Fresh from playing Glastonbury at the weekend, and following on from her Platinum Party at the Palace performance a couple of weeks ago, pop superstar Diana Ross was due to stop off at Durham Riverside on her Thank You tour on Wednesday evening
Fans flocking to the Chester-le-Street stadium will hear the 78-year-old American performing some of her greatest hits - from Supremes' classics including Baby Love and Stop! In the Name of Love, to later solo favourites such as Chain Reaction, I'm Still Waiting and Upside Down. Read more about timings and arrangements for the show here.
By way of coincidence, Ross was appearing in the region exactly 25 years ago, on that occasion at Newcastle Arena - her first time up here since 1973. Our photos from June 30, 1997, capture the star performing (the first of two sold-out nights at the venue), and our review by the Chronicle's long-time showbusiness man Gordon Barr recalls an excellent show.
READ MORE: Tyneside in the 1970s - 10 photographs
Diana came, Diana saw – Diana conquered. The world’s best-selling female singer showed just why she’s just that in one of the classiest shows yet seen at the Arena. Looking less than half her 53 years, Diana gave today’s great pretenders of pop a run for their money as she sang her way through more than three decades of hits, keeping fans of all ages happy.
From the moment she ran on stage – wearing a sparkling sequinned mini dress – she won the audience over, talking to them, cuddling them and inviting the lucky few on stage with her for a dance and a kiss (will they ever wash their faces again?).
The show kicked off with Take Me Higher, followed by a thumping Chain Reaction and the wonderful I’m Still Waiting, continuing with many of her greatest Supremes hits, her more recent numbers and a selection of Billie Holiday classics from Lady Sings The Blues. Every number was received rapturously, with the highlights being When You Tell Me That You Love Me, You Keep Me Hanging On, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I Will Survive.
The in-the-round show suits Diana down to the ground, giving all her fans a good view – and her the chance to quickly run off stage and change outfits, which she does an amazing seven times.
Here's hoping Wednesday's show at the Riverside Stadium hits the same heights.
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