Under the sunny skies of Margate, Billy Ocean rolled back the years with a sell-out crowd at Dreamland to remind them just why he’ll go down as one of soul’s greatest artists.
The 75-year-old shot to fame in the 1970s, with number ones and a Grammy coming his way thanks to his powerful voice, which led to rumours he actually had a third lung back in the day.
So from the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another gig – it was a celebration of a legendary career, and the crowd could feel it.
Songs like “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car” had everyone dancing, while “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” turned into a full-on anthem. It was impossible not to feel the power in those songs.
Even though they’re not top of the charts now, they still pack the same punch.
From the first note, you could feel the buzz in the air.
He still has it, in case anyone was ever in doubt.
His voice is as smooth as ever, and it didn’t take long for everyone in the crowd to get into it.
And I do mean absolutely everyone, with the sell-out crowd soon turning into a giant sing-along which would put many other venues to shame.
It was nice to be reminded just how many iconic tunes he has too, with “Suddenly”, “Red Light Spells Danger” and “Caribbean Queen” being particularly well received.
It was an intimate and personal evening, one of the few times in life we can connect with those beside us without any grudges.
Beaming on the stage as he shared tales of his past, Billy Ocean made a point of declaring his love for the audience whenever he could.
The 90-minute set was perfectly orchestrated, with gig-goers warming up with the ever-brilliant Sister Sledge.
And Dreamland, with its quirky, vintage charm, was the perfect spot for such a memorable night.
The mix of retro rides and twinkling lights made the whole atmosphere feel nostalgic, setting the perfect tone for a night of soul classics.
It was a special experience – one of those rare moments where everything just falls into place.
Having seen Nile Rodgers perform here last year, and the incredible line-ups that Dreamland bosses can secure for this darling venue, it makes you wonder why they don’t do it every week.
The crowd was simply fantastic, with security likely very satisfied with the work they had to put in, and from what I could tell, there was no trouble at all.
This is, of course, how it should be.
But when one or two events go astray, it risks the chance for people to call for radical changes and licences to be stripped.
It was only a fortnight ago when 21-year-old man who was at the Margate Drum ‘n’ Bass Festival, run by organisers Worried About Henry, was blue-lighted to the QEQM Hospital by ambulance and later died.
The tragedy unfolded just a year after Emily Stokes died after attending a rave at the theme park rave ran by the same promotor.
But let me be clear, I strongly believe Dreamland to be one of Kent’s greatest assets.
I just hope to see it like this every week, full of music lovers making good choices and welcoming some of the finest names music has to offer.
