REVIEW: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, BIC

For two solid hours he worked his way through hits both from his solo career and his time fronting The Four Seasons gaining more energy and exuberance as the show progressed.

He had the full might of his 11-piece band/orchestra plus four male singers to recreate unforgettable songs but it was his distinctive and still beautifully melodic falsetto that was centre-stage. His voice truly soared on hits like ‘Walk Like a man’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ and ‘Silence is Golden’.

Even though the brilliant backing singer( a cross between a quartet of Osmonds and Michael Bubles) added subtle colour Valli still reached all the high notes.

The excitement in the Windsor Hall was almost tangible as the band opened with that instantly recognisable brass fanfare from Grease and the diminutive singer in dark, tailored suit, walked on stage.

After a few numbers he pretended to hyperventilate and joked “It’s time to slow things down now ...because I need too,” before launching into another classic , the heart-breaking ballad ‘My Eyes Adored You’ but his voice only seemed to grow stronger and the years melted away.

Another 70’s ‘slowy’ followed with a beautiful rendition of Fallen Angel.

Then there were cover songs from his more recent 60’s tribute album with a combination of My Girl and Groovin’ being a highlight.

A brief interval and Valli took the show to another level, bringing the crowd to their collective feet singing and dancing, with the huge hits Working My Way Back to You, Who Loves You and Oh What a Night. As he sang he shook hands with the crowds who rushed the stage.

He even took time to sign people's brochures and their phones and hands - even after the band had left the stage.

It is fair to say the smash hit musical Jersey Boys - that comes to Southampton Mayflower in August, has revived interest in Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons but time has not tarnished this ever-green performer who still knows how to throw a great party!