Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is in my opinion one of the most talented artists around and will one day be cited as a legend.

He currently has his own album out called In My Mind which is amazing with its quirky nature and often it takes you somewhere you didn't even know you wnated to go. He also has recorded two albums with his band N.E.R.D Fly or Die and In Search Of.... However, he is perhaps best known for his production partnership with his high school pal Chad Hugo. "The Neptunes" have produced hip hop, R'n'B and rock tracks for dozens of artists:

Kelis, Justin Timberlake, Janet, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears to name but a few. They have an instantly recognisable off-beat style with irregular beats and the "Neptune sound", which I cannot even begin to describe!

So, Pharrell decided to do an album of his own including the hits "Can I have it like that" featuring current style icon Miss Gwen Stefani, hit single "Angel" and "Number 1" and he has now ventured on the road with his tour. I went along to this gig at the Manchester Apollo. The audience was a mixed bunch: young to old, but the die-hard army of female fans were right at the front for whenever Pharrell needed some ladies to dance with, which he did several times! Despite being a musical genius, Pharrell is not precious about his music or talent, he was grinding and making the girls scream throughout the gig and he asked the audience what they would like to hear. When somebody shouted out he launched straight into the track with his live band instantly! He also sang many tracks that he had only produced which the crowd lapped up.

He opened with "Can I have it like that" and went on to sing "Beautiful", "Frontin", "Drop it while it's hot", "Number 1" and also sang N.E.R.D tracks "Lapdancer", "Rockstar" and "She likes to move" In between songs, Pharrell interacted with his fans amazingly, showing how charismatic and humble he is. But the high point of my night was when we were leaving, his car was parked outside so my friend and I waited with a few others he came out, signing autographs, hugging his fans and having photos taken. Many celebrities lack the ability to engage connect with their fans the way Pharrell did that night and I can honestly say it was one of the best nights of my life! Thank you Pharrell!