If you can’t see the genuine article, Vicky Jackson is the next best thing!
Being a tribute act is no easy feat for any performer. They are, by nature of what they do, constantly compared to who they’re trying to emulate and have to strike a balance between being like the artist they endeavour to honour while still being talented in their own right. It isn’t for everyone; it IS for Vicky Jackson! Whether it was dancing at the side of the stalls, standing up at their seats or doing their best “chair dance” as Jackson herself described it, everyone at The Beacon seemed to be having a fabulous time at this ode to Pink!
Vicky Jackson has been honouring Pink’s legacy for almost as long as the artist has been making music. Since 2007, she has taken this act around the world, performing for over a million people at over 3000 shows and her nearly 19 years of experience are clear when she steps onstage. Jackson has the energy it takes to pull this off which anyone familiar with Pink knows is no small task. The vocal range and endurance one must have to perform her music on a regular basis is by no means easy. It’s also evident that Jackson loves the artist she’s paying tribute to which is important when you’ve been covering her work for close to two decades. The drive and work ethic she possesses is truly admirable.
A small disclaimer for anyone who may be questioning before attending this performance; there are indeed no aerial skills on display. While Pink is famous for taking to the skies during her recent performances, this is not part of Jackson’s act. However, as impressive as that would be, it is not necessary. There’s more than enough talent in this act without it.
What the performance did offer was all the greatest hits. This was really a flawless setlist, it covers all the bases. Old, new, in-between, it’s all there. Get The Party Started was the perfect opener with Raise Your Glass following. This iconic number was full of life in Jackson’s hands, bringing the whole audience together. Her crowd work on songs like “Please Don’t Leave Me” was popular as she encouraged everyone to join in with the classic “ da da da da da” vocables. Newer songs like “Trustfall” were also in the mix and Just Like Fire was on of the most vocally stimulating moments of the night. “Just Give Me A Reason” was a beautiful close to the first act (with the Nate Ruess vocals being played alongside Jackson’s to complete the duet) and “Dear Mr President” was a lovely throwback for all long-time fans. The ultimate throwback came at the closing of the show with one of Pink’s greatest numbers from the Funhouse album, “So What”. Jackson’s passion and voice brought this one home in a performance that felt like you could be watching the real deal.
For an act that has been so popular and respected for so long, it may seem shocking that there would be any notes worth giving, however two did spring to mind. The first is simple and that is not to worry about swearing in song. It’s part of the lyrics and it is the responsibility of any parents who deem them inappropriate to not take their child if they see fit. Plus, most really do not care in the slightest as Jackson herself stated before singing a cleaner version of “Fuckin’ Perfect. It can take away from the music if people don’t sing it authentically and that is a general consensus among most adults. The other slight note revolves around singing certain notes an octave down in favour of the opt-up or throwing to the audience to avoid some notes altogether. The only reason it felt worth mentioning is that the higher notes are definitely ones Jackson can and did hit in other songs but if it is easier to do some notes lower than the original song, by all means if it keeps things going. It would just maybe be better if the mic wasn’t passed to the audience quite as much. Encourage people to sing along, absolutely, just sing with them. With that being said, these are very minor things in an otherwise stellar act. Another factor which made this performance sublime other than Jackson was the band. Not a single wrong note and the music was played to perfection.
Overall, this was an exceptional performance with a singer who knows exactly what she’s doing. Vicky Jackson could easily be mistaken for Pink. The fact she even had costume changes to enhance the experience made things that much more authentic. If this act comes your way, be sure not to miss it! Whether you’ve seen Pink live or not, this is definitely worth the time.