Kylie Minogue-London Royal Albert Hall- 10.12.2016
Kylie Christmas
Let It Snow Experience
I Arrive flustered in my cab,to my hotel in swanky posh Kensington,its pouring down in London.I managed to get ready before setting out as earlier I'd been in 'Blackpool' I knew time would be short to do things.
On The steps is a fellow member of our crew The #KylieMassive ,I quickly checked in and greeted him before dashing off to get my heels on and do my make up and hair I'd already got dressed up before coming to London its lucky I did time was not on my side,I've got less than 30 Minutes before the doors open for reception .
As arrive at the Grand 'Royal Albert Hall' with my good friend and accompanier, I'm overwhelmed by the history, inside the venue the vast staircases and artwork are before me but I don't have time to take it all in, I have to book into reception to pick up a hospitality pass.
We are ushered into a lift that takes us right up to the top deck of the venue it looks very high up, higher than I'm used to,we are presented with our complimentary 'Kylie Christmas Programs and complimentary champagne (Drinks and food are free all night to those with hospitality,for the duration of the show).
I've not even got my coat off yet, I'm not relaxed, everything was moving so fast possibly with being late I'm never late.
There were xmas nibbles of food I didn't like, so I went over to the 'Help Yourself -Dessert Stand' and promptly devoured large marshmallows, Lemon Souffle Lollipops and some mini Eclairs.
I bumped into someone I know I've not seen since last summer so I chatted to him as well as with my set of people in fact all night people bumped into me left right and centre wherever I went it was hectic, but I'm having fun.
We are then given notice that there is 10 minutes til 'Miss Minogue' is on stage so I and my people wander off to the merch stand so I can buy some t-shirts etc.. the pop up shop inside the venue was only open til 4.30pm I'd well missed it ...so made up for it at the merch stand a lot of the same items were on sale there.... 3 mins til Kylie.....
We had to ascend and descend flights of stairs to get to the floor I was dizzy with exasperation and excitement trying to keep aloft in my 5 and half inch block heels.
As we took to our seats and donned our complimentary 'Santa Hats', I notice at the start we are close up only 8 rows back the stage is lower than I anticipated lucky I brought those heels now if only people wouldn't block my view I'd be ok (Throughout the show,some people going into the aisles taking photos it was a nuisance, they were'nt even from around Block A).
ACT 1
Kylie arrives on stage looking very regal in Red Sashayed Gown with Crown on her head as she sings 'The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' and removes the gown that has another outfit underneath it #QuickChangeKylie,the male dancers wore old fashioned military soldier's outfits for 'Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time' .
Still wearing her crown she speaks to us "Good Evening Royal Albert Hall" the crowd erupts she almost cant get a word in as she begins 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town' and 'The Waitresses' cover of 'Christmas Wrapping' .
'Kylie' reveals another outfit a Gold short dress with thigh high Gold boots, her female dancers have their legs up in air the with onstage chimneys ,its comical to watch, all you can see is legs til they pop up later.
End Of Act 1
We all go off for more free drinks during the interval and I relax a bit,I get a cold ice Cola (I don't like Champagne or wine much and need to remember the show obviously ) and some complimentary ice cream, I chat to friends as we meet in the 'Heineken Bar'.
Act 2
Back in our seats and 'Kylie' appears from the left wings of the stage, she has changed costumes again (All outfits were designed by Dolce Gabbana) she is now looking every inch the 'Snow Queen' in White floaty dress and huge snowflake head-dress.
A Slower version of 'Come Into My World' with a choir singing adlibs, then for the next song she is joined by .. joined by..
"Who The Fxxk is that "? an opera singer but I cannot see who it is ,Its not Alfie Boe its not her boyfriend ??? as 'Confide In Me' is sang 'Operata style, turns out its 'John Grant' a singer from America, she hugs and kisses him and Thanks him for being there,she begins another of my favs from 'X' album 'The One'.
In another Gold Sequinned costume (Looks like a swimsuit, with the legs cut up like shorts style )with another fantastically camp head-dress, another special guest and I know who it is , next is 'Better The Devil You Know' and its only 'Olly Alexander' from 'Years & Years'.
He looks amazing all in Silver with Silver Glitter Hair he looks like he has come straight from 'Panto' but looks fabulous, it leads us onto 'Kylie' 'Hits' mode with 'Celebration'.
ACT 4
Another guest dressed as a drummer girl in Red and White entered the stage it's 'Katherine Jenkins' for a duet of 'Your Disco Needs You' no 'Dannii' tonight on '100 Degrees' like last years show.
'Kylie' is wearing a gorgeous tassle detail dress with the colours of the 'Pride Flag' she looks like a diva, midway through 'Spinning Around' she tells us that "Its falling apart and theres not much of it now" she giggles she's lost tassles on the stage the crowd laugh so loud .
Now there's a new cover song in the set it's 'Christmas Lights' by 'Coldplay',I like the piano but it seems really hard to sing.
ACT 5
Yet another outfit change #SleazyKylie in a Black PVC All in one playsuit, (reminded me of 'Dannii Minogue' on the Unleashed Tour 1998 I don't often find anything similar in their style to even say that, they are both very different).
