A polite excited audience stood waiting to see Sinéad O’Connor on Thursday, March 15th at Manchester Cathedral. The atmosphere, as at any run of the mill Cathedral, was astounding – the lights moving up into the eaves, lighting up the beams and the decoration, the statues and monuments silently watching. O’Connor cheerfully walked onto the stage to a round of applause.
Mostly over 30’s, the crowd were there to watch; to be part of the evening, not to text their mates how “gr8” she was; and so it was that the singing began. O’Connor filled the building with her voice, tingling up the neck stuff… As she sang, she immersed herself in the words, never opening her eyes once.
“Jealous” was one that made you think… Couples hugged and swayed, a beautiful melody that made you take in the ambience. “The Wolf Is Getting Married” is the title song from her new album, though she explained she wanted to call it “Fuck Off”, but was told she wasn’t allowed to.
Dedicated to PC David Rathbone, “I am Stretched On Your Grave” was haunting. Unaccompanied, her voice, pitch perfect, a true dedication sung from her heart. A few wiped away tears as they were reminded of recent events.
O’Connor’s way of covering that she’d forgotten a few words by just making up others just endeared her into the hearts more, “A little uncomfortable when you’re about to cum and you’re expected to sing a little song…”
“Nothing Compares To You” was made her own… Oh it was! O’Connor performed it as though she meant every word, her hands coming up to her face, picking out words in her inclination. To finish, “…Nothing compares to you… except a big cucumber”
We were taken on an O’Connor journey of soul and meaning, in between the songs her smile lit up the Cathedral.
Sinéad, your fans salute and support and simply love you.
