River's Weblog

WESTLIFE 07/05/08

river92 — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:13:19 +0000

*SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO HAVENT SEEN THE SHOW YET*

Who: Westlife supported by Annabel Fay
When: 7th May 2008
Where: Westpac Arena, Christchurch

My three friends and I arrived at the Westpac Arena just after 7.30pm. There were still a lot of parks and we got one just beside the entrance door. Before finding our seats we bought some drinks to keep us going throughout the concert. Then we set off to find our seats which were directly to the right side of the stage. We were quite high up, but there were still people above us. So we had a good view of the stage, as well as what was going on behind the stage.

We hadn’t sat down long when New Zealand singer, Annabel Fay, took to the stage. Her set was 30 minutes long, she sang seven songs including hits ‘Lovin’ Ya Baby’ and ‘Shake it Off’. She also did a cover of ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ by Dusty Springfield. Annabel Fay is a very talented singer, with a really good voice. However she didn’t interact with the crowd or move around the stage enough. In between songs she spoke about this being her first time to Christchurch and that she loved this beautiful city. She said she was very excited to see Westlife too. Which the crowd cheered happily about. One thing that was disappointing was the feedback which happened about 5 times during her set. I had heard bad things about the sound in the Westpac Arena, but apart from the feedback it was perfect.

So the houselights came on again and it was time to get the stage ready for Westlife. I must say I wasn’t impressed with the music they played during this time. It was all older, slow stuff which did nothing for getting the crowd excited and ready for the main act. Looking around, the crowd also had a lot of younger fans, so some modern, more up-tempo music wouldn’t have hurt. After a long wait finally the lights dimmed and the crowd began to get excited, screaming and cheering with excitement. Spotlights turned on, moving slowly around the arena. The band began to play then all of a sudden there were lots of fast-flashing green lights as the band began to speed up. The curtain fell to the floor and Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark were revealed wearing big black suits lined up in a row onstage as they sang ‘Hit You With The Real Thing’. They then ripped off the bottom of their costumes, turning it into a big long coat and sang ‘World Of Our Own’. Then they performed their newest single, ‘Something Right’

Kian then began to talk and a girl in the audience yelled something. “You think I look hot? Well thanks, because I was actually about to tell you a story.” He replied. Westlife had been in New Zealand for two days and one of their suitcases had been lost at the airport, which contained one of their costumes for the show so they had to go to a suit shop in Christchurch and buy some. They then sang one of their favourite songs off their second album, ‘What Makes a Man’. After that they sang a slow version of the ‘Uptown Girl’ chorus before launching into the full song, complete with a dance routine with umbrellas. They then ripped off the sleeves of their jackets. They performed a couple more songs including ‘If I Let You Go’. Then Shane talked to the audience, saying how glad they were to be back here, and it was there first time to Christchurch. They’d only been to New Zealand once before, 8 years ago. They then sang ‘Mandie’, at one point changing the words from ‘Oh Mandie’ to ‘Oh Christchurch’ which the audience cheered for. Westlife left the stage to change while the band did a cover version of ‘Naughty Girl’ by Beyonce.

The boys returned to the stage wearing white Tartan pants and launched into a cover of Justin Timberlake’s hit ‘SexyBack’ as well as Michael Jackson’s ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, ‘Get Down On it’ by Kool & the Gang’s, Wham’s ‘I’m Your Man’ and Robbie William’s ‘Let Me Entertain You’. Then Westlife left the stage to get changed once again while the band performed a slow tune.

‘I’m Already There’ was the song Westlife sung when they returned to the stage wearing jeans and tee’s. Then Shane talked to the crowd about how New Zealand held there first number 1 outside of the UK, as well as their Platinum Disc. We were then told they were going to do a bit of an acoustic session with some of their well known power ballads. As well as pointing out that the drummer had no shoes on and that Kian would be playing the guitar. Mark, Nicky and Shane sat down and sang Unbreakable, Queen of My Heart and Fool Again. Then they performed ‘Catch My Breath’ off their new album. Then Mark spoke to the crowd asking them to scream and make some noise, then thanked the audience for their support over the past 10 years. They performed ‘Home’ a hit off their new album.

Westlife changed once again, for the third time that night, and came back wearing suits only slightly different to their first costumes. They sang ‘Us Against the World’ and Nicky began to speak, asking for the houselights to be turned on. He then directed us to make a ‘Mexican Wave’ or as they called it a ‘New Zealand Wave’. After that was done Nicky pointed to a sign reading ‘I STOLE YOUR LUGGAGE’ to which he replied ‘You’re lucky you’re all the way back there!’. A front-row fan passed a soft toy sheep up to Nicky and he asked the crowd ‘Is it true that there are more sheep in New Zealand than people? Because there are more cows in Ireland than people.” “We’ll make a cow noise and you make a sheep noise, so we’ll go ‘meeh’ (no idea how to spell it. Haha) and you go ‘baah’” Then this turned into a big argument between the four guys on stage on what noise a cow makes. They were all laughing and the argument lasted for a long time! But it was very cool to see them on stage just acting like a group of friends. And it definitely had the crowd laughing.

