I arrived suitably early to grab a standing spot in front of the mixing desk at the rear of the arena. Looking around, I could see that the top tier had been curtained off entirely, as had large swathes of the middle tier. Ticketmaster showed lots of seats still available in the areas being used. Not a positive start.
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| My initial view |
I liked being able to rest my back against the barrier. It was still quiet when Kelsey Karter and the Heroines took to the stage. Dressed in stockings and suspenders, her arse on display, Kelsey was definitely selling the hot rock chic act. Her voice was good, but didn't quite have the power to fill the arena. Nevertheless, I enjoyed their set.
It was then that I realised something stupid: standing at the back means everyone is in front of you, including all the tall people. I felt drawn towards all the empty seats. But it was early. The ticketholders might still turn up (by this time, Ticketmaster had shut down access to this event, so I couldn't check for a current update). I considered asking customer service to swap from standing, but what if they said no? Those seats were more expensive than what I paid for standing. I decided to remain where I was for Bloodywood.
These guys surprised me. Their performance had a strong presence, with a powerful sound complemented by excellent lighting. Reminding me of an Indian Linkin Park, the vocalists mixed rapping, singing, and metal growls over a heavy beat. I was glad I hadn't decided to go forward. The vocalist requested (and received) a mosh pit, my gig nightmare. Towards the end, I grew tired of them, but I can't fault their energy and their ability to rock the crowd. The way they merged Indian culture and metal was a potent combination. The room was bouncing.
After Bloodywood, I decided to risk it and find a seat. Section 051 had no security nearby, with a wedge of empty seats in the middle. The OVO Presale had obviously sold out the two front and back rows as well as the aisle seats, leaving the middle for general sale, with no takers. It felt strangely criminal sitting there. My view, while no longer central, was still excellent, leaving a clear line to the stage, at an elevation higher than any tall people. I could see around the edge of the raised curtain, so the band's intro was slightly spoiled.
Lzzy has one of the best rock voices in the business. She easily switches from tender vocals to an all-out scream without making herself hoarse. She definitely owns the stage. They might do better in a smaller venue, but they were clever with the staging, keeping it simple: large screens on either side of the stage, a curtain backdrop behind them, and banks of Marshall speakers to fill the space. This left them more money to spend on throwing everything else at us: pyros, steam jets, confetti guns, streamers and an amazing lighting rig to enhance the performance and provide scale. Impressive!
I enjoyed the mix of tunes, Lzzy playing keyboards on some of the quieter numbers. I could have done without the drum solo, but when the drummer is Lzzy's brother, I guess he gets his way. They shouldn't have finished with the new album's title track, Everest. It is more like a mid-set number. Here's to Us felt like a more appropriate closer.
It was lovely to see the band throwing so many plectrums, drumsticks, setlists and drum skins to the crowd at the end, even before they took their bow. Shame that so many of the crowd had already started to exit by then.
I'm glad I decided to attend. It was a good show. Loved it.
Setlist
Fallen Star
I Miss the Misery
Love Bites (So Do I)
WATCH OUT!
Perry Mason (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
Shiver
Like a Woman Can
How Will You Remember Me?
I Get Off
Familiar Taste of Poison
Drum Solo
Freak Like Me
Mz Hyde
Uncomfortable
K-I-L-L-I-N-G
I Gave You Everything
Encore:
I Am the Fire
Here's to Us
Everest
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