Hammersmith gig 24/11 - Glad I'm not the only one who thought this gig was utter rubbish. There were kids sitting behind me - couldn't of been more than 15 yrs old - what kind of impression is Amy giving these youngsters who appreciate great music and want to follow their idols. We endured the whole performance - if you can call it that - and was most disappointed. I must say it was quite upsetting though, seeing a young girl in the prime of her career, suffering like that - I blame the management for allowing the public to be ripped off like this. They knew what state she's in, the least they can do is refund all the people that have experienced this, people travel long distances to see concerts. I feel robbed! If she sorts herself out, then I may consider seeing her again but at 25 quid a ticket I will take some convincing!

Sarah, Cambridgeshire

Sarah, Cambs,

We were at the Hammersmith Gig. I was amazed at the hostility of the crowd towards Amy Winehouse. There was loud booing before she came on stage. So what if she was a little late? Surely everyone expected that? When she did perform there was power and beauty in her voice and it was a treat to hear it live. Sadly, most of the audience seemed happy to chat amongst themselves, text their mates and wave their phones about taking photos. They were there for the Amy Winehouse experience not to hear her sing. Walking out mid gig was just a perverse form of audience participation. Sure, Amy was'nt at her best but she got very little appreciation or encouragement from the crowd. On the contrary, the audience was so hostile that half way through Amy's set she literally begged to be given a chance. That just elicited more boos, which tells you everything about the night.

Andrew H, London,

for those of you who, like me, would very much like your money back from a recent AW train wreck of a gig, here's the response from Ticketmaster

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your email concerning your recent visit to the
Hammersmith Apollo to see Amy Winehouse on Saturday 24th November 2007.

We are sorry that you were disappointed with this event. However,
Ticketmaster sells tickets on behalf of event partners and venues and all
tickets are sold subject to our Purchase Policy, paragraph 4 of which
states that tickets cannot be refunded after purchase unless a performance
is cancelled or rescheduled. The concert on 24th November was not
cancelled or rescheduled, and our event partner for this event has
confirmed that no refunds are payable in respect of this event.

We are very sorry for any disappointment this may have caused you but
regret that we are unable to issue any refunds for the reasons stated
above.

Ticketmaster Customer Services

"we've got your money"

Si, Maidenhead,

hammersmith apollo last night - what a complete tragedy of a gig. Crowd booed because of the wait until gone 10 and then she blundered on stage and delivered one of the worst gigs that i've been to in well over 20 years. people were streaming out and the mood was ugly.

slurring, dashing off stage, couldnt dance; thankfully her guitar wasn't plugged in.

Felt for the backing band as they are very good but for those reviewers who believe that she should get more support from the fans, i'm not happy at shelling out good money to see an 'A' list act and get served 'D' list rubbish. Promoters and management sho7uld be completely shamed of themselves because that was a rip off and we should get our money back.

Si, Maidenhead,

I was at the gig on saturday as it I had bought the tickets as a suprise birthday present for my sister, what a suprise it was! Amy actually did not come on stage until 10:40, not 10:15 and was off at 11:10, with 10 mins of the time on stage leaving the band to do an over the top introduction of themselves, although they all perfomed very well. At one point I thought Amy was so out of it she thought the audience was a mirror as all she did was do her hair in front of us, not the entertainment I was looking for. She never spoke to the crowd as the band were rushing through songs as she was so late coming on.

An amazing talent, but no manners. And no matter how natural your talent, you should at least put some into your performance.

Dan

Dan, Leigh, Essex

I kinda feel lucky cos i was at the Brixton gig on the 22nd and it was amazing!!!

She sang her heart out and spoke lots throughout the gig. I guess with the news of Blake being held in over christmas is too much for her to handle...the decent thing to do for herself and her fans would be to end the tour and give everyone a refund...its a sad time for her and very frustrating for everyone else who gladly dont have an addiction,

Helz, Brighton, uk

I also went to Hammersmith on Sat night and felt really sorry for Amy, even though I couldn't understand any of the words she was singing I danced all the way through, her backing singers were brill. It was sad to hear the crowds booing and think for the sake of her health and her sanity Amy's management should cancel her tour otherwise she's not going to have many fans supporting her in the near future.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Diane R London

Diane Reid, London,

Went to the gig on Saturday at Hammersmith, and what a mess. She looked like she couldn't be bothered; didnt talk to the crowd and so many people left before she even showed up. Had high hopes following bad reviews of her opening night and of the first London show, but what a letdown. We could only stand about half an hour of this shambles before leaving - at the right time it appears, as she did one of her disappearing acts at the same time. What a mess.

Dhanjaye, London,

I too was at Hammersmith and it was a sad occasion.
You could not call it a performance, it was that bad but at the same time incredibly sad that Amy's effortles talent is being washed away with substance. I had to put the cd on in the ar on the way hoe to remind myself what it should have sounded like. I stayed purely in support of her band and BVs who did a sterling job in the circumstances.
Her family and mangement need to help her - its tragic what is happening to her. 'got to go to rehab Amy, don't say no no no'

Jayne T, London,

We went to hammersmith too on saturday 24th. It was the most shambolic performance I have ever witnessed. The secons support act who were great, came off stage at 8.55, Winehouse finally appeared at 10.15, tottered on, totally off her trolly and stumbled through the first song before going off to change from heels to flat shoes before she fell flat on her face!

