wait,to a very happy crowd,the dancing as usual is flawless from all 3 Pearsons,with Denise hitting some great notes.

A slight change as we hear All fall down next this goes down a storm with people joining in and the old routine by 5star taking us back to 1985 almost.Followed by abother oldie System addict,again the crowd loving the old classicmthats stood the test of time. Let me be the one is next timeless soul sounding track well recieved by the appreciative crowd. Slightest touch is next and goes down brilliantly,with the routine by Sted and Lorraine and Denise. as they leave the crowd doing their nut,they come back onto finish with Stay out of my life...and then it was over,Five star were happy by the reception they geot and we were happy with the show we got.

*****************************************************

March 1st 2003 Skegness Butlins

Rock my World Intro

Another Weekend

Rain or shine

Eyes dont lie

Cant wait

Funktafied

System addict

I get such a high

Slightest touch

encore

Stay out of my life.

We had been looking forward to this show all weekend,met some other fans before show,

At around 10.30 Five star came onstage (Denise and Lorraine with matching Silver tops and the both wore black pants Den with big spiral curls. Sted in black shirt and pants)...with the Rock my weekend inrto,then launching into Another weeknd,which got the crowd roused,staying with the 80s tracks,next was the evergreen number two hit which everyone knows and loves Rain or shine.

We then get to hear Eyes don't lie from the Eclipse album,the crowd are not as familiar with this but the fans are,this is a great track and good to see,hear it live.

Followed by the Classic Cant wait,which gets the crowd really worked up as two fans in Five star Black sequinned suits,get up onstage,Five star seem quite impressed as they do the dance routines near perfect.

Funktafied comes next,this is quite different for people who don't know Five star newer material,very smooth and sexy,with a great dance routine performed mainly by Sted and Lorraine.

Again next we had another Five star classic with System addict,which almost everyone remembers,the crowd are really enjoyin this flawless performance and are probably surprised how much they actually are enjoying it!.

Another new track with I get such a high,great vocal range from Denise here,another smooth r"n"b track.

Slightest touch comes next,another great track for this they invite a handfull of fans up onstage,there was a hot guy who just went for it and grabbed Denise for some dirt dancing,which Denise seemed to rather enjoy!.

Then its over and they leave the stage to the crowd going nuts and screaming and clapping for more....as they come back on and perform another fave Stay out of my life,which the crowd totally lap up,Brilliant show.

*****************************************************

4th May 2002 Nithtingale

Reviewed by Greg

BACK IN BRUM!!!

Nightingales Nightclub, Birmingham, May 4th 2002

 

Intro

Another Weekend

Rain Or Shine

Eyes Don't Lie

Can't Wait Another Minute

Funktafied

I Get Such A High

System Addict

 

The Slightest Touch

Rain Or Shine (reprise)

 

Expecting a re-run of the previous weeks gig? Wrong! What the audience in Birmingham got was a faultless, shining presentation of Five Star's hits past and present. This gig was obviously going to be more intimate, the stage half as big and twice as close as the Astoria Theatre. By the time the group were due to come onstage the audience was at Fever pitch. Fans had traveled from all over the world to witness this spectacle, and the band were NOT gonna disappoint. After a long, long intro ( I was watching the band peeking from backstage!) they finally walked along the narrow platform which led to the stage. Well, the crowd went INSANE! Wearing simple dark outfits ( with Denise in a sequined top!) The band launched instantly into a tightly choreographed routine set to a remix of "Rock My World" which blended seamlessly into "Another Weekend." For the opening Stedman took centre stage and absolutely WOWED me with his funky moves!

 

But when Denise took centre stage, it was obvious she was in Dangerous Diva mode. Much more relaxed, and in complete control of the audience. Her vocals dazzling fans old and new! "I'll be very surprised if any of you know this one.." she teased as "Eyes Don't Lie" was belted out. Of course we knew it! This track goes down very well live, and I think it would be perfect to release as a single over here.

 

The front rows were just a mass of die-hards, desperately reaching for the hands of our heroes! For some this was the first time they had seen the band. As "Can't Wait..." began the venue erupted! This is a fantastic, timeless track that always goes down well. Faultless choreography, and bags of attitude!

