Kim Wilde Gets Closer In York

With a new album, Closer, gaining a Top 30 placing in the album charts and a successful tour, Kim Wilde had plenty to celebrate as she arrived at York Barbican. Over forty years after her debut single, Kids in America, brought her worldwide attention, Wilde appeared to be enthusiastic and energised by the new album featured heavily in her ninety-minute set.

The occasion was still a family affair—her brother and chief songwriter Ricky might have looked like he should have been in a heavy metal band with his tattoos, chains, and black attire, while her niece Scarlett carried many of the vocals. If it had not been for her presence, the night might have been entirely different, not that the faithful fans minded: they were out of their seats by the second song, You Came.

“It's great to be back in York; I came here for my birthday last year,” shared the singer. With a day off after the concert, her intention to look around the city again was not going to be a lost opportunity, nor was the occasion tonight to travel through her career in a concert where the energy seldom dissipated thanks to her six-piece band.

Midge Ure performed duets on the album track Hourglass Human; in York, it was Scarlett who took the honours, resulting in one of the highlights of the night. Whilst Kim herself has had her upsets of late – Covid and a slipped disc – this did not deter her from delivering a set that included at least two costume changes.

As the chugging riff from Kids in America rang around the auditorium, the track naturally was going to be the only one that could close a concert from one of pop music’s most endearing and genuine stars. As the fans sang back in unison, like being back at a school disco, the kids in York were doing fine.