Matters did not improve, you could not pick out words in any lyric, she went AWOl twice, leaving her excellent band to fill for her, and ran off stage at 11.10 leaving the crown surprised, but by the look of the band, we were not alone!

There should be a FULL REFUND to anyone who wasted their money on this spoilt, drug & alcohol riddled con merchant.

It is about time promoters lived up to their half of the bargain, and ensured there is an act worth calling professional delivered to the money paying punters.

The message must be "Gotta go to rehab, and sooner rather than later" She was utter rubbish!

Hollis, Chippenham, Wiltshire

It was so desperately sad to see Amy in such a tired and ragged state, clearly not wanting to or able to perform. She repeatedly to leave the stage and was brought back on, to then sit down with her head down at the back next to the drum kit. Her management should recognise the seriousness of her condition and help her - stop shoving her on stage to make more money. As we left early (like so many others) It seemed perverse that merchandise was being sold on the way out with a picture of Amy's fresh face on the cover, whilst the reality of emaciated Amy was still in the auditorium trying to leave. Amy and her talent should be cared for not exploited.

Gabby, London,

Saw AW at Hammersmith last night and she was appalling. kept us waiting until way past 10 and then blundered on stage with slurred singing but thankfully they hadn't plugged her guitar in! in 20 odd years of gigging never seen so many people leave a gig early and the mood of the crowd outside was ugly.

To those earlier posters telling us not to buy tickets because we should know what to expect; get a life. when you pay top dollar to see an 'A' list artist, drunk, troubled or stoned i still expect a decent performance. check our Primal Scream some time if you want to see how it should work. some people paid more than £50 for that rip-off last night.

the crowd booed, AW left the stage numerous times, the backing band did their best but there is no hiding it, AW should get off the road, the promoters should cancel the tour and refund the money. Amy, when you are ready then come back and give us a proper gig.

Si, Maidenhead,

I was at Brixton Academy on the 23rd. It was a slow motion car-crash of a performance. Every now and again the potential of her amazing voice would shine through, but she looks like a dead man walking to me. Remi Nicole was exceptional. Hope to goodness she's learning the lessons. Meanwhile, Amy only has herself to blame. Her call when and how this all ends. No?

Julien, London,

I was at the Hammersmith Appollo on the 24/11/07.
Amy did not seem to put any effort in at all, she arrived late, walked off the stage regularly, she was unable to sing properly(did not understand which song she was singing).

Management should cancel the rest of her tour and money should be paid back to all who were at the concert.

Georgia Hall

Georgia Hall, Watford,

Amy Winehouse - Hammersmith 24 November

A once fantastic career in complete meltdown. Her management need to take responsibility and cancel the rest of the tour.

She came on stage at Hammersmith last night one and a half hours late. By this time the crowd were getting annoyed and people were leaving and asking for their money back.

She stomped out on stage like a sulky teenager who had lost an argument, scowled at the audience and started singing.

she stumbled and slured through lyrics, wandered off at a couple of points in the middle of songs. Was so drunk/high she could hardly function.

It was truly an abysmal performace the local drunk probably would have sounded better.

She is a brilliant artist but this is extremly sad. Her management company should be ashamed at letting her on a stage like this. They need to bite the bullet and cancel the rest of the tour before they kill her. Asking people to pay for tickets for a shambolic 40 minute performance is a joke.

Simone, London,

i went to see lazy amy at the hammersmith Apollo last night....

what can i say? it was awful.... you just felt embarrassed for her. she put absolutely no effort in her performance... she didnt sing all the words and there was some odd whining in parts. all the songs sounded the same and i had trouble identifying the songs of the album she was that bad.....

the band were great but were obviously getting really annoyed by her antics. the lead BV finished off her final performance. She was portrayed herself as a pathetic caricature. It was more of a comedy performance than a gig.

Furthermore, there was no audience interaction. She really annoyed people by being over an hour late and then just left the stage without saying goodbye or thanks. I'm sure she lost a lot of fans last night......

I think they should refund everyone who went.... shame on you Amy.

Hamza Siddiq, London,

i saw her last night (22nd Nov) at Brixton and she was just FAB!!!! She was 3/4 late coming on but she apologised and yes she drank throughout and popped off to powder her nose but there is something endearing about her and you cannot help but forgive her any wrongs
Her voice is amazing- she is so talented
Funny how you don't see media coverage when she's good!!!!!

jill davison, maidenhead, uk

i've just got back from seeing her at hammersmith and am disgusted / disappointed / upset at the sad excuse for an artist that had the nerve to come out over an hour late with no apology .. she slurred most of the words she could be bothered to sing, disappeared in between songs and staggered around the stage for just over 1 painfully embarrassing hour.. it's the only gig i've been to where most of the crowd were talking and booing. i can't believe her management are letting her go on stage like this - and she doesn't even seem to care ... if she wants to keep her fans buying albums and going to her concerts she needs to have a reality check but i'm not sure she knows what reality is any more.

susan hamilton, london,

I thought it would be really easy to get a refund fon the tickets due to the disastrous night at the NIA. I booked my tickets with seetickets.com and have been informed that there is nothing that they can do apart from forwarding the letter onto the promoters. They will not pursue this on behalf of all who booke through them. Is there a more direct route and has anyone received a refund as yet?.

