Mark Ronson @ The Belfast Waterfront

October 3, 2010 No Comments

If there ever were a list of places compiled to host an ‘MTV Presents…’ gig, the Waterfront Hall in Belfast was one of the last places on my mind. But Our Wee City threw open its doors to the channel, with Mark Ronson and The Business Int in tow.

And despite the fact that we were sitting down on one of the terraces without an ounce of alcohol in the system, we were still buzzing, staring down at a Mr. Mark Ronson (sporting a new blonde do) bipping and bopping away with his army of musicians. The simplistic stage set up of red & white squares had maximum effect, and although none of his famous peers were visible (yet) his band were still on utmost form. After a cracking vocal from Alex Greenwald (doing MR’s version of California), it became abundantly clear that Mark Ronson was proving himself as a great producer – despite coming under scrutiny for unoriginality – and this gig should silence those critics. Yes, he is taking the credit for other artist’s songs, but in doing so he is showcasing new talent in an interesting and modernised way. Anyone can cover a song, but it takes talent and originality to do it justice.

To break the night up, he launched himself into a DJ set, almost like a warm up for his post-party at the Stiff Kitten. The crowd were throwing shapes like no tomorrow, while he burst out the speakers magnificent mash-ups, keeping the crowd on the toes (literally – EVERYONE was boogying. I even decided to risk my own life dancing on the terrace). As he Shouted “ARE YOU GETTING WARMED UP BELFAST?”, I was thinking to myself- yes Mark, I’m bloody roasting. And then, a little man named ‘Spank Rock’ creeps out of nowhere and begins rapping along. The stage faded to black, and then, with a bang, came its lights, band and dancing as the place erupted.

The stage casted six black silhouettes striking a pose against the red lighted background, and continued throughout the next track, with an idle spotlight on Mark. There was something beautifully retro about it – and, of course, effortlessly cool. The entire attire of the gig screamed 80’s, with keyboards, kits, clothing and the set itself, clearly heavily influenced by the likes of Roxy Music. The fantastic ‘Stop Me’ was given a total makeover, fused with electronic beats, creating a more relevant (and, well, better) version that the original. He’s reworking his own songs!

The red changed to blue, and Mark himself started singing – bit of a change. Very Kraftwork-esque with stance, set up and sound. Infact, if it wasn’t for people filming and photo-taking on their iPhones I would’ve thought I’d stepped through the doors of a time machine and not the Waterfront Hall.

They exited the stage and, like all great gigs, came back on for the encore. Bringing with them, no other that BOY GEORGE. While the audience tried to compose themselves he strutted around wearing a pink glittered top hat, a glittered black suit. It’s safe to say my life was complete, and the track didn’t disappoint either. Boy George looked and sounded fantastic (if not a little erratic), and with a hop, skip and a jump he left, and in his place a small Scottish man from a little known band called ‘The View’ took his place, and threw himself into the infectiously catchy new single ‘Ride My Bike’. I don’t want you to ride your bike anywhere Mark. Please stay in Belfast and continue to shine a light on my life. He stayed (for a little while longer) to finish off with the classic cover ‘Valerie’.

With an astonishing roar, a genuine ‘thanks’, and a courteous bow, the stage was empited, and the crowd shuffled their way out of the isle to set record on their Sky+ boxes, to submerge themselves in the night all over again via the wonders of MTV.

By Tascha Kay

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