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MONTHLY ARCHIVES
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25/03/2008 - Ella at the NIA hello
25/03/2008 - Darmstadt 21 March 2008 So I needed another fix after the last two shows in London so on a whim bought a ticket for the Darmstadt show, flights to Frankfurt were the cheapest of any of the upcoming European shows, so that seemed like as good enough reason as any!
Got to Darmstadt in the afternoon and wandered around forever to find the venue; another demonstration of my general rubbishness-no address and an inability to speak German and therefore I didn’t ask anyone, but found it before I had a panic attack/cried like a girl on the thought of coming all this way and missing the gig!!
Great looking venue, and heard Mobius Band sound checking from the café opposite where it was time to have a therapeutic drink! So first on, Mobius Band again, really love those guys, they put on a great show, so much enthusiasm and character. Must buy their album when I get back. Seemed strange to be in a relatively small town in a smallish venue to see Editors, they do now own the larger stages, as demonstrated at Alexandra Palace recently. Editors came on and the sound seemed quite quiet...unless it was just quiet at the front...but it sounded fantastic...just not very loud. Tom seemed to put his whole being into the performance, no idea how he has so much energy.. They were unfortunately cursed with some technical problems again tonight though, poor Chris was having some issues with his guitar, and looked a tad miffed, so feeling for him, and being at the front, I thought it a good idea to offer assistance, and as I can’t fix electrical faults I proffered; ‘Chris, do you need a hug?!’, to which I got a ‘what?’ and a look from him which suggested, ‘no, I don’t need a hug off some random girl, I just want my freakin’ kit to work’! However they completed the set triumphantly; this particular crowd especially seemed to love Munich, wonder if this is the case at all German shows?...For me, hearing the first notes of The Weight of the World never fails to stop my heart momentarily…beautiful After the fantastic evening, a two hour ‘sleep’ in my salubrious lodgings with my buzzing mind and the sound of my rumbling stomach keeping me awake (as I realised in my excitement I’d forgotten to consume anything all day apart from a glass of wine and a biscuit)...before a very early flight back to London… Enjoy the rest of your European tour boys and endless thanks for your unforgettable performances and beautiful music- which lifts us ordinary souls to another place, I might even make another impromptu trip somewhere...hugs will still be on offer to anyone in need of emotional support! Sam xxxx
14/03/2008 - Glasgow I have seen Editors so many times live now I have almost lost count, however every time they come back to their second homeland (presumptuous of me I know but they seem so delighted when they return) they continue to excel. Their confidence grows with each performance and gone are the young, almost nervous looking four piece I saw first in King Tut’s and now is a solid group of animated and resounding individuals. I was fortunate enough to go to both Glasgow shows and they were both in one word magical. The sets still have the diamonds that are Bullets, Blood, Munich and My personal and so many others live favourite that is You Are Fading. When you see this track played live you will know why so many fans are stricken with awe. The sheer volume of emotion and the tidal wave of glee that the crowd exude is emotionally mind blowing. Now, of course the addition of the new material has made a sine wave of maturity fuse through the set, its like watching someones life on stage. An End Has A Start is a phenomenal live track and really got the crowd going, Bones also has the ability to cause a fantastic reaction, the songs are so well written in terms of the heart felt lyrics and musicianship that they provide a transport for fans to jump on. The Cure cover Lullaby was played both nights much to my delight and for fans that were not aware of the bands you saw some people whispering to one another and realising joyfully what song it was. The acoustic addition of Tom on guitar with the wonderfully witty Russell was beautiful, the track in question Push Your Head Towards The Air, a different take on it but it worked like a symphony. When you see them on stage all one by one the boys all have their own dynamic and original quality that they bring to the performance, Tom with his awkward body movements, the sheer energy that comes from this showman makes you just want to feel what he is feeling. Russell is the strong standing man who brings his fantastic humour when he is performing from time to time you see this smile creep up on his face when he looks out to the sea of the crowd. Chris masters his instrument perfectly and bounds about, without his sound, his playing, his presence Editors would no where near be complete. And finally, Ed Lay I don’t think people realise what a superb drummer this man is his energy never falters and his backbone to the set is unmissable. For this generation this band have to be seen live. They are the live band of my modern generation and will continue to blow my tiny mind at every single performance. Special mention to all the supports that were Mobius Band, Make Model, Broken Records and especially Frightened Rabbit the music world is in for a treat with all these treasures. Glasgow salutes you.
11/03/2008 - London 06/03/08 I’ve got a million things to say. But for once I can’t find any words that are up to the job. So here’s the Ally Pally gig through the lens of a camera. I really liked the first support band – Red Light Company. As well as looking very stylish, they sounded good.
