Article submitted by: Jeanette Hocking

REVIEW - The Osmonds
Bournemouth International Centre

Back in Britain and back on tour with Bournemouth only the second of a string of stadium dates, The Osmonds proved they can still cut it after almost half a century in show business. 

This was an unadulterated nostalgia trip for many who, clutching Osmond scarves, banners declaring their love and bunches of flowers, found themselves revisiting their teenage years in the BIC's packed-out Windsor Hall.

Amusingly, security staff formed a human barrier at the front just in case anyone was inclined to mob these veteran super stars.

But there was to be no charging the stage or mass hysteria, no screams even, although there was a spontaneous outbreak of the crowd chanting "We want the Osmonds!" before the first encore.  Osmond fans of today actually listen - and sing along too.

Which is just as well because vocally these guys are the business with their impeccable four-part harmonies matched by nifty synchronised dance steps.

Sadly, Donny has not been part of the line-up for many years, having his own solo career, and Alan is laid low with multiple sclerosis.

But Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy, dressed in dark business-like suits, kept the Osmond banner flying high as they took us through an impressive catalogue of their hits, kicking off with Down By The Lazy River and We're Having a Party.  Happy, innocent, feel-good songs left us all with a rosy glow.

Oldest brother Wayne, the songwriter of the group, had to acknowledge they were getting on a bit: "I'm so old I remember when the Dead Sea was sick!"

Hits like Love Me for a Reason, Crazy Horses, Let Me In and Proud One and their "theme tune" "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and uplifting "I Believe" ensured we all went home on a high.

---