They then played ‘Swear It Again’ before saying their goodbyes, once again thanking all the fans who have stuck with them. They performed their massive hit ‘Flying Without Wings’ and left the stage.

But of course that was not the end. They came back out again for an Encore ‘When You’re Looking Like That’. They left for what we expected to be the final time, but the lights didn’t come back on, so the crowd asked for another Encore. The band started to play a ‘My Heart Will Go On’ instrumental and then Westlife returned once again to perform ‘You Raise Me Up’ in their white suits (!). Westlife’s set had gotten through with (almost) perfect sound until the very last note which sent out some feedback. Otherwise I was pleasantly surprised with the sound.

Overall this was an awesome concert. It wasn’t really what I expected at all. I loved the covers, but I also loved to see their famous hits performed live right in front of me. If you ever get the chance to see Westlife Live…go for it, you’ll have a great time. They’re really nice guys and have a wonderful live show.

*Sorry if I got who said what wrong…hopefully I got it right though. And if you’re going to the other Westlife shows in New Zealand…or anywhere else in the world, I hope you have fun! I sure did. *

River.

My Chemical Romance Concert Review(06/12/07)

river92 — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:14:26 +0000

Who: My Chemical Romance supported by Circa Survive and Streetwise Scarlet
When: 6^th December 2007
Where: Vector Arena, Auckland

My three friends and I left our hotel just after 7pm and caught a taxi to the Vector Arena where My Chemical Romance would be playing. When we arrived twenty minutes later it was raining lightly, but that didn’t seem to bother hundreds of people waiting in line in anticipation to enter the Vector Arena where they’d see one of the top bands in the world. Ours were seated tickets which we had bought from pre-sales almost five months earlier. We were told to line-up for Entry-E, the longest queue. To pass the time we took photos on our phones. I didn’t take my digital camera, I didn’t want to risk it getting taken off me, but now I wish I had, it would have been worth the risk. After about 15 minutes we were inside the Vector Arena. We bought some ridiculously expensive, but much needed water. By the time we got inside the stadium New Zealand band, Streetwise Scarlet were already playing. We found our seats, directly to the right side of the stage. We couldn’t believe we were so close, less than 10 metres away. Not only did we have a good view of the stage, we could also see a lot of what was going on behind the stage.

I had seen Streetwise Scarlet play before, so I knew they were good live. We only heard two of their songs. Then the lights came on in the arena and they began to set-up for support act Circa Survive. By now the Vector Arena looked two-thirds full. Quite a few seats were empty and there was still room to move around in the floor area.

Twenty minutes later the lights were out again and Circa Survive were on. I didn’t know any of their songs, but they sounded pretty good live, and I’m sure their fans thought they were great. Mid-song an unexpected explosion startled the crowd. We were still on the edge of our seats when another explosion rang out across the stadium during Circa Survive’s last song. Collective relief swept through the crowd as lead singer Anthony Green set our minds at rest. The culprits were none other than the guys from My Chemical Romance. Apparently it’s tradition that bands play pranks on each other in their last show together. In Anthony’s words ‘blowing shit up on stage behind them’ was definitely one of the best. He said it nearly gave them a heart attack. I’m glad we weren’t the only ones shaken up. Circa Survive left the stage and the lights in the Vector Arena came on again.

The Vector Arena was filling up now, hardly any seats were left, and the floor was almost full. New Zealand had come to see My Chemical Romance. During Circa Survive’s set we saw many people get pulled out of the mosh pit by security guards, many of them looking exhausted and ready to faint…and the main act hadn’t even started! It took at least half an hour to get the stage set for My Chemical Romance. At 9.30 the lights faded and the audience began to scream…

Bob Bryar (Drummer) had injured his wrist a couple of months ago so he couldn’t make it to New Zealand. Instead Tucker, the drummer from ‘Thursday’ was filling in. Ray Toro (Lead Guitarist) was the first to come on stage, soon Mikey Way (Bassist) and Frank Iero (Rhythm Guitarist) followed. They began to play, and when lead singer Gerard Way walked out on stage in front of twelve thousand screaming fans the atmosphere in the Vector Arena was on fire. Just before My Chemical Romance came out I noticed there were gas flames near the instruments. It became clear why when huge flames lit up around the stage. The flames were incredibly hot even from where we were sitting, so it must have been scorching hot for the band.