MJ, Farnborough,

i went on the 14th November and those who said it was good were you a different concert !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am/was a hugh fan and i was massively disappointed and felt i shouldn't even of been watching someone who has severe problems. she was drunk and high smoking spitting and not out of cool rock and rollness, she needs to be released from her contract to recover i thought she honestly looked on the brink of suicide

and i was on the front bar about 4mts away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it was really really sad

Leanne , Coventry,

i fully agree the girls got talent, but why anyone would want to pay to watch a chaotic bag-head sing is beyond me.

you can do it most town centres for free.

rob, Blackburn, lancs

Stephen Dalton! Where did you get your facts from??
The singer showed up 1 hour late 2 weeks ago in Zurich, gave an appalling performance (managed to sing for 30 mn only!). Same happened in Munich at the MTV European Awards, she was wasted. No respect for fans and audience!

She should sober up and you, Stephen, please get your facts straight next time!

Abi

Abi, Zurich, Switzerland

Such a disappointment, such a waste of talent and sad to see such a young girl with the world at her feet abuse it all. The language was inexcusable especially with younger fans in the audience. She needs to appreciate the people who are putting her were she is - namely us!

50+ Fan, Colne, UK

she was amazing! she was funny and entertaining! yea she keot us waiting but it was all worth it in the end! i was near the front in the middle in the Standing Area and we couldn't hear the alleged booing and so if there was then there were by idiots and one twit got thrown out in the end!

her opening acts were great and Amy was honest and gave an access all areas show (she cried during her slower songs) - i think there's always going to be cynical people e.g. Christina Aguilera's Stripped and Back to Basics Tour was great and she was reviewed as being 'too detached from reality' - clearly i agree with the person that said "was the reviewer at the same event?!" - says it all.....

God Bless You Amy...

Jat, Coventry, UK

i have to agree i absolutely love the "wigger" comment too...brilliant!

stacey campbell, hertfordshire,

I have to agree with those that say she really was good! In fact, in the first half, she was great! When I left, people were asking for their money back because she was drunk, but hello - have they never heard of her before?! Surely they have seen her in the news recently? Fair play to the girl for turning up in the first place - I wouldn't have done in her position. She is an amazing talent, and for those saying she wasn't a good role model - what did you expect, did anyone ever expect her to be one? If parents want to take their children to an Amy Winehouse concert, you get what you expect. I'm not saying her use of the c word was correct, but she had a good point - why bother buying a ticket/turning up when surely you know what she is like? Surely she deserves some sympathy, or are we really all that perfect that we don't know what its like to be down.
And, Remi Nicole was fantastic!!!

Emily, West Midlands,

I was there, right at the front, and this is what happened, the truth.

It was fine for most of the time, she sung her way, admittadly in a bit of a drunken state with some awful dancing, but respectibly enough through the majority of her set, yes she did break down and cry now and again but that only made it more powerful. However, she got to rehab, the finale of the first bit of the show, before she pretended to leave, she forgot the words, she slurred, she was flat and she was out of time. Everyone was annoyed, so hundreds of people turned around and left, this was after all the disgusting abuse she had hurled at us during the set and downing a lot of alchol on stage, and smoking. She came back on stage to a half empty arena of disgruntled fans who had suffered a long wait, abuse and bad singing. She sang Love is a Losing game, which sounded remarkably like a strangled cat, and then just did not bother to sing Valerie, which was left for the crowd to sing.
Refunds for all!

Max Stirk, Solihull, UK

Amy needs to go to rehab, it's as simple as that and the people around her need to take some action to stop the rot.
The support bands were great. Bryn Christopher and his band were awesome.

Jo, London,

What a shame! I felt like I was watching a freak show. I also felt guilty for watching her in that state. I would love to get my money back, but I am sure there is a loop hole someone in the system that states because she actually 'turned up and sang' that we can not claim a refund! Do any other readers know of anything different? Obtaining money by deception??

I love her music, but hasten to add that this is the last concert I will be going to of Ms Winehouse. May I also add as well, this is the first concert that I have been to where I have not got up to dance! She has shamed herself, but the ironic thing is she doesnt give a dam! Amy winehouse is a accident wating to happen.... watch this space whereby, unfortunately, a fatal tradegy will soon appear!

