Tom Chaplin, Keane's lead singer, performing at Dubai's Madinat Arena. Paulo Vecina / The National
DUBAI // The British chart-toppers Keane wowed a sell-out audience of more than 4,000 last night at the Madinat Arena with an eclectic mix of classic hits and material from their new album, Perfect Symmetry.
Fresh from their tour of North America and Europe, the trio, fronted by the lead singer, Tom Chaplin, kicked off their UAE debut concert with 'Lovers are Losing'.
“We hope you have a great night tonight,” Chaplin told the crowd at the end of the song. “I just want to hear you guys sing your hearts out.”
Monisha Jeya, 25, from Detroit, said “I love the track 'Somewhere Only We Know'. I think they’re a great band. I love that indie rock band.”
Other spectators danced and sang along to some of their favourite hits, such as 'Everybody’s Changing' and 'Is It Any Wonder'.
Radina Galaboba, 22, from Bulgaria, a former resident who was on holiday in Dubai said: “I’m having a great night. I have heard quite a few of their tracks and I think they’re pretty good. But I don’t think there’s enough live music in the UAE.”
This tour is the first trip to the Middle East for the group, which includes Tim Rice-Oxley on piano and Richard Hughes on drums.
Georges Hamada, 27, from the Lebanon, said: “I’m having a great night. I’m really delighted that Keane are here.
“It’s a real lift for the summer. A great change and something I looked forward to amid the heat.”
Earlier this week they played their first regional gig in Beirut.
The band launched their current tour in November after the release of their third studio album a month earlier.
