Texas at the O2 Arena

It’s incredible just how many hits Scottish group Texas have put out. They’ve been together for 34 years, and tonight is their first-ever gig at the O2, honouring the catalogue they have created. It’s a damp, dreary day in London but Sharleen Spiteri and the band bring warmth to the 20,000 fans who have flocked to this celebration.

With over 40 million in album sales, Texas have quite rightly achieved legendary status – although don’t get Spiteri started on the misuse of words. Delivering her trademark no-nonsense humour, there are times when we (pleasingly) feel like we are watching a stand-up comedy show. It’s no mean feat to make an arena of this size seem like an intimate space. We soon have the sensation of being friends gathered together – a tangible sense of community – more than welcome during these times. With a carefully curated setlist, every era is catered for.

We kick off with debut single – the country I Don’t Want a Lover. It instantly has everyone up and dancing. We segue into the high-octane Halo – the frontwoman’s voice drawing us into the story of the song. The lyrics of the group’s material are often quite deep, despite their catchy hooks.

Everyday Now takes us back to the band’s debut EP of the same name. One can’t help but become lost in the bluesy track. Spiteri skims to soul seamlessly – always getting to the heart of the song. This continues with the catchy The Conversation from 2013. Tired of Being Alone – an Al Green cover – again emphasises Texas’ connection to and awareness of this type of music.

Although referred to as a rock band, they have always experimented with various genres. In Our Lifetime, for instance, has a hip-hop sounding beat and, of course, we all remember the collaboration with Wu Tang Clan’s Method Man on a reissue of their most famous hit Say What You Want. That track, which inevitably comes late on in the set, has everyone belting out the lyrics with an a cappella moment then ushering in the high-tempo of that famous remix.

Summer Son transports us back to 1999. Insane sees the group at their most pensive – Spiteri’s vocals haunting. Black Eyed Boy is feel-good Motown in sound – again proving the expansive range of the band’s output. Inner Smile is the encore – ensuring all a sense of upliftment. The singer then returns on stage as Elvis – if you know, you know. A cover of Suspicious Minds closes the evening.

The entire band are on fine form – Tony McGovern’s guitar work another memorable aspect of the night. While Spiteri occasionally stops for breath – or to chat to us – it must be said that most numbers flow seamlessly to the next. Two hours fly by.

A lot of work from those on and off the stage has gone into this and it’s clear Texas are immensely grateful for their fans’ love and support. Spiteri would probably say that’s too gushy, but it’s true. An uplifting, electric evening of truly timeless music performed by masters of their craft. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Texas’s website here.

Watch the video for Say What You Want here: