Festival Review: P!NK - British Summer Time Hyde Park, London // June 2023
In nothing short of a spectacular display of divahood, P!nk returned to the UK stage this past weekend at London's British Summer Time. The American songstress brought energy, charm, and an expert level of showmanship as she took us through time with an arsenal of hit songs and head-bangers.
P!nk's musical catalogue is one to be envied by her peers and endlessly enjoyed by her enduring fanbase. With a career spanning just shy of three decades, it is almost surprising that it took this long to see P!nk headline London's iconic summer festival. Born in Pennsylvania in 1979 as Alecia Beth Moore -immediately adopting the show name P!nk as a nod to Steve Buscemi's infamous character in Reservoir Dogs, Mr. Pink- P!nk first rose to prominence following the release of her debut record, Can't Take Me Home. Moore since secured her position as a household pop sensation with a succession of chart-topping hits,'God is a DJ', 'So What', and 'Just Give Me a Reason', among many others.
Commencing the set with the lead single from her sophomore album, 'Get this Party Started' from Missundaztood, P!nk electrified the stage, bringing with her a team of sparkling dancers and eye-capturing visuals. Not one to shy away from theatrics, P!nk has become infamous for employing various elaborate acrobatic and high-wire stunts to accentuate both her physical and musical ability, including an aerial performance. From earth-shattering vocals to dazzling choreography, the singer reminded all those present that to ignore their obvious superstardom would be a mistake. From the rebellious fashion choices to her logo, P!nk's contribution to pop punk culture cannot be dismissed, and this weekend's performances reiterated the singer's capacity to create a musical spectacle.
It would also be remiss to not give flowers to the sensational opening performer that was Gwen Stefani, an icon in her own right, who surprised the audience the previous night by bringing out her long-time collaborator, rapper Eve, to perform their hit song 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' and 'Rich Girl'. Worthy of the co-headliner title, Stefani has dazzled her listeners with her age mate P!nk and certainly foreshadowed the quality of the ensuing performance. Preceding Stefani was rising star, Tinashe. Known most prominently for her collaborative work with Kaytranada and Schoolboy Q, the singer was centre stage as she braced one of her biggest UK audiences with songs such as 2 On and How Many Times.
But, without a shadow of a doubt, P!nk held her own in the headlining spot, emerging from atop of the stage and quickly ascending into formation as the singer progressed through her iconic discography. Amidst the nostalgia and throwback hits, the singer-songwriter also brought out a particularly special guest, her own daughter, Willow, to sing alongside her mother. A touching moment by any standard, demonstrating the personal evolution of the pop stars and divas that we have grown up within our own lives. Following in her mother's footsteps, the 12-year-old's natural stardom made clear that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, the apple in this case being pure, unadulterated talent.
Words by Laura Maxwell
Photo Credit: Dave Hogan Hogan Media
