Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary at the London Palladium was a night etched in the memory of those fortunate enough to be present.

Revered as the quintessential musician’s musician, Dave Stewart’s musical journey spans from the early days of Longdancer to his latest venture, Cloud Walking, a richly textured 9-track jazz album. However, it’s his iconic partnership with Annie Lennox in Eurythmics that truly cements his musical legacy, with his songwriting prowess and musicianship crucially shaping their signature sound of unique synthesizers complemented by Lennox’s extraordinary vocals.

With Annie Lennox stepping back from touring, Dave’s unwavering dedication to performing live and creativity gave birth to the Eurythmics Songbook. Initially introduced at Nile Rogers’ Meltdown festival at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 2019, it wasn’t until 2023 and with the duo’s breakthrough album ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) celebrating its 40th anniversary, that the project embarked on a 13-date European tour.

The absence of one-half of the legendary duo raised questions: could this endeavour recapture Eurythmics’ essence without Lennox’s defining voice? As an ardent fan, I confidently say it not only met but exceeded expectations. The performance, a distinct entity in itself, compensated for Lennox’s absence by spotlighting the night’s vocalist, who masterfully channelled the energy of each iconic song, and the arrangements perfectly suited the diverse vocal styles on display. Dave, the creative ringmaster himself, allowed these handselected vocalists to shine, bringing to life the deeply personal and timeless tracks.

The Eurythmics Songbook is a multi-faceted spectacle, meticulously crafted in every aspect. Its stunning visuals and lighting design created a mesmerising sensory experience that captivated the audience. Dave, thriving amidst female creative energy, assembled an all-female ensemble of eight, featuring both fresh and familiar faces from his Baystreet Records.

The evening commenced with the stage bathed in Eurythmics’ signature red, the sounds of ‘Never Gonna Cry Again’, ‘The Walk’, and ‘This City Never Sleeps’ filling the Palladium. The flute, originally played by Lennox on ‘Never Gonna Cry Again’, was beautifully rendered by Yasmin Ogilvie, with Hannah Koppenburg on the synth. The atmosphere was electric as Dave’s Fender Custom Shop silver Stratocaster heralded his entrance.

For Dave, this tour was a family affair, showcasing the talent of his daughter, Kaya. She joined her father onstage, lending her voice to monumental songs like ‘Love Is A Stranger’ and ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’. Her performance on these iconic songs was a testament to her vocal range and the nuanced arrangements that allowed each singer to imprint their style while staying true to the originals. These were not mere covers; they were respectful reimaginings.

As the show unfolded, every band member was given the opportunity to infuse these beloved classics with their unique essence. From the powerful vocals of Vanessa Amorosi on ‘I Need A Man’ to the soulful saxophone of Yasmin Ogilvie in ‘Thorn In My Side’, and RAHH’s tender rendition of ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’, each performance was a highlight.

The night neared its climax with surprise guest Beverley Knight taking the stage, her commanding voice leading the now 10-member ensemble, with Dave masterfully orchestrating the performance.

The final performance was ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’, the title track of their iconic 1983 album, marking its 40th anniversary. The audience was on their feet as Hannah Koppenburg launched into the famous synth riff. Kaya, joined by Beverley Knight and the other vocalists, gave the song a new depth, while Yasmin Ogilvie’s saxophone added a fresh dimension to this timeless anthem. The concert reached its zenith with red and white confetti showering the audience, a fitting end to a magnificent evening.

Although there was no encore, the musical odyssey provided left no room for complaints. This tour was unique in its inclusion of lesser-known tracks, a testament to the trust and respect between Dave and his audience. Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics Songbook: Sweet Dreams 40th Anniversary was not just a concert; it was a musical autobiography, a celebration of a legacy that continues to resonate.

A special thank you to Jono and Dave at DWL for arranging this coverage and to Dave Stewart for all he does to keep the creative flame burning in all of us he has encouraged and inspired along the way.