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22.6.09

Kings of Leon, O2 Arena 16/6/09



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The anticipation I had for this gig was immense. After counting down the days for the last 6 months, I finally got to see why the world is in uproar over these four men.

Before this show, I wasn’t a massive fan of bigger venues as I prefer to see bands in a more intimate setting. However, this time there was something about being within a larger crowd that made the occasion that more special; similar to watching a headline act at a festival. The excitement didn’t fully kick in until I found myself standing front row, surrounded by thousands of equally as excited people. Glasvegas opened the show and actually blew me away. For a band that isn’t too familiar with playing arenas, they didn’t have any problems at all doing it justice with their powerful live sound. After playing a few tracks from their debut and a teasing the crowd with the introduction of Kings of Leon’s ‘On Call’, they definitely showed that they deserved the support slot. Also, kudos to the front man for the ray-bans and torso-revealing shirt duo, worthy of best dressed but closely lost out to Caleb’s tight skinny jeans...

Firstly, I don’t think I have ever witnessed a band fit so many songs into 2 hours. The 23-song set began with ‘Closer’, appropriate as it is in my opinion one of the best from the new record. After rocking the arena with the powerful ‘Crawl’ and ‘Be Somebody’, they began delving into their back catalogue, playing hits such as ‘Taper Jean Girl’ and ‘Molly’s Chambers’. They did a good job of balancing the set with songs from each of their albums, the only song I was surprised they didn’t play was ‘Revelry’ and I would’ve loved to have heard ‘Joe’s Head’ and ‘Arizona’ as they are personal favourites. But regardless, it was obvious they chose a set that would please old fans who love their debut southern rock and roll sound, the newer fans that perhaps prefer the mellowness of the new album and the true fans who love it all. I didn’t think it was possible but they made their songs sound even better live. The up-tempo parts of ‘Trani’ were incredible, definitely one of the best played songs of the night along with ‘Charmer’ and ‘My Party’. The crowd favourites were predictably ‘On Call’, ‘Milk’ and ‘Sex On Fire’, all of which had 20,000 people helping Caleb out with the vocals. I was over the moon that they chose to play ‘Cold Desert’ as I was desperate to hear live one of the most poignant songs I have ever heard. The set was technically closed with ‘Use Somebody’ and as my favourite song of the new album, it was definitely a highlight of the night (that and Matthew waving at us afterwards!). They then came back on stage to complete an encore consisting of ‘Knocked Up’, ‘Black Thumbnail’, ‘Slow Night, Slow Long’ and lastly ‘Manhattan’. An unpredictable choice for the finale as it’s normally the fast pace force of ‘Slow Night, So Long rocking our ear drums at the end, but the beautiful soft tone of ‘Manhattan’ delivered a perfect ending to a perfectly delivered set.

The band are known for not speaking much during their performances, but this time once Caleb started talking, he couldn’t stop. He seemed sincerely overwhelmed by the crowd who were nothing but commending throughout. I have read many times that they are often baffled by the people they see before them in the crowd because they are not ‘their’ kind of people so it was moving to hear Caleb say “you’re not here just to be here, you’re here because you’re us, you’re with us”. For a man of little words, he sure makes a good speech.

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11.6.09

Isle Of Wight


Is Fearne Cotton ever not at a festival? Love her bowler hat and boots.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to see all of the action on TV as I moved out of my flat that weekend. However, I did manage to catch part of The Script, Pigeon Detectives and headliners The Prodigy who blew up the stage. They seemed to be completely out of it but that's what makes their shows so incredible I guess. I'm expecting some crazy things from their set at Reading now. Pigeons are an old favourite so I automatically enjoyed their lively performance and even the special acoustic one they did. And the more I hear The Script, the more I like them. I must get round to seeing them live soon.

9.6.09

Kings Of Leon Video For Notion




One week until I see this amazing band.

5.6.09

Festival Fashion

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All Topshop except boots by Hunter

Festival season has finally arrived! The line ups are insane this year, especially for Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Benicassim and V. I wish I could go to them all; however Reading festival will be incredible enough with my favourite bands Kings of Leon and Lostprophets playing. I’m so excited that iv’e even started buying things for it already. The above are things I've got my eye on.

4.6.09

Coachella


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Source: elle, tfs

I’ve always agreed that the U.K were better than America on the festival front, however I wouldn't mind going to Coachella sometime in the near future. The line ups are getting better every year and the fashion is always so cool and effortless. I adore the outfit in the first image.

3.6.09

Pendulum DJ Set

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Pendulum played at my uni's summer ball last month, I don't remember much, but I do know it was rather incredible.


2.6.09

Friendly Fires at Norwich UEA, 29/4/09


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After a few months break from gigs in Norwich whilst I was at university, it felt comforting to be back again. The UEA is a great intimate venue for seeing up and coming bands and artists and even though it’s the university’s LCR, there is usually a good age range of people within the crowds. On 29th April I went to see Friendly Fires for the first time there. I’ve missed so many opportunities to see them in London, so when I heard about this I jumped at the chance. I love watching their lively performances on YouTube and I especially love the one they did at the NME awards show earlier in the year. After enduring the first support Boy Crisis who can only be described as ‘bloc party on pills’, I get to watch Hockey who for me, are one of those bands you’ve heard in the past but forget you have. This was a pleasant surprise and they put on a good show, but that wasn’t too difficult after the previous band. As soon as Friendly Fires came on stage and started playing their first song ‘Lovesick’, I knew they were going to live up to my expectations. As I anticipated, ‘Jump in the pool’ is the crowd favourite and gets everyone hyped and dancing with the person next to them. But the best part of the gig develops from ‘Ex Lover’ which is extended into an up tempo electro beat for an exhilarating ending, complete with crazy strobe lighting. Every member of the band extroverts so much energy and this together with vocalist Ed McFarlane’s extraordinary dancing makes one hell of a show. I can see why many music critics have compared his charisma to the late Ian Curtis. They sail through tracks from their self titled debut album and just when I realise I’m having so much fun, it’s all over.

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