Mobius Band – these guys are definitely growing on me! Wasn’t too sure about them in Birmingham, but tonight they rocked.
I was well placed to get pictures of Chris. So here are some. How much does the camera love him and his Rickenbacker?
All right – my camera also loves Tom (who doesn’t?)
This is ‘Push Your Head Towards The Air’. The minimalist treatment – with Russell on piano – is beautiful. I even felt a bit tearful at one point (managed to avoid drowning, though!).
And this photo didn’t quite go according to plan, but I thought it had a certain surreal quality and left it in. They really are ants now.
11/03/2008 - Alexandra Palace - London well I didn’t think it could get any better… I went to the first Alexandra Palace gig with not-so-high-hopes after a friend told me he saw (the fantastic) New Order there a few years before and that the sound was terrible… BUT no, Editors blew the roof off as per usual, we all went home with a collective tear in our eye..we even overlooked the brief problem of the sound during the encore (Tom said something about beer and mixing desks not mixing..!) BUT, then was the second Alexandra Palace gig… I think I died and went to heaven...sound, performance.. unbelievable, definitely helped by our front-row positions at the gig! My ribs and hips are severely bruised from the barrier..but you boys are worth it!! Tom, Ed, Russell you are stars, and sorry to single one individual out.. but Chris...you are a god..! (And sorry for any semi-lewd comment that might have accidentally left my mouth!) Look forward to seeing you guys soon..maybe in Europe..! sam xxx
04/03/2008 - Manchester The end of the road trip and my last blog. Must say I have enjoyed writing these. Though not sure if you have been enjoying reading them lol. Driving back north, up the M6, after last night’s show was peppered with moments of sadness at not following the band and crew south, down the M5. But it was also nice to be heading home for the bliss of sleeping in your own bed. Which finally came a little before 3am. I do like the Apollo in Manchester. It is a nice venue to see a band in. Despite the band being set quite far back on the stage (prolly so the people up in the circle can see them). Their last gig there, back in October, was fabby and this one was as equally as great. And to complete the feeling of déjà vu, we had the same spot we had last time which was in front of Russell. There was a bit of an ugly scene at one point and I hope the young lady that was on the receiving end of it is ok and had a great gig despite that idiot. Setlist wise, it was the same as it has been since Glasgow 2. The piano surfing count was just one. But he crossed the empty space from his position to the front stage very frequently. As did Russ. The full stage set up was on show, beaded light curtain and all. And the old couple dancing made a welcome return after getting the night off in Doncaster. Poor things, must have been all tired out. I could go on, again, about how great this band are live but I can’t think of many more words to describe just how amazing their gigs are. Oh hang on… here is one I don’t think I have used so far..... Awesome. LOL.........Edith just played Elbow on her radio show… making us smile lots and bring back memories of leaning against the barrier waiting for the band to come on. That half hour was an odd one last night. Was great to hear Let’s Dance coming out the speakers as it meant there was only 30 or so mins till the band took the stage. But then as Kings of Leon started up, which is either the second last or last song before they dim the lights, a sad feeling passed over me knowing it was the last time I would be hearing it in this situation and the knowing that anytime I hear it in the future, it will always take me back to this tour and that feeling of excitement just before the band come out. The tune didn’t get the chance to finish as it was cut short, the lights went down, the lead in started up and we were off. I so want to use the phrase ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ at this point but they haven’t written a song called Action yet..... maybe on the next album lol. The gig flew past. So many great moments. Will say it again, Spiders… to gorgeous for words, Rats… sublime. The whole hand aloft and singing back at Tom in the break down, goosebumptastic. And before I knew it, I was screaming and clapping as Smokers built to its crescendo. Must confess I almost shed a tear. Not only in joy and elation but also sadness, that this was the last time I would be standing there in awe for quite some time. There was a kinda full circle moment last night on the drive home. Due to the cold weather I decided not to come off the M74 at Abington and take the winding A702 into Edinburgh. But instead, carried on up the motorway. This meant we would be coming back in to Edinburgh via the M8. Which of course is where the road trip started last Tuesday, driving to the first of the Glasgow dates. It was a clear night, so seeing the glittering orange lights of our home town getting closer and closer on the horizon, brought a sense of completion and back to reality. Think the only thing left to say is, thanks. To the band and crew for a wonderful 6 nights. It has been a blast being on the road with you and good luck for the rest of the tour. Thanks to those we have met and chatted with in queue’s etc. My car for giving us a hassle free trip. Mobius Band, great stuff. Anyone who has taken the time to read these. And of course a big thanks to my tour buddy and wife, Susan, who is currently having a snooze behind me, love sharing these trips with you and will apologise in advance if I am more grumpy that usual in the coming days as the post tour come down takes hold. Back to work tomorrow. ‘goodbye to everyone’ This is us signing off.
