Wirral Life Issue 75 | Page 58

DIANE TREMARCO IN AWE OF …
DIANE TREMARCO IN AWE OF …
SHANIA TWAIN ' S QUEEN OF ME TOUR : A NIGHT OF MUSICAL NOSTALGIA AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS
I have always greatly admired fellow musicians and creatives and I am thrilled to be able to tell you about those I know well and those I have recently discovered . Please take a look at my Instagram profile for more of the artists I am in awe of .
Ever since I heard Shania Twain ’ s “ Woman in Me ” her second album , I was hooked . That was followed by the iconic album “ Come on Over ”, where virtually every song was a hit . Through her trials and tribulations , I have followed her career and to this day would still call myself a fan . Imagine my utter delight when my daughter Jade produced a ticket for us to go to the AO Arena to watch her live . Sadly , we didn ’ t don our cowboy hats and boots and felt pretty left out let me tell you !
The evening kicked off with an electrifying performance by New Jersey country artist Breland , I am sad to say I hadn ’ t heard of him before that night . Channelling the spirit of 90s pop country acts , Breland ' s stage presence and versatile singing voice captivated us from the start . With tracks like " Throw it Back " and " Cowboy Don ' t ," he flawlessly blended soulful R & B delivery with a touch of Southern twang . And dance , woo wee can that boy move ! The set ended with the infectious anthem " Don ' t Touch My Truck ," something we sang back to him at the top of our voices . It is fair to say , Breland left a lasting impression on the audience .
As the anticipation grew , Shania Twain made a grand entrance , emerging from the middle of the AO Arena crowd to the delight of her adoring fans . We really couldn ’ t believe the lucky people on her route back to the stage . She high-fived them , posed for photos and sang directly into phones while the owners videoed the whole experience . Sporting a fan-designed pink rhinestone two-piece outfit she opened with crowd favourites like " Up !" and " Don ' t Be Stupid ( You Know I Love You )," it was evident that Shania aimed to create an unforgettable experience for everyone present . The outfit had been sent to her by a fashion student and she called him on stage to thank him personally . She asked if he liked the additions she had made when she “ Shania ’ d ” it . I think his answer came from the elation he showed being so close to his idol .
While the staging may have appeared simplistic at first glance , it perfectly complemented her performance . Steps and a large screen at the back created a minimalist backdrop for the show . On this screen , whimsical graphics depicting cowboys in space added a unique touch .
At one point her Pomeranian dog appeared in the graphics wearing a pink cowboy hat - Even the dog had a hat on ! Two talented dancers , doubling as backing singers , injected energy into the interludes with acrobatics and high-energy choreography , adding to the overall excitement .
Throughout the evening , Shania ’ s showmanship shone through with special moments that left us in awe . Those who had paid for a VIP meet and greet were invited on stage and Shania had a photo taken with each one . A proposal from one of these couples stole the spotlight , surprising even Shania herself . The romantic gesture , met with a heartfelt " yes ," was followed by a dedication of " From This Moment ." The couple ' s engagement became an iconic memory for all of us .
Shania ’ s encore featured the legendary tracks " That Don ' t Impress Me Much " and " Man ! I Feel Like a Woman !" performed in the original outfit from the iconic 1997 music video , proving her timeless appeal . She looked every bit as good in it today as she had done all those years ago .
Shania Twain ' s Queen of Me tour showcased her exceptional musical talent and her ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for her fans . With a blend of nostalgia and new releases , she delivered a setlist that satisfied every fan ' s desire for her biggest hits . The night was a testament to Shania ’ s influence in the country-pop genre and her dedication to evolving as a musician .
But that wasn ’ t the end for us . I was nursing a torn meniscus at the time and was wearing a leg brace . Consequently , on the way out , a Steward directed Jade and me to a lift , to steer us clear of the crowd . We thanked him and he pressed the button to begin our descent . To our utter amazement , the doors opened , and we were backstage ! What a thrill . We were guided past the stage and all the tour buses by one of the roadies ( who had also roadied for Muse ) and eventually out onto a quiet street . Sadly , we didn ’ t see Shania but we sang every song on our way home . It was clear that Shania Twain ' s music continues to resonate with audiences old and young , leaving an indelible mark on the world of music .
58 wirrallife . com