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Mark Ronson

As huge music fans, we're always trying to blag ourselves into the hottest gigs around. Here's who we've caught live recently...

Who? Mark Ronson

Where? Hammersmith Apollo, London

When? 22nd February 2008

What was it like?
He's produced hits for some of the biggest names in music including Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera, but can he cut it live on stage in his own right? Well... yes and no. While his dynamic live band, including both a live string and brass section, sounded fantastic and Ronson himself certainly commands his stage, looking rather dapper in his fancy designer suit, given that all of his tracks feature different guest singers, it made for quite a disjointed show. 

What did he perform?
All the hits and more. While the likes of Amy, Lily and Adele didn't appear, Ronson was joined by the likes of Daniel Merriweather (vocalist on No.2 hit, 'Stop Me' and set to release his debut solo album later this year), Candie Payne, Tim Burgess from The Charlatans and Charlie Waller from The Rumble Strips to name but a few, all of whom took it in turns to take to the stage to perform Ronson tracks like 'Oh My God', 'Valerie' and 'Just', as well as some of their own material.

What were the highlights?
Pharrell Williams-signed Kenna, making his London stage debut, was by far the most impressive guest spot of the evening, bounding on to the stage with confidence, clambering up on the venue's speaker system as he performed both his forthcoming single 'Out Of Control (State Of Emotion)' and Radiohead cover, 'Just' - definitely one to look out for in the future. 'Valerie', despite not being sung by the infamous Ms. Winehouse, also got the venue dancing.  

What was the worst bit?
Guest singer, Candie Payne didn't quite manage to pull off Lily Allen's interpretation of 'Oh My God' to quite the same standard, but her rousing rendition of her hit single 'One More Chance' more than made up for it.

Where can I hear more?
You can catch Mark Ronson doing a live DJ set at the Bandstand indoor festival in London and Liverpool in May. Kenna's debut album is released through Polydor later this year and you can check out his tunes for yourself on Myspace.


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Have Your Say...
Who have you seen live recently? Did you give them a standing ovation or did they leave you wanting your money back? Let us know by leaving us a comment below.