[Music] The Live Music thread

[AstroSloth]

I first saw them at Donington on Ride The Lightening, then the aforementioned MOP gig, three times on Justice then took a pause until Death Magentic and last on the Hardwired tour and they were superb all times. They have obviously changed over the years/decades and they're now more "entertainers" as opposed to sneering narly rockers BUT, I agree, their heart still seems in it and they are still clearly having fun and enjoying themselves. Same with other legacy rock acts like Maiden.

Saw them in 2015 at Reading and they were pretty good then, but absolutely no desire to see them again tbh.

Only reason I'd go is to see Gojira and Knocked Loose in such a huge venue as they'd kill it.

 

[redoubtable seagull]

It’s the opera not the band I’m seeing this evening. A rare French one for me, not my favourite operatic language but it’s a good tale and the production looks good

Saw the band Faust about 30 years ago with about 30 people in the audience. Seem to recall they liked playing with fire during their gigs in those days.

 

[Weststander]

We saw Dua Lipa’s show in Paris this evening. Brilliant, she has it all. A great atmosphere in and outside the arena, 45k very happy punters.

 

[N17]

Public Image in Brighton next week. Looking forward to that.

 

[The Lemming Stomper]

Just back from Orbital @ Chalk, one of the Resident outstore thingies

Packed to the rafters with OAP Ravey Daveys, my back lasted 50 of the 100 minutes before withdrawing to sit on the stairs

BANGING !!

 

[CorgiRegisteredFriend]

On the train travelling back from Wet Leg at Brixton. They are playing a second night tomorrow. Really hope they sort the sound out. Vocals too quiet and overall pretty distorted. Shame.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

We saw Dua Lipa’s show in Paris this evening. Brilliant, she has it all. A great atmosphere in and outside the arena, 45k very happy punters.

I thought 45000 seems a strange capacity, it’s too big for a typical arena and too small for a typical stadium. I just looked up the venue, it’s Europe’s biggest indoor arena and, weirdly, built primarily to host rugby. Seems strange to build a rugby stadium which is indoors. Looks cool though and glad you had fun.

 

[Weststander]

I thought 45000 seems a strange capacity, it’s too big for a typical arena and too small for a typical stadium. I just looked up the venue, it’s Europe’s biggest indoor arena and, weirdly, built primarily to host rugby. Seems strange to build a rugby stadium which is indoors. Looks cool though and glad you had fun.

It was amazing, the acoustics wonderful, almost a party vibe including afterwards when the masses sung to a song played over the sound system. I wonder if engineers worked their magic?

 

[Sid and the Sharknados]

I thought 45000 seems a strange capacity, it’s too big for a typical arena and too small for a typical stadium. I just looked up the venue, it’s Europe’s biggest indoor arena and, weirdly, built primarily to host rugby. Seems strange to build a rugby stadium which is indoors. Looks cool though and glad you had fun.

I gather it was originally intended to have a retractable roof but ended up dropping the idea (presumably it would have cost much more).

The impression I get is that while it's notionally built for rugby they actually make most of their money on things like concerts where you'd rarely if ever want the roof open anyway.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I gather it was originally intended to have a retractable roof but ended up dropping the idea (presumably it would have cost much more).

The impression I get is that while it's notionally built for rugby they actually make most of their money on things like concerts where you'd rarely if ever want the roof open anyway.

It does seem this way. The list of artists who have played there is quite long.

 

[Machiavelli]

Richard Dawson very much still got it. Took him all of about one song to warm up properly and mesmerising thereafter. Charming banter as ever. And a good fit at St George's Church.

 

[Peteinblack]

Saw The Pixies in Cardiff on Wednesday - was apprehensive as their heyday was in the early 1990s, and the new album is a bit 'meh', but they were absolutely brilliant. Played all of their best old songs, and with energy and enthusiasm too. No encore (houselights came on during their last number), but a great 2-hour set.

Off to see another '90s American Indie-band on Monday; Throwing Muses, at my favourite live-music venue, The Fleece, in Bristol (similar to The Chalk in size).

 

[kevo]

Went to Wide Awake yesterday, headlined by band of the moment Kneecap. Not going to comment on them, as I know how much they divide opinion.

Highlight for me was excellent Irish punks Gurriers. Also enjoyed English Teacher (although a bit lost on the big stage), Sprints and Bdrmm. CMAT and Fat Dog were good fun too.

I think the controversy over Kneecap and the local campaign against using Brockwell Park for festivals affected ticket sales as it was far from sold out. Wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't happen next year.

 

[Mr Bridger]

Public Image in Brighton next week. Looking forward to that.

Seeing them in July.

 

[morematey]

@Herr Tubthumper I’ve booked to see Fontaines DC at the Spandau Citadel in August. Hoping you can provide some local expertise. Is it any good as a venue? Rough capacity? Can I walk it from Potsdamer Platz? I have realistic expectations but am hoping it will provide a better experience than 40,000 at Finsbury Park.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

@Herr Tubthumper I’ve booked to see Fontaines DC at the Spandau Citadel in August. Hoping you can provide some local expertise. Is it any good as a venue? Rough capacity? Can I walk it from Potsdamer Platz? I have realistic expectations but am hoping it will provide a better experience than 40,000 at Finsbury Park.

Happy to help. I’ll answer your questions in order.

I have seen three gigs there, and have one lined up this summer. Yes it’s a good venue. The venue and setting itself is beautiful, it’s a well preserved medieval fortress with a moat…the gigs are in the courtyard. The capacity can expand to 10000 (apparently) but it has alway been around 5-6000 when I have been here. The one complaint I have heard a few times is the volume is low. Personally I have not felt this but then I have always been near-ish the front. It’s in Spandau which is out on the western extreme of the city and 8 miles from the centre and Potsdamer Platz. I would not advise walking; take the U-Bahn to Zitadelle which runs every ten minutes or so.

Will it be a better experience than Finsbury Park, I can’t say but it will be a different experience and I am sure it will be good fun and enjoyable as all the gigs I have seen have been…just make sure you arrive early-ish and park yourselves near-ish the front.

I will include @Pogue Mahone as he might be able to offer opinion as a visitor from the UK. He and his missus came to see Arcade Fire there a number of years ago. We had a great night.

Please feel free to ask any further questions, I’m more than happy to offer suggestions.