Trailertrash, sutton coldfield, west midlands

The worst concert I have ever seen in over 25 years of gigs. I could not understand a word she sang or said, apart from the four letter words she used when parts of crowd began to boo her performance.She should of cancelled this concert, as she is just not up to it. I wonder if pressure had been put on Amy by the promoter, for this, the start of her tour? If anyone has tickets for the rest of the tour-don't bother. Ask for a refund now, or perhaps the promoter should cancel this tour, refund last night, and save Amy anymore embarrassment during this traumatic time in her life.

Glen Ward, Birmingham, U.K.

I saw Amy Winehouse in 2004 at a jazz festival in Leicester. Back then she was fantastic! no gross tatoo's, no drunken slurring and she sang way better than today - in fact she looked hot back then! What a shame to see her like this now - I hope she can survive this black era of her career and not become a tradegy.

Daniel, London,

Amy Amy Amy, we will be so sad to hear on the news one day that the singer Amy Winehouse has been found **** and that the results of the post mortem are awaited. Please don't let that happen, you have so much talent and the best voice we have heard for many years. Get it together girl. Take Ronnie Woods advice and hang with the winners !!

Simon, London, UnitedKingdom

I'm in the US. She'll probably never get here to do a show at this rate so you are all ahead of the game. She has great talent but her managment needs to step up and give her some long over due guidance. I can't believe they haven't had her committed for all her crazy crap she pulls. As far as her husband, she's crashed and burned since they've been together. He appears to be a leachy druggie who has latched on to a meal ticket. Amy needs to get a little self-esteem and own herself and her talent.

Jude, San Francisco, California - USA

I wonder what Andrew Lloyd Webber made of it all, whilst sat at the front behind the sound engineers: is he looking for a new Maria or perhaps a Joan of Arc for his next hit musical?

Tash, Birmingham, UK

Sounds like Rock and Roll to me!

Jamie, Birmingham,

i have no idea why people are saying it was a bad gig. yes she was late to come on but it was bril when she did. that girl can really sing and showed it even when crying. it was clearly an emotional performance for her and there was no need at all for the boos esspecially to someone in that state, that was just plain mean! really want too go see her again but maybe when she is a bit more sorted out. even more jealous of her voice now and glad i went.

Samantha Godwin, Derby/Nottingham, England

Everytime I see her I just want to scoop her up and put her in a bathtub and scrub her up nicely...... I seriously think she'll die within a year if she doesn't get into rehab.

Juma, london, uk

The article didnt represent the reality of this concert. It was awful for all the reasons mentioned. Was your writer at the same concert as me........NIA Birmingham?

Dave, Diss,

I was there in Bham NIA last night, and thought that the Support artists at the start Were absolutely amazing. After Remi went off, we all waited anticipantely, for an hour and a half. Some people left. We all knew wha eachother was thinking... 'Shes not gonna turn up'...

But then, the Lights dimmed, and it was amazing. everybody scramed so much and was so happy. Then amy came on, and everybody screamed, if possible, even louder.

And then she Sang. Now, i'm not going to say she was amazing all the way through, nor am i going to say she was crap. She was switching between shambolic and outstanding.

Despite her being bad at some points, i really enjoyed the performance. I felt so sorry for her when she started crying because of her hubby, but then we all cheered her up and she was soon happy again!

Then, she walked off stage, and we all thought it was over. But it wasnt. She came back, sung 'Love is a losing game' (while crying) and 'Valerie'. She walked off half way through Valerie

Thomas Roberts, Birmingham, England

She appears to be a self indulgent true to herself (and only herself) type of artist. She has to learn to tame her inner wild being from the inside, so that she can stay alive long enough for us to enjoy her. I'm sick of the the soap opera sleuth that's becoming popular. She's making more money than I'll ever see. Get with it girl, I would never recommend you for a role model to my grandchildren. Grow up and appreciate what the public is doing for you. It's a shame you're acting so miserable in light of all the money and drugs you are entitled to.

Bonnie, Burlington, Vt. USA

She is a busted flush. She is taking money under false pretences.

As far as her drug and drink habits are concerned, she can only help herself. She may come to her senses, but I wont put any money on it.

Another rock n roll car crash.

Forget her.

Patsy, Luton, GB

I think she has major problems that need to be addressed. Perhaps her family could talk to her and try to persuade her to seek help of some kind. To forget words to your own songs is atrocious after so many people paid to watch her. Mind you, i think there could be alot of attention-seeking behaviour in her too. If the media would stop reporting everything that she does, perhaps that would help.

Fiona, Selkirk, Scotland

Given the negative feedback across the media from fans who were actually at the gig it makes me wonder if the reviewer was at the same event.

Questor, Birmingham,

I wish she would stay in rehab for a time. It is a pity that she isn't helped more. I think she has a rare voice - of course I would be mightily cheesed off if I paid good money to hear her perform. The media should grow up too, I think they like to watch these young women out of control. It is a form of cultural bearbaiting.

Stephen Pain, Odense, Denmark

Saw her a few weeks ago in Hammersmith - it's the first gig in 30 years I've ever seen where there was less dynamism and charisma on stage than on the cd. Great voice, great songs, but live, not enough effort. The only act I'd not bother with live, but the CD's, yep, they're great.