Gary and Susan
03/03/2008 - Doncaster Looking out the hotel window this morning, the area that last night was full with the tour buses and trucks and a hive of active due to the load out, is now empty. The only evidence of last nights gig is the garbage truck feasting on the pile of rubbish bags like some trash devouring monster. No doubt the crew are already parked up beside the Apollo in Manchester ahead of tonight’s gig. Some may be sleeping; others may be already unloading the gear. We, of course will catch them up later for what will be our last gig before heading back up north to Edinburgh. But there are more important matters at hand first, namely the Haribo shop in Pontefract. Which, we are currently heading to, and then on to the Trafford Centre for a bit more of retail therapy. Coming off the back of the Birmingham gig. The Dome provided an up close and intimate experience for both the band and the crowd. Basically it was a gig in a gym hall that was narrower than it was wide. Think, American college movie on prom night, and you will get the idea of the dimensions. Gone was the high stage (the front barrier was taller than it) and the huge gap between the band and the front row. The light rigging that usually sits just behind Ed was now strung up above the projector screen instead of below it and with fewer lights attached. We interrupt this blog to bring you a weather update….. Hail stones and sunshine. Needless to say the gig was fabby. Both crowd and band were buzzing like a really really hyper buzzy thing that had just been given a shot of an extra strong buzz pick me up. Maybe it was the day off that gave the band time to recharge after giving their all four nights in a row or maybe it was the hyper crowd, helped in their jumping up and down by the wooden floor, that lead to such a powerful and electric gig. For me it was all those things and more. What such a small venue did was to dilute the usual boundaries between band and crowd and force us together within the confines of its small space. They were right there in front of us and we, the sweaty screaming crowd, were right there, in their faces. There was nowhere to hide for either side. Each feeding of the others energy and passion and inspiring both to give even more (which we both did). And if both parties wanted to do so, they could reach out and touch one another. And as it turned out someone on our side broke ranks and made it on to their terrain during Smokers. Thankfully he was happy to have a quick boogie before being escorted away. Other things of note on the night were Tom standing aloft his piano only twice. Maybe he was worried about banging his head (yes that semi-pun is intended) on the low ceiling. The projector wasn’t used as much as is had been. Must confess the old couple dancing amongst the glitter balls and lights was missed during Push Your Head Towards The Air as it lends a nice warm fuzzy feeling to the song. And of course there were the most pullouts I have seen on the tour so far. So on to Manchester. Gary
03/03/2008 - Birmingham 29/02/08 Well I have made it to Saturday, the day of rest, at least for me and everyone involved on the tour. After 4 nights straight we have a night off. And I must admit, it is nice just to have some time to recharge the old batteries. I am typing this up as I wait for my wife to dry her hair, before heading out to do some retail therapy. Course I my job for today will just to be the bag carrier. It happened last night. Someone took a tumble. But the surprise is that it was not the, ever agile, Mr Smith. It was Ed. Doing his now customary ‘standing aloft his bass drum’ at the end of the show. He lost his balance and started to fall. Realising that gravity was winning the battle he tried to do a half turn and dive to make it look as though it was all part of the plan. Thankfully the smile and laughter from him that followed indicated that all that was injured was maybe a little of his pride. Course it would have to happen in front of the biggest crowd of the tour so far. 7000 sold out tickets on the floor and 4000 or so in the surrounding seats. This was my first time at the NIA and yes is it s big venue. And as a result there was a few additions to the stage. The first was a curtain of light beads strung out below the screen that lit up now and then till they turned on the projector. The next was cameras. They relayed on the stage action to the big video screens that hung either side of the stage so the people at right at the back could see more than just tiny matchstick people moving about. Height was also evident. Standing with their backs to the stage, the security guys heads didn’t even peak out above it and a few of them were 6ft plus. But the most obvious addition was space. There was oodles of it. Sure, the kit was set out in what appeared to be the usual dimensions but the extra space came either side of this and of course stretching out in front of them. And you know what.. it didn’t matter one bit. Any nerves they guys had about playing to such a big (and home town) crowd and in such a big space, very soon vanished as they all grew in confidence and stature and claimed every inch of the area around them. And in some ways it lead to a more animated performance than usual. Needless to say Tom was running and bouncing all over the place, relishing in the space that such a big stage provided. Russell was regularly seen spinning and bounding across the terrain like some bass yielding giant. Chris was the most animated I have seen him so far this tour. And of course Ed pounded away at the back, his beats sounding out a warning that this was his turf and be wary anyone foolish enough to try invade his domain. In this lies the thing that makes me a tad sad on reflection of last nights gig. They proved, if any proof were needed (Glastonbury), that they can command and master this size of venue and go on to even bigger ones. I am sure they could rock a stadium to its very core. So why I am sad?.. it is simple really. I don’t want them to play the bigger venues. They don’t need to. They could pack out smaller ones several nights on the trot. And to be honest, I think they prefer the smaller ones as well. The whole band seem to feed off the intimacy and energy the smaller venues provide. And of course in return the crowd feed of seeing the passion in their playing, the smiles on their faces, the effort and concentration oozing out of every pore as they give every note their all. This is what this band is all about. As great as their records are, Editors are a live band. A stage is where they belong and where they unleash the power and the passion they so what you to feel and be a part of. And the more focused and concentrated it is, the so much more the sweeter and rewarding it is for all concerned.
