Florence + The Machine fans had to be patient to finally catch the band in Leeds but for many it was certainly worth the wait.
The group were due to appear at Leeds First Direct Arena at the end of 2022 but that date was postponed because of lead singer Florence Welch breaking her foot during a London show. It is fair to say, if Saturday is anything to go by, Florence is back to full fitness.
The enigmatic performer was bounding around the stage with unrivalled energy. At times, she displayed the elegance of a ballet dancer while at others, often when she went to see her adoring crowd, it was a little more raucously ramshackle.
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During King, Florence’s microphone broke and, of course, such things risk knocking a performer off their stride. But it didn’t phase her in the slightest. Perhaps, because it happened for the second gig in a row.
Addressing the crowd during Dog Days Are Over, making reference to the 2022 show cancellation, Florence said: “Thank you so much for waiting for us and welcome to the show."
She then said something many of us are likely far too timid to during gigs but wish we did. Wanting the evening to be a 'collective experience' and a 'resurrection of dance' Florence appealed for the crowd to refrain from using their phones for the remainder of the gig. Something actually adhered to by more than you'd expect.
Florence wanted the audience to remain ‘present and attentive’. One way she did this was through the mesmeric spectacle on stage accompanying each song. On occasion, Saturday evening’s thoroughly enjoyable entertainment felt like a theatre production thanks to each choreographed move and white chandelier stage set up.
Then Florence being Florence she broke that illusion running down to her fans. Often embracing them as they shared a moment dueting on songs. For the record, there were a lot of tears during those cherished happenings.
The sharp, often aggressive, What Kind of Man, was an obvious highlight of the set while Dance Fever (the name of Florence + The Machine’s tour) had spread by the airing of calling card You’ve Got The Love - a cover of Candi Staton’s classic song. Looking down from above, the sea of devotees, many dressed in flower headbands and tie dye, bounced up and down in weaving waves.
Throughout the gig, there was an unmistakable feeling of togetherness. From those tender embraces with fans to Florence stopping the gig briefly when someone fell ill down the front. The lead performer praised those in the crowd and security for quickly helping the person in need.
On other occasions, Florence spoke to her fans about the struggles we'd all faced during the coronavirus lockdown periods and how joyous it is that gigs can now safely go ahead. There were many deeply touching moments on Saturday evening at Leeds First Direct Arena with another undoubtedly being Florence having the strength to revisit Never Let Me Go with the deeply personal song being aired on tour for the first time in a decade.
Following the encore opener, the dancing returned with final numbers Shake It Out and Rabbit Heart. As Florence left the stage for the final time many in the crowd offered her flowers which she gratefully accepted.
Many Florence + The Machine fans will be hoping they don't face another long wait to see the band and all their wonderful whimsy once again.
Setlist
- Heaven Is Here
- King
- Ship to Wreck
- Free
- Daffodil
- Dog Days Are Over
- Girls Against God
- Dream Girl Evil
- Prayer Factory
- Big God
- What Kind of Man
- Morning Elvis
- June
- Hunger
- You Got the Love
- (Candi Staton cover)
- Choreomania
- Kiss With a Fist
- Cosmic Love
- My Love
- Restraint
Encore
- Never Let Me Go
- Shake It Out
- Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
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