Rob , London, UK

We went expecting talent, and all we got was a drunken, crying, spitting, abusive women. Very big shame, that the talent is going to waste. I also feel that both the NIA and the tour company, showed no respect for the fans who waited for over an hour with no announcements as to what was happen. The tour should be cancelled immediately. Where is her management team to stop this drunkeness and self abuse. She may have talent but she will if she continues lose the fans that so far have kept her high in the album charts.

Nicola Anderson, West Midlands, United Kingdom

I was there last night.

First half was better than the second half when she reappeared staggering about the stage. Turned up late. Poor sound. Slurred words. Dropping her microphone. Out of tune singing. Abusing the audience.

I have never seen so many people leaving a gig before the end.

She deserved the boos for the very shoddy performance.

I expected so much more. Such a waste of talent.

She should do the decent thing and refund all the ticket money!!

Jason Dolphin, Kingswinford, West Midlands

I used to hate her flouncing weirdness, but the more the circus rolls on, the more I realise just how damned talented she is. Failing a Damascene experience, this ethereal last-leaf-on-the-tree will die young, and those of you who criticise her terrible performance and strange antics will be bragging to your kids that you saw her once. This is the perfect antidote to the tinny, over-produced schlock that emanates from the majors these days... someone who can seriously belt it out with a lived-in voice laced with the kind of hard-knocks mellifluousness of Sinatra/Holiday... if she lives long enough to produce more material she'll grace the airwaves for 50 years. With that kind of talent, you've gotta take the rough with the smooth and if you were unlucky enough to see her on a bad night, then persist, because when you see her on a good night it is incandescent.

Il Rotundo, London, UK

Amy who ?

Chris Long , Thirsk, North Yorkshire

I thoroughly agree with Phil Burton.

I sick to death of hearing about "celebs" this or "celebs" that, quite frankly I wish they'd lock her up aswell !

Complete waste of oxygen. No doubt their celeb friends and that of radio / music will back her up with comments like "it's not her fault" or "she can't handle fame"

Her choice !

Antony, Kings Lynn, UK

she is pretty pathetic, one good song, looks like a middle aged asian teenager. weirdo make-up and an attitude to match

LB, Aberdeen, Scotland

"Wino" has bi-polar mental mood issues. Thinking and emotions are ten times harder than for normals. *** She promised her dad, Michell, she would not drink before performances. She can stick to her promise. *** Her lyrics are blues. Melodies from before R&B went commercial hooks. *** I hate the numnutz thug hubby. Hes way crazier than she is.

becca, NYC,

I'm sorry to say that I have seen Amy Winehouse "live" and she was atrocious. Sadly mainstream reviewers don't seem able to tell the truth about her "performances".

Luciano, Bristol,

I was at the Birmingham gig last night and I thought she was wicked. After all, she is what she is and that is what you pay to see. I feel so sorry for her at the moment, and I thought she performed fantastically considering. I was at the front and I could tell she was very emotional, and I was just greatful for her to turn up. I wish Amy the best of luck x

Hatty, Northampton, England

Went to see Amy last night, not to good a concert, but thats what we expected, she has been this way for a good few months now. Any fan who bought a ticket should have known that. There was no reason to boo here whatsoever, your just making someone who is very self distructive even worse. The people who are to blame here are her promotors and those around her, they should have cancelled the whole tour. Im suprised she actually turned up at all. Im embarrased that people actually felt they had to boo her. Its sad really, cus if your a fan of Amy, you know what she like at the moment. If you have a problem with her, dont buy a ticket in the first place. She has great talent (yes, talent, she is one of the best singers of our time). She just fallen on a very rough patch, and im hoping she will come out if before its to late.

Becky Rowland, Solihull,

All she needs is a good wash. Head for the shower luv!

G.D., London,

A distressing performance. Im a big fan of Winehouse, but I felt let down and also sad at seeing her live.

As for the swearing - there were quite a few children at the gig, I feel sorry for them to see her act like that.

Please improve Amy, for your own sake.

Zoe Taylor, Birmingham,

Thank God I stuck to my guns and didn't buy a ticket to this concert! I've been wanting to see Amy Winehouse in concert for a while, but after the last concert where there was complaints of her being drunk and spitting towards the fans, I lost respect for her. Why would you bite the hands that feeds? Like many of you say, she is a talented singer and I enjoy her music very much, but there is no way I will pay to go and see her in concert until she sorts herself out. Having said that, I do have a heart and feel sorry for her for whatever is going on in her life that is making her behave so appalingly and hurting her parents the way she is doing.

As for being a role model... Well, I don't need a role model at my age and hopefully I will the role model for my children, so the likes of celebrities can go around embarrassing themselves and pressing their self destructive buttons all they like, though one should realise at some point that ONE NEEDS HELP!!!

Suzete Williams, London, UK

I saw her at Somerset House in london in the summer and it was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. She has loads of talent, and who wants a role model? I dont think she ever set out to ge obne, so we can hardly be angry at the fact that shes not the kind of girl we want our kids hanging out with.

