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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
After an uncharacteristic rain shower hit the Bay Area earlier in the day, the clouds parted for the return of iconic British singer-songwriter Seal, along with special guest The Buggles, to the Bay Area's historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland last night. The concert marked a highly anticipated return for Seal to the Bay Area -- his first since before the pandemic -- and where he was celebrating the 30th anniversary of his first two self-titled albums, Seal I and Seal II.
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| Trevor Horn of The Buggles @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The night began promptly at 7:30pm with the legendary British band The Buggles. Known for their groundbreaking hit "Video Killed the Radio Star," which was also the very first music video to debut with the launch of MTV in 1981. The band was led by founding member and legendary producer, Trevor Horn along with the same band members who would perform later in the evening for Seal's performance. Throughout the short 30-minute set, Trevor spoke of his history with The Buggles and then how he transitioned to another legendary band, the prog rockers Yes. Both he and Geoff Downes joined the band in the early 80's for an album and tour, but Trevor soon transitioned to a producing role when lead singer Jon Anderson returned to the band and was behind the hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart" which The Buggles performed during the show. If you're reading this, then you probably already know that Trevor was instrumental in Seal's early work (as Seal put it last night, 'the good stuff') and produced both of the albums that Seal was celebrating on this tour.
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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
After a bit of a break, the lights went out and a video retrospective of key (and funny!) moments across Seal's career was projected to the screen at the back of the stage. Seal opened his set with his timeless hit "Crazy," and immediately demonstrated that his vocal prowess hasn't waned a bit over the years. His voice, as smooth and rich as ever, effortlessly filled the theater, engulfing everyone in a wave of nostalgia and emotion.
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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Throughout the night, Seal skillfully navigated through his extensive catalog of hits, taking the audience on a journey through his remarkable career. Each song infused with his signature blend of soul, pop, and R&B, leaving no doubt as to why he has remained a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
What truly set this performance apart from his previous shows in the Bay Area was the undeniable energy and connection that Seal shared with the audience. He exuded a genuine warmth and appreciation for his fans, engaging with us between songs, sharing stories, and talking about the power of love. It was this personal touch that created an intimate atmosphere in the vast theater, making every member of the audience feel like they were part of something truly special. In fact, on multiple occasions, Seal would point out individuals in the audience to say 'I see you', and a particular couple who were locked in an embrace just about 10 rows back from the dead center of the stage caught Seal's attention, and he showered them with love and admiration.
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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Seal's dynamic stage presence was highlighted as he descended into the audience for sing-a-longs on both "Killer" and "Kiss from a Rose" to close out the main set. The crowd erupted with excitement as he moved among them, creating an electrifying and immersive experience that brought the performance even closer to the hearts of all of us in attendance.
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| Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Highlights of the night included breathtaking renditions of "Love's Divine," "Prayer for the Dying," and "Kiss from a Rose." These songs showcased Seal's ability to evoke raw emotion with his voice, leaving the audience spellbound and deeply moved. The crowd responded with resounding applause and cheers after each performance, acknowledging the profound impact his music has had on our lives.
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| Trevor Horn and Seal @ the Paramount Theatre (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Collaborating with Trevor Horn added another layer of magic to the evening. As I mentioned earlier, Horn's producing credits, including his work with Yes and his influence on their album "90125," and specifically his work on Seal's early catalog, brought what was normally a special collaboration in the studio, direct to the stage. His presence elevated the performance, and allowed Seal to re-connect with his early work in a way that I don't recall hearing at his previous shows here in the Bay Area down south at Saratoga's Mountain Winery. Put simply, it was an incredible night where we were able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Seal's first two albums with original key members who contributed on those sessions.
If you're anywhere near one of the last few West Coast dates on this tour, you won't regret grabbing a ticket while you still can!
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