Shawn Mendes, tour review: Teen star charms fans with pop brilliance

The guitar-toting singer-songwriter from Canada had the audience at his beck and call, says Matilda Egere-Cooper
Dashing looks of a Disney character: Shawn Mendes
Steve Gillett/Livepix
Matilda Egere-Cooper17 November 2017

Shawn Mendes has been wooing teenage girls since he was a 13-year-old posting song covers on Vine.

Now, at the grand old age of 18, his songs might be wiser, but the guitar-toting singer-songwriter from Canada has maintained the boyish manners and the dashing looks of a Disney character.

Plus, the ladies are still at his beck and call. When he requested the young crowd put up their phones on for the dreamy Never Be Alone, those lights came on faster than he could say “thank you so much”, which he said often. After an appeal to “get super quiet for this one” — the heart-tugging Three Empty Words — the song was only interrupted by one or two squeals, followed by sharp hushes.

The benefits of having such a loyal fanbase were apparent as at times he didn’t even have to bother with pre-song banter or sing all of his catchy choruses. But when he did let rip, it was worthwhile: he’s got a lovely, soulful voice, reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, with a few dashes of Ed Sheeran.

Then there is his musicianship; not only strumming along with a four-piece band, but twice on the piano. One was a surprise appearance in the middle of the arena to perform Life Of The Party, displaying his knack for songwriting with lyrics such as “We don’t have to be ordinary, make your best mistakes”. The second came at the end of the show on Treat You Better, which eventually descended into the hand-clapping slab of pop brilliance it’s known for — much like the main man himself.

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