Róisín Murphy stuns Manchester with special show marking Albert Hall's 10th anniversary
11.05.2023 - 11:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
It was a special night at Manchester's Albert Hall. Marking 10 years since the former Wesleyan church in the city centre was brought back to life as a music venue, a rare performance by Róisín Murphy on Wednesday (May 10) would always be a sell-out.
The Irish musician who was part of nineties pop duo Moloko is known for the outlandish outfits which feature throughout her performances. In fact, all accessories considered, the number of costume changes on the night totalled 10.
The disco diva moved to Manchester at the age of 12 and spent her teenage years in the city after insisting on staying when her parents split up and returned to Ireland. It was during this period that, she says, she started to identify as a 'weirdo'.
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What's striking about her performances now is that she is never scared of being too silly. The 49-year-old first appeared on stage in a turquoise dress with fin-like features, a smurf-style hat, big blue boots and long black gloves.
Almost all of the audience - including those sat surrounding the stage upstairs - rose to their feet as soon as the music began and remained standing throughout. The artist's music is varied, but almost all of it has a beat that anyone can dance to.
Surprisingly, some of her best known songs appeared towards the start of the set, including a remixed rendition of Moloko's Time Is Now. Wearing a purple cape with a silver helmet-style hat, a life-size alien was thrown around like a rag doll during Overpowered.
Latest single Coocool saw a purple top wrapped around the singer's chest, covering part of her dress which later disappeared. White trousers with long slits down each side appeared soon after