July 26, 2007 8:00

Amy Winehouse silences critics with London gig

Diva shines at iTunes festival show

Photo Gallery: Amy Winehouse
Photo: Danny North

Following a number of no-shows and, as one observer put it, “phoned-in” performances in the last few weeks, Amy Winehouse proved she was capable of a spellbinding gig in London last night (July 25).

Playing as part of the iTunes Festival at the ICA, Winehouse left the crowd waiting for over an hour after the allotted start time, but few were disappointed once she appeared.

Arriving at the Pall Mall venue just three minutes before going onstage in the now-customary flash of the paparazzis’ bulbs, Winehouse and her nine-piece band played a hour-long set which support act Remi Nicole called “illmatic!”.

The crowd of 400 were treated to a 13-song set made up of hits from her second album ’Back To Black’, including ‘Wake Up Alone’, which was dedicated to her husband Blake Fielder-Civil “because he’s not here”.

She also included a few well-judged covers, the best of which came during the encore as Winehouse closed with a stunning version of The Zutons’ 'Valerie'.

Amy Winehouse kplayed:

'Addicted'
'Just Friends'
'Tears Dry On Their Own'
'He Can Only Hold Her/That Thing'
'Back To Black'
'Wake Up Alone'
'Hey Little Rich Girl'
'You’re Wondering Now'
'Love Is A Losing Game'
'You Know I'm No Good'
'Monkey Man'
'Me & Mr Jones'
'Rehab'
'Valerie'

Earlier support came from Remi Nicole and The Rumble Strips.

Winehouse is now set to support Arctic Monkeys at the Old Trafford shows this weekend (July 28 and 29).

Are you going to Old Trafford to see the band? Make sure you take your camera and email your snaps news@nme.com with Monkeys as the subject and we'll print the best.

Meanwhile, stay tuned to NME.COM for the ultimate coverage of this weekend's gigs.