Example

2011 was simply a triumphant year for Eliot Gleave, otherwise known as Example. ‘Playing in the Shadows’, the third album of the Fulham rapper stormed the album charts and reached number one. The first single from the album, ‘Changed the way you kissed me’ also reached top of the charts and could be considered last summer’s biggest hit.

Example is no stranger to Cardiff, having previously headlined the Great Hall on numerous of occasions and previously opened for Lilly Allen in the arena that he has sold out headlining this evening.
The queue that wrapped around Cardiff’s motorpoint arena is an obvious indication of how far Example has come in such a small amount of time. The streets were filled with an incredible amount of young fans, desperate to get in the venue and scatter to the front barriers to witness the first date of his arena tour.
With energy levels set high, thanks to Youngman kicking off the show, Wretch 32 made a blazing entrance and got the crowd in the party spirit. Fans of the Tottenham based rapper showed their support with a number of signs being held up to catch his attention. Performing his set with a full band, each song sounded huge, ‘Unorthodox’ and ‘Don’t Go’ received a well deserved reaction from the crowd. Wretch’s seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm was lapped up and showed that he’s certainly ready for bigger things. After leaving the stage, Wretch received a well deserved cheer for an encore as he returned to perform the fan favourite ‘Tractor’ leaving the crowd wanting more.

As the lights go down, anticipation is at its all time high as spine chilling screams fill the sold out motorpoint arena for the man making his way to the stage. The crowd explode for opening numbers ‘Stay Awake’ and ‘Won’t Go Quietly’. The set was packed with an atmospheric party feel, adapting his hits to a more rave/dub step show feeling. Examples performance was not shy of energy or confidence and his interaction with the crowd is what separates him from other live performers, persistently encouraging the crowd to jump along with him. Performing a set that consisted of songs from all previous albums and also brand new material that hasn’t been performed before, there was a song for everyone to enjoy at this show.

After having a sold out arena singalong with fan favourite ‘kickstarts’, Example left the stage for a brief encore, upon returning to a deafening ovation, Example hit out crowd pleaser and album opener ‘skies don’t lie’, before concluding the show with the party starting ‘Changed the way you kissed me’ which left the sold out Motorpoint arena all on their feet singing carelessly.
Tickets buyers left the venue you with a value for money smile on their face and the Fulham rapper deserves nothing but praise for this performance. With a new album already in the process of getting written there are only bigger things coming for Example in the not so distant future.