 

At this gig, we were treated to "Funktafied" which was visually spectacular! Sted and Lorraine do a wonderful dance routine to this track while Denise sings so seductively over the backing. Gyrating and even touching her crotch suggestively at one point, you can tell that she wants to get down and dirty!! This is a very different Five Star, this is a sexy Five Star! All grown up and RAUNCHY with it! RAH!

 

 Next Denise asked us if we wanted to hear the "New single" "I Get Such A High" and was met with rapturous applause. The band obviously want to get as much of their new stuff aired as possible, hence the decision to replace "Stay Out Of My Life" from the set list, however this track went down the least well with the audience. It still went down well, and obviously from a personal point of view it was Fantastic to hear this track live!

 

But the crowd were soon lapping up the classic "System Addict" which was sung more by the us, than by Five-Star themselves! Lorraine launching the microphone into the audience. Lorraine looked particularly stunning tonight (as ever) in a quite revealing skimpy black top, while Sted looked very relaxed and was constantly thanking the audience : " Thank you for supporting my family! It means so much to us!" I spoke with Sted and he revealed to me his fears about coming back to the UK, he didn't think they would be HALF as popular as they are. And I think it is shocking , the response they get is quite phenomenal, and has to be seen to be believed.

 

When they departed the stage, they weren't gone long before the masses demanded their return!! "The Slightest Touch" was stunning, and I even got a chance to sing one of the lines into Lorraine's Microphone (WOW!) But even THAT wasn't enough, because when they left we were so hungry for more that we were going insane, screaming, clapping, banging the floor! The band were forced to come out AGAIN and do one more song, so they launched back into " Rain Or Shine" My God, it goes down well! Everybody singing along to "Rain....Shine...Rain...Shine" has to be heard to be believed. It was quite an emotional encore, and you could see the band were quite choked up at the support they were receiving.

 

When they left, I felt I had witnessed an historic occasion. It was a true "comeback" show, and the UK is desperately welcoming at the moment. The host himself came back onstage and said "Wow! That was truly one of the BEST acts we have EVER had on this stage!"

 

 And even though I had never been there before, I had to agree. *********************************************************************************************

27th April 2002

G.A.Y. CONCERT

Reviewed by Greg

FIVE STAR ROCK THE ASTORIA!!!

G-A-Y, London Astoria, April 27th 2002

 

Five Star took to the stage of the famous London Astoria at around 2am to vigorous chants of "Five Star! Five Star! Five Star!" from the hundreds of fans present to witness this phenomenal comeback. With support from teeny pop band allSTARS, and a praise-filled introduction from Atomic Kitten (Their "biggest fans") Denise, Lorraine and Stedman marched onto the stage to rapturous applause and deafening screams. They were visibly taken aback by the response, and you could barely hear the intro to "Another Weekend" as it blasted from the speakers. They were wearing ( not matching) black and white, classy, outfits and were a long way removed from the all in one spangly body suit days. This was the "new" Five Star, all grown up and ready to take on the world!

 

Another Weekend was Funky and sounded as fresh as ever, the front row filled with die hard fans chanting the catchy chorus! This was followed swiftly by "Rain Or Shine" and this was the moment when all the closet 5 Star fans came out! The theatre was filled with people singing along to this classic number. The band seemed so happy, and quite emotional. At one point you could barely hear the group! "Rain or Shine" was followed swiftly by "Eyes Don't Lie". Denise and Lorraine seemed gob smacked that the fans in the front row knew the words! We sang along heartily to this "Eclipse" classic. Denise's voice was particularly stunning on this track.

As funky beats filled the auditorium, the capacity crowd recognized the mega hit "Can't Wait Another Minute" The fab three went back in time to recapture the original dance routine, and how the memories came flooding back! They really got into the spirit of things. It seemed they were finally getting some recognition over here, and loving every minute! The Royal Family of Pop were back! "You are THE BOMB!!!" shouted Denise to her adoring crowd.

 

Things went a little wonky when Denise introduced "Funktafied" only to be met with the opening bars of "System Addict". For a moment it looked like they were gonna do it anyway, but Lorraine put her foot down and asked for the music to stop. And it did, but it seemed we weren't going to hear "Funktafied" tonight. The band launched instead into a very emotional rendition of "Stay Out Of My Life". This song is particularly special to Den, as it was her first self-penned hit.

