Half a decade ago, long before the times of covid-19 and the isolation it brought upon us all. Adele remained one of the most prolific live performers in the world. With all that has happened in recent history, the fact that the British superstar is back where she belongs can only be a good sign. For the first time since her 2017 appearances at Wembley Stadium, her latest show took part in Hyde Park, London as part of the BST (British summer time) festival on the 1st and 2nd of July 2022 to a clamouring estimated total of 65000 people.
The shows were announced back in October last year and were supposed to follow a 12-week residency in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. However, the shows were postponed due to delivery delays at the hands of the coronavirus. She later said in an episode of Desert Island Discs to Lauren Laverne; “I was frightened about letting them down and I thought I could pull it together and make it work, and I couldn’t. I stand by that decision. I don’t think any other artist would have done what I did, and I think that is why it was such a massive, massive story.”
Spanning her extensive career and back catalogue of chart-topping hits, Adele played a set which mixed contemporary songs with a bunch of her cherished classics. You can find the full setlist down below:
Set List
“Hello”
“I Drink Wine”
“I’ll Be Waiting”
“Rumour Has It”
“Water Under The Bridge”
“One And Only”
“Skyfall”
“Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”
“Easy On Me”
“All I Ask”
“Make You Feel My Love” (Bob Dylan cover)
“Someone Like You”
“Oh My God”
“Set Fire To The Rain”
“Hold On”
“Rolling In The Deep”
“When We Were Young”
“Love Is A Game”
Check out the footage of Adele’s barnstorming gig in the videos beneath:
Of all who attended the dual sold-out shows, two fans named Dean and Jack shared their story of how they ended up with some of the best seats in the house. Via a tweet, Dean explained that they were approached on entry to the general admission section of the festival by a representative of Adele, asking if she might borrow his pride flag which was bought only hours earlier in celebration of London’s Pride weekend. In lieu of their help, they were awarded the chance to enter the ‘Diamond VIP section’ to see her in action.
Adele was gracious enough to give them a shoutout during the performance when she played “When We Were Young” wearing the rainbow flag. You can see how this life-affirming turn of events unfolded in the thread below:
Last night I was invited by @Adele to sit side of stage for her performance at @BSTHydePark. Here’s how the most random night of my life happened! A thread… pic.twitter.com/NkDjyszpUm
— Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
She asked if she could borrow mine so…OF COURSE I SAID YES! Then we were whisked away into the Diamond VIP section and given a LOT of drinks tokens. This is the woman who approached us and too such good care of us. pic.twitter.com/6GkRhjmN6f — Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
We were stunned. This was a dream! Before long @adele came on stage and blew our socks off! Of course, singing Hello. pic.twitter.com/6PjtYDZBXE
— Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
We were pulled over the barrier, and told by @adele that she wanted to give us the best seats in the house… they certainly were! Here are a few snaps… pic.twitter.com/Q8x4lYwXFn — Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
Then, during When We Were Young, @adele appeared wearing the very flag we bought for eight quid at Holborn station just hours before! I cried. pic.twitter.com/DPuyOFYIIm
— Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
To end the most magical, perfect, mind-blowing pride @adele sung Love Is A Game, looked at us directly in the eyes and blew us a kiss. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ADELE!!!! I’ll never ever forget this night and this pride!!!! pic.twitter.com/GnJlXDKCGG — Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
I’ve just been sent a clip from the moment @Adele called us up. pic.twitter.com/2wAvpArhzX
— Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022
AND the most awkward drunk conversation of my life @Adele. pic.twitter.com/5pVSAlj4d5
— Dean (@DeanWilliam) July 3, 2022