Celebrating over 40 years as a solo artist Alison Moyet delivered a show that resonated deeply with both long-time fans and new listeners alike

Alison Moyet graced the stage of the historic Stockton Globe in Stockton-on-Tees as part of her ‘Key’ tour, marking her first full headline tour since 2017. This tour commemorates her remarkable 40-year journey as a solo artist and coincides with the release of her latest album, ‘Key’, which features reimagined singles, fan favourites, deep cuts, and two new tracks and she performed both tonight.

The show was elevated by support act Iona Zajac, whose dramatic folk-infused indie sound was the perfect prelude to Moyet’s performance. Her stark emotive delivery left a lasting impression, and reminded me a little of Anna Calvi. Some found it a little hard going, but her light in-between song banter juxtaposed the darker undertones of her music. Zajac will also be part of The Pogues ‘Rum, Sodomy & The Lash’ celebration tour in May this year, so you can catch her there too.

The Stockton Globe, a venue steeped in history and recently restored to its former glory, provided an intimate yet grand setting for the evening. The theatre’s art deco architecture and acoustics complemented Moyet’s powerful vocals, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and contemporary.

Moyet opened the concert with “Fire” immediately captivating the audience with her soulful and resonant voice. The set list was a carefully curated journey through her extensive catalogue, covering 8 albums and blending classic hits with new modern arrangements. “Which means I don’t have to do just Karaoke hits” she screamed with a huge smile on her face.

Favourites like “Nobody’s Diary” and “Is This Love?” still had the audience singing along, their refreshed arrangements breathing new life into the beloved classics. Moyet will not take the easy route and found new ways to challenge her vocals which were faultless throughout, age has not diminished the power or the pitch.

As a perfectionist, if it doesn’t sound right or she forgets the lyrics, she will start the track again, and has done this throughout the tour, which endears her even more to the audience.

Her strong collaboration with producer Sean McGhee was evident, as the balance between modern production and the original spirit of her songs felt flawless despite the occasional hiccup. Multi-instrumentalist McGhee provided backing vocals throughout, and during “My Best Day” a fair impression of Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds too.

One of the evening’s highlights was her performance of “Only You,” a song that has transcended time since her days with Yazoo. Previously she had given some incite into the meaning of the song she was about to perform, with this one, there was no need for that. The stripped-down arrangement allowed the purity of her vocals to shine, evoking a sense of intimacy that made it feel like a performance in front of a group of friends rather than a sold out concert hall.

The production quality of the show was simple but effective. With only 3 artists on stage, they each had their own mini stage and didn’t move from their individual area. The lighting design enhanced the mood of each song, shifting from soft hues during ballads to vibrant displays during the upbeat numbers.

Leaving the brilliant “All Cried Out” to the end of her set Moyet quickly returns and admits that there was “a little too much sadness in the music tonight, but that all stops now” and as the opening synth sounds of “Situation” are heard everyone gets up on their feet to start the dancing. “Love Resurrection” followed and was more up tempo than on record, and finally a powerful rendition of Yazoo’s “Don’t Go,” the audience reliving some nostalgic memories of school discos or dodgy nightclubs in the eighties.

This is a long 25 date UK tour which stretches further into Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia before she returns here for some festivals and has recently been announced on the Glastonbury line up poster. Beg, steal or borrow a ticket for this tour, Alison Moyet is at the top of her game and loving it.