You know, if Miley Cyrus didn't have millions of bucks in the bank and her every whim catered for on a daily basis, I'd almost feel sorry for her. For the last couple of years the former teen queen has done everything in her power to exorcise the demon that is Hannah Montana, the Disney-helmed character she played on TV, but unfortunately not even Father Karras could banish that spirit. Still, she's not going to stop trying, bless her, and tonight it's Belfast's turn to get an eyeful of her (ahem) Bangerz.
Making her way onstage via a massive tongue slide (yes, tongue slide), the singer opens her set with a clutch of cuts from her aforementioned latest album and each one sounds like a bizarre, bass-driven nursery rhyme ('SMS (Bangerz),' '4x4'). Visually, the show is just as bonkers and throughout the night there are giant inflatable dogs, dancers in furry costumes, huge wieners (*snigger*), mammoth muppets, a giant bed with a flower rising out of it and a mini gold car which the half naked pop star straddles while slapping her posterior. It's quite the spectacle, but certainly not as controversial as some quarters claim, except for the moment when her mic wasn't switched on and she tells the crowd “It's just like a Katy Perry concert.” Meow.
Highlight of the night is when she ditches her current “Mad Miley” character and performs some covers at the back of the stage without the frills or filth. It's a welcome reminder that she can actually sing and she performs truly touching versions of the Smiths' 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' and Lana Del Rey's 'Summertime Sadness' in front of a surprisingly sparse crowd.
After that, she breaks out the hits, with 'Wrecking Ball' and final song 'Party In The USA' going down a storm in particular as the furry dancers and dwarves return onstage to wave their goodbyes. As first date's go, tonight was a weird one, but it's also one we won't forget either and I guess that was the whole point. Rest in peace Hannah Montana, we hardly knew ye....