Mark Owen @ LMUSU
By James MeehanAfter witnessing the horror of the cheeky girls the previous Monday in this very same venue I have to admit I was quietly looking forward to this gig. The last single "Four minute warning" was a catchy bit of indie which followed the classic early nineties pattern of Britpop, but added a little bit of charm that can only be formed by a former boy band member.
Mark Owen has had a bit of a hard time lately, with former band mate Robbie owning the world now, people tend to see Mark as "that one who grew his hair and went all guitary?" Marks new image is focusing on writing his own songs and playing his own instruments, but maintaining a front man position throughout the show. It's just sad that I feel I am the only person at the gig out of interest in his new direction rather than because I fancied him when I was ten.
The gig its self is a fairly lack luster affair, with most of the small crowd there to scream rather than listen. He plays an enjoyable set of bouncy, happy guitar tracks that could offend no one, as well as some interesting covers (the cures Friday I'm in love being the best). And that was it really. He signed autographs at the end and it seemed that this was all most of the crowd were here for. I genuinely felt sorry for the guy, because it seems that he is trying so hard to believe in himself and not have to rely on the fact that he's the cute one from Take That.
All in all, it could have been better, it could have been worse. But the fans left happy, so I guess that's what counts.