Unfortunately tortured souls and emotional wrecks write the best songs these days, and the downside to this is that their lifestyle often gets in the way of their performance.

I say stop being so judgemental and give her a break. When shes good, shes bl00dy outstanding!

Sarah, Hemel,

I am a "fan" of her recorded work and was looking forward to the concert. What a massive disappointment. She came out on stage far too late; I was fed up waiting by the time she appeared When she “staggered” onto stage I knew that the night wasn’t going to be good. Her voice was terrible, partly down her own sonic inability on the night, but also partly due to the sound engineers not doing their job. The backing band’s sound was also not good with different instruments pushing over the top of others – back to the sound engineers. If she can’t handle live performances at the moment she should keep away from a stage and stick to the recording studios. People have called for sympathy for her. With the NIA full last night isn’t that enough sympathy. No one pays to come and see me when I’m ill! She is a massive talent but she needs help from the vultures that are making the money from her – record company, promoters, managers and so on.
Left early very early very disappointed, very angry

Gareth, Wolverhampton,

Stephen, by not actually attending the concert or completely disregarding what went on during it in your so called report you have shown as much disregard for the audience (and your readers) as Amy herself.

I suspect the former, either way you should be ashamed.

As for Amy's performance, words fail me.

Martin Leach, Solihull, West Midlands

If you want a top quality performance, you dont buy tickets to see Amy Winehouse. what do you expect? And how can you judge her when shes going through so much? her husband is in jail and she loves him more than anything! imagine how she feels! as for her performance which i didnt think was a dreadful as everyones making out- you need to accept it, any Amy Winehouse concert needs to be taken with a pinch of salt..

Fiona , Leicester, England

This woman needs a lot of help, and no I don't mean rehab. Her performance in Birmingham was abysmal. Fair enough she is going through a rough phase because of her husband's court affairs but lolling onto stage and slurring out the songs with a bottle in her hand is very unprofessional. We had to wait at least an hour for her to come on ... and was our wait worth it? No. Of course not. This woman needs to sort herself out because undeniably she is portraying a bad image to younger fans ... that drunkenesss is glamourous. She needsa lot of help before she does something stupid. Amy ... sort yourself OUT!

Jessica, Stoke-On-trent, England

I also went to the concert last night in Birmingham and have to say that I was severely disappointed and annoyed at her performance. I have never walked out of a concert, but after only 15 minutes I couldn't take any more and left.

I have never heard Amy sing off key, but last night was tragic, she was slurring and you couldn't understand what she was singing. She was falling all over the stage and struggled to pick up her guitar after only the first song.

I am seriously considering requesting a refund, as she definately did not give value for money and should be ashmed of her performance.

Emma, Birmingham,

I went as well last night and totally agree with the comments. She is a raw performer not a polished manufactured talent, if that is what you want to see you should choose a more mainstream band. I was ashamed a the behaviour of some of the audience.

JKW, Birmingham, England

I was in birmingham last night too - and although it definitely wasn't her greatest performance - give some credit to the lady for turning up, not being defeated and finishing her set despite being upset and the worse for wear!!
I think she is amazingly talented!

Dan, Cheltenham, Glos

I was there at last nights concert in Birmingham, it was like watching ’car crash TV’ - it was such a shame because in the rare moments she seemed to pull herself together you could see her brilliance. She needs help!

Lisa Burford, Birmingham,

I was there last night and agree wholeheartedly with Am from Birmingham and Darren from Wolverhampton. Her performance was awful and very painful to watch.

Aw, Birmingham,

I went to the gig and it was a mess. After leaving her crowd to simmer for an hour, she also shouted abuse at some of them. The crowd were actually vicious and mostly drunken, which meant lots of fights kicked off which was not pleasent.

Her support acts were terrible and the record company should pull the tour and get that poor woman the help she is crying out for.

When we left at 11.00 - like many many other people who left before the gig finished, all you could hear were disappointed fans slagging her performance.

She is not well enough to tour.

Katie, Birmingham, West Midlands

L.E....your less than constructive sentiments have no effect on us... we live the blues, you clearly have a perfect life..... so hush..

i love the blues and amy winehouse, london,

Went to the show in Birmingham last night
All I can say is that she should be embarrased to let her fans down as she did
By 9.50pm we did wander if there was going to be a show and then she tripped up on the way in, dropped her microphone stand twice, disappeared in the middle and an hour later did an encore to a half empty arena as many people had already had enough of the out of tune, out of time slurred delivery. In the end she threw her microphone down and walked out leaving her excellent backing duo to finish off for her - the applause at the end was predominately directed at them and the band.
In some ways it would have been better if she had not showed - at least we would have gotten a refund - instead I feel robbed

AG, Birmingham, West Midlands

Yes I agree she should not have performed last night, not because of the state she was in, but because of all that is happening in her life at the moment. She appeared to be and is emotionally broken and this showed through her performance. I'm a fan and my opinion of her has only greatened as she turned up. If she had not have turned up last night, there would have been uproar and she would have lost a lot of fans. Surely people who went last night are fans, so therefore should be showing her their support not booing her off stage. I only hope that she comes back to Birmingham. I still love you Amy