It's Getting Jazzy with a slowed down version of 'Locomotion' which is why I said #SleazyKylie the outfit wasn't racy but the sexy vocals and pace of the song was very #Sexy, then 'Cant Get You Out Of My Head' and an absolutely stunning version of 'Night Fever'.
As a Disco Ball comes down out above our heads high up its party time, she sings 'Rozalla' cover which is slowed down into a Christmas style version, then we had 'Love At First Sight' and 'All The Lovers'.
ACT 6
For the encore she comes back onstage for a 'Christmas' traditional carol 'Silent Night' wearing another glittery white outfit with winged sleeves she gets everyone singing along to 'Especially For You' the crowds scream as 'Kylie' gets emotional she cant get a word in for the raucous applause and cheers.
She ends with 'Wizzards' 'Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday' and receives a big bouquet of flowers, she wishes everyone a 'Merry Christmas' and says "Thank You", she cant seem to leave the stage so she takes time to wave to everyone and blows a kiss,then shes gone.
Off again we go to the bar with the #KylieMassive (Drinks are not free anymore now the show is over), but we sit chatting til the place shuts, I get back to my hotel at 2am absolutely shattered ready for bed , I notice how incredibly posh my room is and wish I could stay for longer to fully appreciate it.
These are the dreams of an impossible princess... as Kylie once said 'Merry Xmas To All'.
LMi xo
* "Happy New Year" To All The Giggers At ALL The Shows that I meet up & down The Country who make the experience exciting and fun without you guys & girls there would be no blogs to write they'd sound bland.
Chemical Brothers Blackpool Empress Ballroom
09.12.2016
Last year I bought a ticket to see these #SuperstarDJs in Manchester it turned out they were only going on stage at 2am I wasn't prepared to stay over for December fees in hotels , so I made the difficult decision not to go, I was gutted.
I felt better with the fact I'd only be missing 1 DJ as Ed had gone off the scene a year to take his masters degree in psychology, this year came the news that 'Chemical Brothers' were back on the road and doing a date in Blackpool so this time I was ready.
I arrive in Blackpool a place I visit a lot with intrepidation, I'm ready to book into my hotel which is right behind the 'Winter Gardens' with 2 hours to get ready for 6pm, no queuing required .
As I walk in to the venue I notice the décor and flashback to when I was last here I've crossed my own path 20 years ago , it felt surreal, there is a DJ on stage already,theres about 5 of us on the barrier,everyone else is at the bar.
The Atmosphere is building up, more people arrive its getting busy , the banter on the front row is fun and we are buzzing, one guy is doing the whole tour he's seen the Bro's more time's than I've seen 'Muse' !!.
Myself I've seen them twice 1st time in '1995' for 'Exit Planet Dust' Tour and again for 'Push The Button' Tour in 2005 in 'Manchester', yes they really have been going that long !!!
I was kind of introduced to 'The Bro's DJ Mixes and Collaborations by 'Tim' of 'The Charlatans' whom incidentally speaking I seen live in this very venue when I was a teenager.
They worked on mixes on 'The Charlatans' singles and also on similar projects with 'Primal Scream', 'Manic Street Preachers', 'Saint Etienne' they even mixed for 'Kylie Minogue' in 2003 on her no1 single Slow.
Much respected by many musicians and other DJ Tom they started life as drummer in 'Ariel' , Met Ed and then formed 'The Dust Brothers' (Having to change their name due to an American act of the same name) so it was then that 'Chemical Brothers' was truly born.
So on with the show ...lights are down now and green lasers, with their prisms of light beam pulsatingly over the stage and over our heads, the 2 guys Tom and Ed are now behind their monster DJ Deck Control area which is in darkness until 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' begins .
Everyone starts dancing and moving behind us and on the front we are going for it, I've been told tonight's setlist is the best we'll hear!! and it seems it is !!
As 'Chemical Beats' come's in over the fade of 'Sometimes I Feel So Deserted' the 'Old Skool' is in the house taking it to another level and lifting the crowd like a wave , with large screens showing Clowns, and actors in video visuals its a visual treat, but you aint seen nothing yet !!!
Just warming up.... 'Do It Again' gets everyone in a frenzy 'Star Guitar' mellows us out for a time, its like a washing machine cycle the way they work the crowd 'Start, Spin , Rinse-Repeat'.
The lighting effects and lasers are so impressive it feels like we are part of those well put together TV Highlights Show's you normally see on 'Glastonbury' but you're right in the moment its there happening right in front of you, your eyes wide with excitement like a kid in a fairground for the first time.
They've brought everything to the small venue, they are used to playing to Tens of thousands of people in one night at outdoor dance festivals.
The theme changes now to tracks from the 3rd album 'Come With Us' and the 2nd album 'Digging Your Own Hole' and 'Out Of Control' ( Bobby Gillespie on vocals), and even a storming version of 'New Order's Temptation a bit of 'Setting Sun' (Noel Gallagher on vocals).
