Preview: Shayne Ward @ Manchester Apollo

Date: Friday 18th March 2011

Following the release of his comeback album last year, Manchester’s home grown X-Factor star Shayne Ward returns to the North West with his ‘Obsession Tour’ this Friday.

As we all know Shayne became an overnight pop superstar following his triumph on the second series of X-Factor in 2005. His debut single ‘That’s My Goal’ clinched the Christmas number one spot with ease, selling 313,000 copies on its first day of release. A self titled album followed, supported with a smattering of singles and even an autobiography.  

The always difficult sophomore album was in actual fact not that difficult at all for Shayne; in 2007 his ‘comeback’ double a-side single ‘If That’s Ok With You / No You Hang Up’ stormed in a number two whilst the album Breathless entered at six, going on to sell over 450,000 copies and achieve platinum status. A huge UK arena tour capped off another X-Factor success story.

But then things go strangely quiet. No singles, no third album, no anything. Rumours of record company disagreements were rife; to this day the truth behind Shayne’s hiatus has not been fully revealed.  But come Autumn 2010, things were seemingly back on track as Shayne performed his first single in three years on the biggest stage on offer in the UK; the X-Factor finals. A cover of Nickleback's ‘Gotta Be Somebody’, this was the emotional power-pop Shayne does so well. It peaked at twelve on the charts and was closely followed by the album Obsession.

Which brings us to the ‘Obsession Tour’, seemingly a chance for Shayne to reconnect with his fan base and remind people of the reason he won X-Factor six years ago – his incredible vocals. Few stars have the ability to replicate a perfect pop recording voice in a live setting; fortunately Shayne is one of them.  With powerful, soulful vocals, boyish turned man-ish good looks, and a strong album of heartfelt, emotional pop tunes to promote, this tour should see Shayne keeping the loyal fans more than satisfied whilst cultivating a whole new generation at the same time.

Shayne Ward appears live at Manchester Apollo on Friday 18th March 2011.

Words: Chris White