Review: Rihanna, at LG Arena, Birmingham
* * *
AFTER 90 minutes of raunchy Rihanna in basically underwear, gyrating and groping, I understood why an Irish farmer ordered her to cover up at a video shoot.
It wasn’t just that her buttocks were always on show, it was the constant lewdness that made it all seem too over-sexed.
Granted, she’s beautiful with a perfect figure, but Rihanna’s got the back catalogue of songs to make this Loud tour worth remembering for her talent, not her writhing.
I felt sorry for three embarrassed young girls and dad in front of me, especially in the bondage section when the leather-clad pop star rode a female fan rodeo-style.
Calvin Harris warmed up the crowd before Rihanna made an entrance to Only Girl (In the World), peeling off a coat to reveal sparkly underwear.
More risque clothes, whips and chains followed through an erotic lap dancing club before her take on the Army, astride a pair of pink cannons. There was more ammunition on show with her gun tattoos.
I’ve seen Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Katy Perry this year, who all skimp on clothing too, but have more emphasis on a grand music show than being provocative.
This show was compromised on being the other way round.
