David Essex Live Review: Pop idol still rocks on!

Watford Colosseum 26th Sept 2025

David Essex is one of the UK's most enduring and versatile musical icons: Actor, singer, songwriter, producer, director and best-selling author. As part of Watford Colosseum's re-opening season the venerable star of stage and screen stopped by for a set packed full of greatest hits.

The septuagenarian showman (gulp! where did that time go?) still has plenty of charm and charisma, and that Devilish glint in his eye remains. From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear this wasn’t just another tour stop. At the front of the stage, a cluster of long-time fans, many of whom have followed him since the early '70s and were visibly reliving their youth. They sang every word, bopped along with joyful abandon, and for a moment, it felt like those early pop idol days had never ended.

David's performance may be physically less energetic than his younger days, but he makes several jokes about his 'choreography'. While he might not be appearing on Strictly any time soon, his voice is still rich and unmistakable. Backed by a tight, well-rehearsed band, the night flowed effortlessly between rock, pop, and balladry.

Opening with the upbeat 'Beautiful Day', David immediately set a warm, nostalgic tone. Early highlights included the underrated 'Lamplight' and a reminder of his tenure in Evita with 'Oh What a Circus'.

'A Winter’s Tale', the perennial Christmas winter-warmer, was an early festive sing-along for the Watford crowd. 'Imperial Wizard' showcased David's songwriting talent and ability to work outside the teeny-pop sphere as a writer and performer, while 'City Lights' added a splash of 70s glam to the set. Of course, it wouldn’t be a David Essex gig without the iconic hits. 'Rock On', with its unmistakable bassline and hypnotic rhythm and the powerhouse, 'Gonna Make You a Star'.

The encore was a generous three-song affair, opening with “It’s Gonna Be Alright”, followed by “Hold Me Close”, which brought the house down in one enormous singalong. A surprise cover of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” added a gritty, rock-driven finale, before he closed with the heartfelt “Missing You (Magic)”.

Though the average age of the audience may have skewed towards those who remember Essex's early chart-topping days, there were a few younger faces dotted through the crowd—likely raised on their parents’ record collections, all enjoying these timeless songs that have transcended generations.

David Essex may no longer be the teen poster boy on a million bedroom walls, but tonight this seasoned performer reminded us that he can still rock on!