Music

Review

Cher celebrates her acclaimed career on UK tour

The Here We Go Again Tour kicked off with a celebratory performance at London's O2.

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Modesty is far from the forefront of superstar Cher’s mind, and rightly so. With 26 studio albums under her belt, not including her work with then-husband Sonny, various film and TV roles, and a coveted Academy Award, the Californian born performer has dominated in the world of entertainment since the early ’60s. It’s fitting then that her latest tour, Here We Go Again, pays a not-so-humble homage to her vibrant career.

Cher - Strong Enough (Music Video)

Following a prelude that sees dancefloor favourites Woman’s World and Strong Enough ring across London’s packed O2, Cher transforms the vast space into a remarkably intimate space, regaling fans with tales of her 40th birthday celebrations and tribulations, which saw her cement her status as a star not to be messed with. Cher, she reveals both reluctantly and jubilantly, is now 73. People always clap, she quips, deciding whether it’s because she’s not dead yet or because she still fits into all her fabulous costumes.

This sets the tone for the evening, one which sees the star put aside her vocal activism for a celebration of her music, and what it has brought to the world. A comparably throwaway mark to current politics – met with rapturous applause – is the only glimpse of social commentary. The show is instead reserved for huge spectacles and bigger melodies, from aerial acrobatics to bejewelled elephants. Cher herself takes in a total of eight costume changes, each as jaw-dropping as the last, and each a reference to a particular period in her career.

Cher - SOS [Official HD Music Video]

Burlesque dancers flood the stage for Welcome To Burlesque, late husband Sonny appears on the screens to accompany Cher during The Beat Goes On and I Got You Babe – Cher herself donning a peace and love inspired garb – while the iconic black laced outfit returns for If I Can Turn Back Time. Far from costumes, they represent the long-lasting legacy of Cher and her hold on the world of entertainment.

Her affinity to ABBA is presented front and centre with three renditions of the Scandinavian’s favourites, but it is without doubt 1998’s Believe that stands tallest among Cher’s repertoire of hits and covers. Closing the show, the number resonates long after the star has left the stage, brimming in a live setting with unparalleled empowerment.

Cher - Believe (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster]

Even amongst the power of the songs, the spectacle of the stage production, and the impassioned interludes and costume changes, Cher effortlessly remains the outright star of the show; funny, quick, confident, note-perfect and simply stunning.


Cher continues her UK run on the following dates:

21 October 2019 – The O2, London
24 October 2019 – Manchester Arena, Manchester
26 October 2019 – Arena Birmingham, Birmingham
28 October 2019 – The SSE Hydro, Glasgow
30 October 2019 – First Direct Arena, Leeds

Remaining tickets for Cher’s Here We Go Again tour are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.