Sexyback for more

[Published: Wednesday 25, April 2007 - 10:39]

By Maureen Coleman

Justin Timberlake was today gearing up for a second sell-out show in Belfast after a spectacular start to his UK and European tour at the Odyssey Arena.

And if the Memphis-born megastar was hoping for greater audience interaction on his FutureSex/LoveSound tour, he certainly got it last night - though more, perhaps, than he bargained for.

Up to 40 lucky fans managed to secure exclusive seating at a private bar area incorporated into the stage - the SexyBack Dance Club - which meant they could watch Timberlake strut his stuff from very close quarters.

On several occasions, the SexyBack star came right down to the bar area to shake hands with his screaming fans. Unfortunately, two male members of the SexyBack Dance Club took their devotion too far and ran across the stage as Timberlake was performing his final song.

The former NSYNC frontman, who only spotted one of the fearless fans, laughed it off, telling the crowd: "Give it up to Ireland's biggest gumbie who just ran across the stage there. Well done buddy."

The incident, however, didn't spoil the night for Timberlake, who told the Belfast crowd that he couldn't think of anywhere better to open the UK/European leg of his current tour. He last played here in 2003 and his performance last night was slicker and sexier than before. From the moment the show kicked off with FutureSex/LoveSound, the title track of his latest album, the crowd showed their appreciation with deafening screams, much to Timberlake's amusement.

The fans sang along as he showed off his famous dance moves to tracks such as Like I Love You, Sexy Lady, Rock Your Body and My Love.

Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and white trainers, Timberlake proved why he is continuously voted one of the sexiest men on the planet.

But last night he also showed why he deserves the King of Pop title. His vocals were amazing, from the fast, raunchy SexyBack to the Britney Spears-inspired ballad Cry Me A River.

At one stage of the show, knocking back tequila, Timberlake toasted the audience.

"Here's a toast to the lovely, lovely Irish folks," he said.

"And to the first night of my tour and the first of two nights here in lovely Belfast. And what better excuse to have a drink."

Halfway through the show Timberlake was joined by close friend and producer Timbaland for a number of tracks.

He ended the show with a message to his fans, thanking them for their ongoing support.