Fans walk out of Paul Young concert
Hundreds of fans walked out in disgust at a Paul Young concert, many comparing the experience to listening to a pub karaoke night, it emerged today.
About 200 people staged a walkout at the gig at Derby’s Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening after the 1980s icon was said to be “strangling” the classic hits which made him so popular.
His performances earlier in his UK tour have also come in for criticism, with a number of people posting messages on his official website about the poor quality of his voice.
Many devoted fans said it was the first time they had walked out of a concert, but described Young’s voice as “awful” on Wednesday and said they could not bear to stay any longer.
Peter Rees, of Burton, said: “He was my favourite 80s artist and I’ve seen him live before but this was awful – it was like listening to karaoke.
“It is the first time I have walked out of a concert part way through.
“Paul’s voice was frankly awful and the acoustics were very poor. He used to have such a wonderful soulful voice, but last night he was trying to sing like Joe Cocker.
“It was painful to listen to him.”
The audience paid £18.50 each for tickets to see the pop star live, but many have now asked for a refund.
One disgruntled fan said: “I took my partner as a birthday present – she was a big fan in the 80s.
“We left when Paul began to strangle a Sinatra classic – his fourth song I think.
“There were already a number of people outside, trying to get their money back, including a fan on her 8th concert (seven of them a long time ago!).
“Paul cannot sing any notes, not just the high ones! In 30 years of seeing live music from pubs to the Albert Hall this was the worst by a long way.
“I’ve already emailed a complaint to the Assembly Rooms. They’re in discussions with the promoter apparently.
“The night ended up quite costly – we had to sit at the bar next door watching the people leave – well it was the only entertainment we were likely to get.”
Peter Ireson, general manager of the Assembly Rooms, said they had received around 140 registered complaints so far, out of 800 people who attended the concert.
He said: “We are currently in negotiations with Paul Young’s management.
“If people have a complaint they should write to me at the Assembly Rooms and we will process the complaint.
“The majority of the audience seemed to have a great evening and he was mobbed for autographs at the end of the performance.”
