In a surprising turn of events, Boy George has expressed his frustration on Twitter following a lukewarm review of Culture Club's recent O2 Arena performance in London.
The concert, which featured the band performing their first two albums in full, received a 2-star review that criticized several aspects of the show, particularly noting issues with Boy George's vocal performance. The review suggested that the between-song banter outshined the musical elements of the concert.
The show, marking the finale of their UK tour, presented complete renditions of 'Kissing to be Clever' (1982) and 'Colour by Numbers' (1983). While the 12-piece band, including original members Roy Hay and Mikey Craig, demonstrated technical proficiency, the review indicated that the performance struggled to maintain momentum.
Despite memorable moments during hits like "I'll Tumble 4 Ya" and "Karma Chameleon," the review pointed out that Boy George's once-distinctive voice appeared diminished, with backing singers carrying much of the vocal weight.
The concert's staging included creative elements, such as Boy George's dramatic entrance via a red telephone box, and his characteristically flamboyant attire - a sparkling fedora and slogan-covered grey jacket. However, these theatrical touches weren't enough to elevate the overall performance in the reviewer's estimation.
The review has sparked debate among fans and critics alike, with Boy George taking to Twitter to voice his disagreement with the assessment. This incident highlights the often complex relationship between artists and critics in the modern media landscape.
The O2 show represented a homecoming for the Eltham-born singer, making the critical reception particularly poignant for both the artist and his local fanbase.