 

"System Addict" was next, and it's the one EVERYONE knows, and LOVES!!! The crowd went crazy, it was as if Five Star never went away, I felt so privileged to be a fan, and to have always believed in them. The band left the stage to cries of "Come Back!" and "More!" and they were off stage for some time, probably trying to sort out the technical hitch with "Funktafied".

By the time they came back on the tension was at breaking point, and people were screaming their lungs out (all right, I was...) They launched instantly into all time classic "The Slightest Touch" again re-creating the famous 80's routine, and looking just as nimble. When it was over they got together with club owner Jeremy Joseph for a final bow, looking awestruck at the chaos ensuing! They did their final goodbyes, and ducked backstage. It was over.

The audience witnessed a spectacular comeback. I believe that many of the nights revelers came not even knowing who the band are, but left converted to their irresistible charm and sheer talent. The nightclub was a shrine to them, adorned with posters and a big screen showing vintage Five Star video's. You could not ignore them. Tonight was the coronation of Pop's Royal Family, back in the UK with a spectacular BANG!

INTRODUCED BY 2 MEMBERS OF ATOMIC KITTEN THE SONG LINEUP INCLUDED

ANOTHER WEEKEND

THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH

RAIN OR SHINE

EYES DONT LIE

CAN'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE

SYSTEM ADDICT

STAY OUT OF MY LIFE

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE TECHNICAL SOUND DIFFICULTIES THEY LOST FUNKTAFIED AND DENIECE STARTED SYSTEM ADDICT SOLO,

.............................................................................................

21st July 2001

Reviewed by Charles and Peter

Well, Saturday night was pure heaven for me and I'd like to share the experience with you... My partner and I arrived a little after 8 p.m. - 5 Star was scheduled to appear at 8:45... At 8:15 we figured that the line-up schedule was about 45 minutes behind so we had to wait just a tad longer, but it was well worth the wait!!

I inched closer and closer to the stage trying to center myself to get the best vantage point - I snuck my camera in to get some quick pictures (URL appears at end of message :)... little did I know that even though they said absolutely no cameras, almost everyone was taking snapshots and a few even had their camcorders! Fortunately my digital camera allowed me to take some QuickTime footage as well. Because of this, I ran out of storage on my camera but getting some of the vocals "live" was worth the sacrifice even though they are brief snippets. Fortunately, I befriended a fellow fan, Rob, who had brought in a disposable camera - more on that later...

Okay, on with the performance. The line-up as you all may know, included Denise, Lorraine, and Stedman. Denise sounded wonderful and all three gave top-notch performances! Last night's set included the following songs:

They opened with 'Another Weekend'

They did a medley of 'All Fall Down / Let Me Be the One / Can't Wait Another Minute'

They did 'Eyes Don't Lie'

They did 'I Get Such a High'

They closed with 'Funktafied'

Their choreography on the first few songs were very familiar to their videos which made it especially great for me because I can honestly say that it was their videos that taught me how to dance!! And last night I felt like I was dancing up there with them. The choreography on their new material was fresh and tight - they really got the crowd going. And of course Denise's vocals really got a lot of cheers from the audience.

Some highlights for me include Denise actually scatting toward the end of Eyes Don't Lie (I was in awe), Denise actually acknowledging that I was front and center cheering at the top of my lungs by making eye contact and waving to me and BEST OF ALL when they ended their set, my fellow fan Rob and I ran to the side of the stage where Denise, Lorraine, and Stedman were exiting. He got past the bodyguards, but by the time I got up, they told me and some other people that we couldn't go back and then THE highlight of the evening happened! Denise saw what was happening and GRABBED MY HAND telling one of the bodyguards that it was okay for me to go through. SHE WAS ACTUALLY HOLDING MY HAND - I was in HEAVEN! So now I'm surrounded by Denise, Lorraine, and Stedman and I was just rambling on how much I loved them, how much I like the new album, that they sounded great, etc, etc. And they all were so gracious and genuinely appreciative. Then it got better - I realized I was out of film and my new 5 Star friend asked if we could get a picture with them. So I got one with all three of them and then one with just Denise and me! I can't WAIT to get those copies . I then asked if I could get hugs from ALL of them and they all obliged. At this point, I knew it was time to say our goodbyes and they said, "Until Next Time.." And I'll be there.

Thanks for letting me share my experience - it's a night I'll NEVER forget!