A 1930's art deco theatre, Manchester's O2 Apollo isn't the first place you'd think of for a rave. But then, Moby probably isn't the first you'd associate with rave culture either. But when he released in 1999, EDM was cresting a wave in the UK, the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim and , rising from clandestine gatherings in warehouses, clubs and fields to a chart-topping, Glastonbury headlining phenomenon.
added Moby to that illustrious pantheon and also helped shift the perception of the music from ultra-intense techno beats to something that could be elegiac...
and still fill dancefloors. But in the Apollo, it's not just the dancefloor that's filled; every inch of available space is packed, the 3,500 capacity venue feeling quaint compared to the show on this tour, at London's 20,000-cap O2 Arena. The grandiose surroundings also provide a perfect backdrop for the more grandiose stylings Moby indulges in across an expansive 22-song set.
His first overseas shows in 13 years, Moby's group ease into things with the electro-symphonic stylings of . With a full live band comprised of a bassist, drummer, keyboardist, cellist and violinist, as well as two vocalists, there's no shortage of instrumental and vocal talent on-stage. The main man himself almost seems lost among them, striding around more like a conductor than performer, constantly moving around the stage but largely shunning the spotlight.
When he does step forward, its to share stories for his clear and undyin.