Annie Lennox

[Fred K]

I had a chance to see Annie Lennox last Tuesday at the National Theater (about 1,800 seats) in DC. It was an amazing show. Most of the songs were from Diva , 2 from Medusa (No More I Love Yous and Don't Let It Bring You Down), 3 from the new CD and several Eurythmics songs (Sweet Dreams , The Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves , I Need A Man , Here Comes the Rain Again , and Who's That Girl ). It really didn't matter what Annie Lennox was singing though. She has such an incredible stage presence and was in very good voice. I hope the new CD (out in June) is worth the wait.

[Vince Kargatis]

Awesome. I'm a Eurythmics fan, glad to hear Annie's concerts rule - never seen her (though the live vids out are good - I love that Eurythmics Live concert from 1987). Thanks for the heads-up on the album, I didn't know.

[Fred K]

Here is the Washington Post review.


Annie Lennox, Creating a National Sensation
Thursday, April 17, 2003; Page C07

The National Theatre isn't known as a concert hall. A list on its Web site of performers who have appeared there since its 1835 inception references but one concert, given by opera superstar Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale." That was 153 years ago.

The booking policy seems due for a loosening up after Annie Lennox's boffo Tuesday gig at the stately playhouse. In the early portions of her nearly two-hour set, the British chanteuse and former Eurythmics frontwoman, who is now on her first tour without ex-paramour and band mate Dave Stewart, appeared overwhelmed by the surroundings. After patrons began dancing in the aisles during her synth-heavy solo hit from 1992, "Walking on Broken Glass," Lennox tried to quell the enthusiasm, declaring in regal tones, "You may sit down!" Her subjects obeyed that command for a time, such as when she introduced material from "Bare," a CD that won't be released until June. But fans were soon back on their feet.

And Lennox, who for much of the night sang like Aretha but sometimes emoted a little too much like Celine, eventually submitted to the idolatry. She even attempted a microphone spin, à la Roger Daltrey, during the 1987 Eurythmics nugget "You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart" (Daltrey has nothing to worry about). Her cover of Neil Young's "Don't Let It Bring You Down" was heavy and heavenly. She pumped her fists along with the fans on a very rocky rendition of "Would I Lie to You?" The encore of "Sweet Dreams" and "I Need a Man" sent the crowd streaming onto Pennsylvania Avenue at least as happy as those who left the Jenny Lind show back in 1850.

-- Dave McKenna

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Thanks for the heads-up, Fred!

Been a few years between albums, hasn't it?

[Jazzooo]

Damn! I was half hoping I'd check this thread out and someone would be saying her concert was a disappointment--we really wanted to see her later this month here in San Diego, but everything was sold out except for the $150 seats, so we're passing. Glad to hear she's kicking ass--Diva is a favorite in my house.