Samantha Thomas, Birmingham, England

What a terrible show. On this big stage she looked like a little girl, whose addictions come before the audience. Keep us all waiting far to long.
She had earlier apparently refused to carryout a soundcheck which showed from the first number, the sound was terrible.
During her 'performance' she kept picking up a guitar as if to play it. I don't think they dared patch it through.
Zero rapure with the audience, "I'm gonna get me 'usband art'"she slurred at one point, if fact she only spoke to us on three occassions. She actually dropped the mic at one point. Finally she left the stage to leave her musicians to do a really bad 'blues brothers' impersonation introducing the band.
I timed it as 45mins on stage, as she left, we left.
Dear o dear

Matt, Brum, England

I unfortuantely went to it too she was late and i had arrived early so i was sat there for like 5 hours for that terrible performance she could barely string a song together, thanks to her backing singers and the band as they were the only thing keeping the whole thing together, i did not take to being called a mug C*nt very well either, iam one of her biggest fans i have to say and seeing her in the flesh has just ruined it for me. I wont be going again and i will recomend to my friends not to waste there money either. Sorry Amy but sort yourself out for your own sake, I will be writing asking for my money back and i recommend anyone else do the same.

steve walker, worcester, uk

I went to see her last night and she was completely awful!
She got booed and her reaction to the booing was to use really obscene language towards her fans! She was blind drunk and found it hard to even stand up, her singing sounded more like a strangulated crow than ant artist that has to be one of the most talented singers in the world today! They should cancel the tour and get her some serious help otherwise we will be soon looking at another Janice Joplin!!

Ian R, Warwickshire, UK

A very disappointing (for us) and sad (for her) evening. Hoping she does go to rehab before it's too late ... I think Daddy now must think so too!

Jill, Midlands,

L.E., Berkeley, I agree totally. She is not my cup of tea either, but that is personal preference. The issue here is her state of mind.

Aside from this, promoters have their own pockets in mind! - Why would you let anyone go and make a national show of themselves? -Remember George Best on Parky??! Not good.

Amy is a VERY bad role model and surely this lady is everything that you would want your daughter NOT to be? Very misguided and surely in the near future looking for the self-destruct button? She needs help.

James, Birmingham, UK

What a waste of money!
I could not understand a word she was slurring, she could barely stand up, and it was embarrassing for the band who were desperately trying to keep the show going, ad-libing from time to time...
My sympathy to the band, who were fantastic, and the only thing that kept me there for the 45mins that I stayed.
Annie, Birmingham

Annie, Birmingham,

Oh dear Mr. Dalton - This naughty reviewer does not appear to have been at the gig at all. Just read it. He says nothing about the show, or the songs. And had he really been there, he would have had a real headline story, bearing in mind how awful she was and the fact that during Valerie she stopped, dropped her mike and stormed off stage. This gig was a embarrasment and a disgrace. As the previous contributor says, the promoter should be ashamed of himself for allowing her onstage in her state; people were mugged. I would advise everyone to demand their money back. Never, never again will I pay my money to see this sad woman.

Suggs, London,

Yes, i agree with AM of Birmingham, England, went to the NIA last night to see her, what a waste of money, on stage late, close to falling over, several times, dropped mike and burst into tears, a great night? I did find the supporting acts much better and more professional.
I dont know why so much is put into this woman, yes she has a talent but she wont live long enough to become trully great at this rate and that would be a shame.
To say that she massacred "Valerie" is an understatement, she did the same to every song, sat there for as long as I could and left. Never again!!

Dave Roberts, Stone, Staffordshire, England

to Darren Perks...have you completely lost your sences man? a poor role model???? .. since when was it a pre-requisite for a musician to be a good role model? i think we have had enuff of corporate, family and fluffy sponsored rock n roll like kylie and the various boy bands. What we need is the live fast die young brigade back - the last thing we need is for our stars to live...they inevitably end up playing rock n crumble like the Rolling Stones.. A rock star shouldnt live beyond 27..a role model ...give me strength. Amy Winehouse like her or hate her looks like a train wreck in the finest traditions of the Music business and shuld be celebrated as such.. keep up the good work girl..

zugerman, Zurich, Switzerland

Amy Winehouse is clearly a huge talent...and I enjoy her music very much. I was at the Birmingham gig last night and although not hugely dissappointed (possibly a misguided loyalty) I did feel let down. As her life spirals more out of control I cannot help but pity her. Maybe she should stay in the studio and leave the live stuff for the odd festival and tv appearance until a better time in her life when she can respect herself and her fans.

Mease, Leicester,

I went to the concert last night and the crowd were getting rather disheartened having to wait an hour for Amy to appear on stage.
Her first song was awful - did not seem to be in beat to the music. She was drinking throughout. She then went off for a while so the band had to fill in the gap.
She then broke down a couple of times while singing, which was an awful shame for her.
There was no ineraction with the audience.
Her final song, Valerie, which is a brilliant song was totally ruined, and she dropped the microphone to the floor and walked off before the song had finished.
Overall I agree with other comments, that if she was not fit enough to go on stage her promoters should have cancelled.
There is a great talent going to waste here - such a shame. She needs help and support - not the booing that the crowd gave er last night. Let's hope the rest of her tour is an improvement.

