My first gig at the O2 arena. I turned up without a ticket hoping that on the off chance I would be able to pick one from a tout. On approaching the entrance a bloke chatting to some lads, stopped, turned walked straight towards me and ushered the words 'you want ticket?' almost as if it had been a prearranged meeting. A period of intense negociation ensued, 'How much?', 'Forty!!' 'ok how about thirty' 'No I don't have that amount' 'ok how much will you pay?' 'urgh... twenty?' 'Ok meet you half way 25' 'urgh don't really have, that much, 'twenty is all I have got' 'ok twenty then' 'done'. A fair price for the gig but what I discovered at the entrance was the ticket was for the balcony viewing. Now the balcony viewing was fine by me, I was no mood for a night of mad raving, so settling for an appreciative, nod the head and occasional handclap viewing was fine by me. The problem with the balcony though is been able to see the spectable. I am relatively tall so getting a good view has never been an issue at concerts, however my height is negated by the balcony where even a person of half my size can be a distinct pain in the eyes if stood in front. I managed to set myself up with a decent enough view eventually peering through a tunnel of heads an shoulders and did enjoy the gig.
Grammatics supported, not really my cup tea but there were occasional glimpses of some interesting ideas. The celloist sported a very sleek, hollow, cello which I comment on only for not having seen one before. Definitely a trend setter.
Bloc Party were just as epected really, Kelly's usual random musings between songs, Russel's stoney faced unflustered pragmatic persona more akin with a male form of a Stepford wife, matt the drummer playing like the cookie monster and Gordon witty and understated throughout. Will add the setlist at some point. Good gig, and the first time I have experienced first hand the rivalry between the balcony and the floor. I think the balcony started it.