After the intro the band began their first song ‘This Is How I Disappear’ off their latest album. There were lots of white, bright, flashing lights and fireworks. The band were very enthusiastic and full of energy. Gerard interacted well with the crowd, prompting them to sing without him occasionally. The band then performed ‘Dead!’ with more fireworks. After their second song Gerard Way began to talk ‘This is amazing, you guys are the best fucking crowd so far’ and then asked the crowd if it was alright if they continued. The crowd screamed their consent. They performed ‘I’m Not Okay (I Promise)’ with lots of flashing lights, Frank occasionally singing too. The crowd were really getting into it now.

Before they performed ‘Give ‘Em Hell Kid’ from their second album, ‘Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge’ Gerard spoke of ‘turning tricks’ to support his drug habit before My Chemical Romance formed. Gerard Way makes no secret of his former drug and alcohol habits from which he is now clean. Then the band performed ‘The Sharpest Lives’ off The Black Parade album. It amazes me how Gerard Way manages to sing the first chorus of that song, there’s not much time for breathing. They then launched into ‘Mama’ which received a very good response from the crowd. Just about everyone was singing along as flames burst across the stage.

Then they played my favourite My Chemical Romance song, ‘Cemetery Drive’, another older song. I saw Gerard count the band in as to when he’d start singing. I was very excited they were playing this song, and they did an amazing job of it. Gerard had complete control of the crowd which was shown when at the end of the song when he told the crowd to repeatedly sway their hands. As soon as he said stop, everyone stopped.

Then they played one of their biggest songs, ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’. I’m sure everyone in the crowd sang along from start to finish. There was heaps of awesome pyrotechnics and lights during this song which made it even more enjoyable. The lights went out and after a while Gerard began to sing a very slow tune, everyone was quiet as they tried to figure out what song it was, holding up glowsticks, lighters and cellphones. I had heard they had a new song which they had occasionally been playing, and thought this song must have been it but then I recognized the lyrics. He was singing the chorus of ‘I Don’t Love You’ in a different tune. The band then started ‘I Don’t Love You’ properly from the beginning The crowd sang along at the top of their lungs.

They then did ‘House Of Wolves’ which most people seemed pretty into. Before the next song Gerard asked the crowd if they thought highly of themselves, there was some mixed answers from the crowd. Gerard then informed the crowd that everyone on the stage thought highly of themselves, and that the crowd should too. They then performed another of their older songs ‘You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison’. After the song Gerard said to the audience ‘You guys are lucky, tonight you’re gonna get a Ray Toro Solo’ the crowd cheered and screamed. They played one of their older hits ‘Helena’. Then Gerard talked for a bit longer because Ray was still not ready with his guitar. Ray performed an amazing guitar solo. In that time Frank, Mikey and the pianist had a break on our side of the stage. Gerard was over the other side watching Ray. At one time Frank waved in our general direction and Mikey threw his drink bottle which the girls next to us caught. The band then went back on stage together to perform their latest single ‘Teenagers’ which had everyone in the crowd singing and jumping around. ‘Sleep’ one of their more heavy songs was performed well with even more fireworks and lighting effects. At the end Gerard screamed the last notes of the song and he collapsed onto the stage and lay there for a long time. The other members left the stage and only the pianist and Gerard were left.

Gerard then stood up and sung a cover of Queen’s song ‘Flash’ before singing their own sad, slow song ‘Cancer’ which had the crowd singing along holding up glowsticks, lighters and cellphones once again. ‘Goodbye New Zealand’ Gerard quickly said as he rushed off the stage to join the rest of the band. From where we were sitting we could see them while they had a quick break, Gerard and Ray talking together and the others standing round.

My Chemical Romance came back on stage for an encore, first of all doing one of their songs only hardcore fans would know, ‘Desert Song’ which came with their DVD, Life on The Murder Scene. They finished with lots of flames, pyrotechnics and lights with one of their biggest songs ‘Famous Last Words’. The crowd sung their hearts out to this one, and the band performing the best they could.

It was hard to hear over the screams and shouting, the crowd knew it was their last song, but Gerard gave a final talk. The only bit I managed to pick-up was that they were going to go away for two years and to ‘behave while I’m gone’. With that My Chemical Romance left the stage. I watched as the band left the stage, they were only about 2 metres away from us. Gerard turned and waved to our part of the crowd. They went round the corner and were gone.

All in all My Chemical Romance play a fantastic live show, and straight after the concert, I wanted to go and do it all over again. They definitely gave 100% and looked like the enjoyed it. At one stage, near the beginning, I saw Gerard look at Ray, Ray must of said something and Gerard had this look as if he was saying ‘I Know!’ in amazement. I think he might have been meaning the crowd was really into it.

I hope we showed them how much we love them, and I hope once they put their new CD out they’ll come back again. Thanks to everyone the came to the concert and helped make the show what it was.

Review written by River Gibson (10/12/07)

Also…sorry if some things weren’t in the right order. It’s been a couple of days and I’m already forgetting bits from it *cries*.