DM, Birmingham, UK

I couldn't watch such a good singer destroyed like that. She did her self no favours and clearly is unwell and shouldn't have been on stage. Also though it felt a bit as though she didn't care so why should we, i walked out not becuase i hated her, but because to stop and watch was almost cruel.Until she sorts it out she shouldn't be on stage, she's more than an act she's a musician and with her unable to sing or play the guitar there was nothing very musical about it.

beck, wolverhampton, Uk

A very sad sight to watch a very talented singer in full-on self destruct mode. The bad stage set up did not help a terrible performance to which much of the blame should be put at the feet of her promoters. Her drinking and abusive language towards a dissatisfied audience have damaged what was to be a fabulous career, and she will have lost the support of some her fans.
She was obviously in no state to perform, dissolving into tears several times and being pushed back on stage to finish her appearance. It was like watching a small child over awed by the venue and her situation.
I hope those in charge of the tour show her some compassion and cancel the remaining concerts to get her some badly needed help, sparing her fans the expense and embarrassment of watching her.
Lets remember, it is not all about money, she is only 24 and extremely mixed up, leave her some career to come back to when she gets her life sorted out - if she keeps putting on shows like this, she's finished.

Ros Mitchell, Leicester, UK

Some of the comments I have read refer to "Real Music" and "Talent". I am afraid to say we heard neither last night from Amy. Was thoroughly disappointed with her flat performance.

JJ, Birmingham, UK

Can no one see this for what it is?

Rather than differentiate Winehouse and Doherty, you ought to highlight the clear similarities in the depraved way they keep themselves in the public eye, and it's nothing short of ludicrous that a quality paper like the times should follow the rest of the tabloid gaggle in falling for these antics.

As for all this ridiculous crying in to the microphone etc. - it's TOUGH. This is the life she chooses to lead. The depraved life of drugs and drink in huge quantities brings inevitable troubles with the law, she made her name singing about 'rehab' and sleeping around whilst intoxicated, now, she's cries on stage because her husband [probably a sham of a marriage] has been locked up for GBH, well I'm sorry, I for one have no sympathy for the girl, and I'm frankly fed up of hearing about a talentless woman who represents everthing that is bad about today's youth - too much drink & drugs and no respect for the law.

Phil Burton, Walsall,

Sorry, but this woman is a mess. Sure she has one of the best voices - especially compared to all the newer so called singers - and she writes good music but she should disappear for a while and get clean again. I've seen her in Zurich - a desaster. I've never seen so many people leave during a concert. Since then I really don't like her anymore. She is an insecure brat who needs to grow up. I hope she realises that she can't treat her fans that bad. Boycott that woman!!! I know it's difficult because what you get in seeing her live is just one big freak show..

Robbie, Zurich, Switzerland

On the radio news, I heard she was rounly BOOED for her appauling performance, and she resorted to shouting abuse at the crowd. Why didn't you report this ??

Dave, London, UK

It was an absolutely atrocious gig, a slap in the face to all who had paid last night, to stand on stage and get more and more wasted was a kick in the teeth to the audience.
The sound was so bad, i doubt she did a sound check, I like many others in the audience got our coats and left before she even finished the set.
Amy needs to wake up and not only smell the coffee, but drink a few mugs to sober up...
A wasted talent...
Now to see if I can get a refund for last nigh

Pete Massera, North West, UK

I went to this show last night. Yes she teetered on an hour late and thats the only accurate part of this article. Her singing was awful, out of tune and slurred. She sang for around 50 minutes - drinking throughout. I have never seen so many people leave a show..Valerie was my favourite song - she masacred it! She disappointed a lot of people. The concert promoters should not have let her go on stage in the condition she was in. It was embarassing!

Am, Birmingham, England

Terrible performance

Poor role modal

Never again

Darren Perks, Wolverhampton,

amy has had a very tumultuous year ... enough material to fill 3 more vols of music. she writes the very best devestatingly tortured love songs. i want to hear so much more from her. i hope she sticks around long enough to fulfill her prospects. i think she's a very sad but very brilliant girl,

mercedes, new york city,

Love the description of her hair!

Sevilla, Washington,DC, United States

I feel compassion for Amy, not that i know her appart from what i see in the media, but she obviously loves that man alot, and it would be extremely hard to be appart from him. Anyone who has been or is in love would agree. When someone who you think stabilises your life is taken away from you it can be devistating. Amy is amazing....love her.

Lena, Brisbane, Australia, QLD

Winehouse - 'whine'house - her voice is not great, 60's wannabe- don't see why people give so much attention to this wigger.

L.E., Berkeley,

the girl has great talent, and its a shame, we have to suffer to create. cant sing the blues unless you have the blues..... we love her in the states. finally some real music again...

DJ RAY D , PHOENIX , ARIZONA