Gary
03/03/2008 - Birmingham Just to say that I travelled up to the Birmingham gig on 29th Feb from Wotton Under Edge, it was a joint Mothers Day, and 18th Birthday event with my daughter, and it was Fantastic. The support bands were excellent, we had watched the film ‘Hallam Foe’ a few weeks before so we were already fans of ‘Sons and Daughters’. I didn’t know what to expect as the band only have 2 albums, but we were both blown away, especially when ‘Bullets’ came on, I have pride in the fact that I predicted great things for the band from the release of that single. Then their live lounge song ‘Lullaby’ sent shivers down our spines. Well done boys - see you in Wembley!
03/03/2008 - Birmingham NIA I really hadn’t expected to get so far forward. At 5.30, I was still stuck at work 70 miles away. ‘You knew you had no time, but you let the day drift away’, plus a strong element of, ‘don’t say it’s easy to follow a process’ conspired to ensure that I wasn’t going to get away early. Then, having got quite caught up in normal, Friday-night M6 traffic, made a little bit worse by high winds, I arrived after the first support band had started, and made my way to a middling-decent standing place as best I could. So there we were waiting for our heroes for, frankly, a heck of a time. I did overhear one entertaining conversation behind me – a girl questioning her menfok about the band we were about to see. It went something like this: Girl: “What do Editors look like?” I heard some baffled muttering and the odd “pardon?” from the guys. One of them pointed out that she’d already seen them on TV. “No,” she persisted. “But do they have a lead singer?” We wondered about this. We felt the answer, “does the Pope wear pants?” was maybe a bit vulgar, under the circs. “Yes, but is he hot?” No one in her group was able to reply to this, probably because they were too busy laughing. 9.30. Come on, guys, it’s a long drive home for those of us who don’t live in Birmingham. And then, suddenly, there they were, doing ‘Camera’, a favourite of mine, so I, for one, instantly forgave them the long wait and the rubbish motorway journey. Everyone surged forward and I was carried forward, too. Tom told us this was the biggest gig they’d ever done. This surprised me slightly, but I guess festivals don’t count. It certainly had the most amazing atmosphere – it felt like a proper homecoming and we were all so proud of them. It’s something that always strikes me when I see Editors play (this was my fifth time, by the way). Editors fans are nice. They look after each other much more effectively than the crowds that follow other bands. Everyone knows all the words, we’re all united in something that closely resembles worship, and, though we’re quite a diverse bunch, we’re a proper community. The band were on brilliant form, too – this was a special gig for them and that really came across. Highlights for me were ‘An End Has a Start’, ‘Escape the Nest’, ‘The Weight of the World’, ‘All Sparks’, ‘Munich’ … we were all so glad we’d found this, and we would have been happy to keep singing about it all night. I also loved their version of ‘Lullaby’. I thought it worked really well, especially following on from ‘Spiders’, though it confused some of the audience – I guess there are people who don’t listen to Radio 1 and/or aren’t old enough to remember The Cure. I overheard one young guy say to another, ‘It’s a new song’, which showed just how well they’d succeeded in making the song their own, as they say on The X-Factor. All too soon, they were doing ‘Bones’ and ‘Fingers In the Factories’, and off they went, leaving us to calculate which songs were left for the encore. Well, it was ‘The Racing Rats’ of course, then the magical ‘You Are Fading’, and finally, the huge, uplifting finale of ‘Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors’. Thank you, Tom, Chris, Russell and Ed. I can’t wait to see you again at Ally Pally on Thursday.
Ros
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