Reviews: New Order, Mariah Carey, Elton John, Rihanna, The Who, Prince

Music journalists deliver their impressions on New Order’s performance in Miami, Mariah Carey’s London show, Elton John playing his hits in Grand Rapids, Rihanna in Buffalo, The Who rocking Milwaukee and Prince’s “Piano & Microphone” concert in Montreal.

New Order @ Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami, Fla., March 23 – “After a pulsing take on ‘Temptation,’ complete with a disco ball that descended from the ceiling and awestruck ‘whoo-oooo-ooo-ooo’ chants, New Order appeared to channel the ghost of Ian Curtis. Sumner turned colder, more somber, for Joy Division covers ‘Atmosphere,’ and again for ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart.’” – Phillip Valyys/SouthFlorida.com

Mariah Carey @ The O2 in London, England, March 23 – “For anyone who didn’t really know what to expect at Mariah’s concert, they certainly did by the time she finished. It was polished and delivered in a way that only someone of pop royalty status like Mariah knows how.” – Olivia Heath/Reveal.co.uk

Photo: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP
Poses for photographers as she leaves the Corinthia Hotel in London.

Elton John @ Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 23 – “The fiery one-two of ‘The Bitch is Back’ and ‘I’m Still Standing’ led an energetic surge to the finish; a shout-along ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ and an encore hum-along of ‘Crocodile Rock’ left the crowd fulfilled after nearly two-and-a-half hours of music.’” – John Serba/The Grand Rapids Press/MLive.com

Rihanna @ First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y., March 23 – “Opening with the ballad ‘Stay,’ the evening’s star emerged on a satellite stage at the rear of the arena, clothed in a boxer’s pre-fight garb. The place erupted, and audience reaction remained at a fever pitch as Rihanna cavorted across an elevated catwalk to the main stage, where she met her band and commenced a string of hits of the new (‘Woo’) and older (‘Pour It Up’) variety.” – Jeff Miers/The Buffalo News

The Who @ BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wis., March 21 – “Townshend played with that level of intensity and innovation for much of the night. Between the parade of hits, the banter about some songs’ creation and old band pictures and videos on the big screen, this show may have been designed for nostalgics — but Townshend wouldn’t have it.” – Piet Levy/Journal Sentinel

Photo: Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, file
Presenting the award for favorite album – soul/R&B at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Prince @ Théâtre Maisonneuve in Montreal, Canada, March 21 – “It was a show like none Prince has given before in this city, and he’ll surely change it all up the next time he comes through. Of course, we’ll rush out to see him all over again, because he always comes through; and when royalty visits, respect is due.” – T’Cha Dunlevy/Montreal Gazette

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