Last Wednesday, modern rap and hip-hop sensation Professor Green provided Bournemouth with a night to remember. His stage presence and talent shone brighter than ever on the penultimate leg of his UK tour.
Getting to the Academy over an hour early was a good decision: the turnout overcrowded the sizeable concert hall. It was worth the wait when we got to the front with only a barrier separating us from the stage. Without being so close, we might not have got that point and smile from the man himself!
Doors opened at 7pm and two opening acts entertained, before Green stormed on at 9pm. A fairly average, yet enthusiastic, set from support act DJ IQ got things rolling. Second support act Wretch 32 got the rest of the audience moving, as well as complimenting the Professor’s set list.
Professor Green gave a sensational performance at Bournemouth’s O2 last Wednesday.
Green came on stage to the sound of cheering fans. To be expected, he showed off tracks from his new album Growing Up in Public, including popular single ‘Lullaby’ and his newest ‘Little Secrets’ with which he began. Of course, there were also plenty of old-school classics on the set list. The evening followed a mixture of older, newer and lesser-known (to the charts) tracks from all three of his albums, including songs such as ‘Monster,’ ‘At Your Convenience’ and ‘Oh My God.’
’The O2 Academy’s setting is a large concert-style hall, surrounded by higher balconies that were occupied by a few VIP ticket holders. Naturally, most would rather be downstairs, standing at a Professor Green gig. Not to mention, regular standing tickets were absolutely worth every penny.
Hackney-born Green wore all black: jeans, long sleeved top, and Vans-style shoes. He appeared ecstatic to be performing and appreciative of the crowd. There was a superb vibe and his energetic performance was met with enthusiasm from the boisterous crowd. He had remarkable interaction with his backing singers and band members, who truly tied the whole show together.
Professor Green’s personality was genuine and entertaining, whether rapping, singing or talking to the audience. It was no shocker that the lyrical genius had to give an encore. He may not be everyone’s first pick but the man certainly knows how to throw an incredible gig!