Tracks are flying by so fast tonight that I can hardly catch a breath,Almost encore time more from albums 'Come With Us' and 'Surrender' including 'The Test' (Richard Ashcroft on Vocals)
Then came the Fantastic crazy violin madness of 'Galvanize' and 'Under the Influence' it's at this time the 2 Huge Red & Blue Robots appear either side of the stage with their flashing eyes and flashing lasers and animated special fx on their fronts.
It was awesome to witness ..they started small and gradually grew to 20ft tall their legs springing up it was spectacular my favourite bit in the whole show.
The Bro's then went on to mix 'Song To The Siren' and 'Leave Home' both from 'Exit Planet Dust' as if that hadn't sent anyone delirious by now.. they hit us with 'Block Rockin Beats'.
Lights go down again and a visual screen backdrop of Medieval and Religious imagery and emerge like stained glass windows behind them 'Tom & Ed' are just black shadows on stage now as 'Private Psychedelic Reel' closes the set.
When it eventually comes to the end of their marathon 2 hour set they both come over to the edge of the stage and reach out in a brotherly grasp of appreciation and clap and bow at the crowd, wave and then they were gone what a journey, what an awesome night, I'm sweated out from dancing.
I manage to catch up with 'Ed' a few hours after the set and I get a chance to tell him I've liked 'The Bro's' Mixes since 1995 and have all the 'Ariel' and Early 12" release's he seems impressed but there's not much time to chat as he's got a lift waiting to whisk them to London just time for a quick photo.
I went back to my hotel my ears still ringing realising a 20 year dream of a Bro's meet up, Rave up and now I'm over and out !!
Next Blog ...
'Christmas Is Coming To ...London...!
Lmi xo
Placebo Manchester Arena
20 Years Of Placebo
5/12/2016
The Very first time I seen this band play it was in 2009 at a venue in Manchester called 'Central',everytime I've been to their shows I've been impressed and had an appetite for more.
Tonight promises to be special its the 20 year anniversary of the bands career in one show, they promise to play #Everything we want to hear (well almost the most they can fit into 2 hours) So I just have to see them again , Bring It On.
I'm here with my mate and fellow gig buddy whom I've known now six years in fact she's more a fan of 'Placebo' than I was, we don't really start queuing too early its another cold day but I've brought the usual blankets and handwarmers, we queue at the chosen doors and do the number system as usual , I'm No4 today lol .
As we go in eventually through the doors, we queue for our wristbands, I get to the floor to the left of the middle of the stage again I'm lucky my mate manages to get the spot next to me it doesnt always work out that way.
Support band 'Minor Victories' are from the U.K. and have a female lead singer shes wearing a floaty green dress, their songs are not as I Imagine they sounded like a harsher Rock/ Indie band than they actually were ...but still it passed 30 minutes .
The stage is being prepared for 'Placebo' to get on the lights go down, a Huge Screen comes to life in front of us spanning the whole length of the stage backdrop, showing rare clips of #Placebo on stage, on TV, Brian talking ..clips of him with the late 'David Bowie'.
Its at least 20 Foot high in diameter that watching it is an exhilarating journey we feel we are wherever ever they are at the time its a nice effect to welcome us.
The Band come on stage to the first guitar twangs of 'Pure Morning' Oh How long I've waited to hear this live, they refused to play certain'Hits' at their shows ,but tonight its all about 'The Hits'.
Stefan comes over to the centre stage to get his bass hes dressed in Black and White Butterfly detail Suit , and sports a large quiff hes at least 7ft tall in frame and nimble, he looked magnificent, then the crowd go wild as petite 'Brian' walks over to his guitar to begin 'Pure Morning' Wow what a start!!
'Brian's hair was short similar to the 2000's image he had, he wore this lovely silver and purple eyeshadow which went well with his Crystal Blue eyes and eyeliner, he wore Black everything tonight ( I think he always does).
He had the crowd in control he spoke to us "Manchester how are you Enjoying our 'Birthday Party' So far" ?,crowd respond with energy and enthusiasm they played some new tracks 'Jesus Son' 'Devil in The Details'.
Later in the show more special effects as these amazing light panels come down during 'Space Monkeys' I feel we are witnessing alien arrival or something lol it looks very Sci-fi.
I can hardly take everything in its like having an out of body experience this has got to be their best show yet.
Next... one of my fav songs 'Protect Me From What I Want' and a special version of 'Without You I'm Nothing' a tribute to 'Bowie' in unseen video footage playing of 'Brian' laughing and joking with 'David' backstage a very moving tribute.
Back to the 90's '36 Degrees' were going right back in time now then he pulls back from that era teasing us playing 'For What Its Worth' and my fav single from 'Black Market Music' 'Slave To The Wage',then 'Special K' and stopping at 'Bitter End'.
First half over, Oh my are we going to get it? Are we going to get 'Nancy Boy'?? They come back on after the crowd roaring for more as we stamp our feet.
'Brian' speaks again "That was the Melancholic section now this is where we want to see you dancing!!" 'Teenage Angst' starts its getting squashy up front as the crowd surge and then 'Yes!! we got it 'Nancy Boy' Oh my god its worth getting squashed for, I've wanted to hear that played live for ages.
2nd Encore and they leave the stage and come back with drumbeats in the background, the lights went down minutes later for a final encore 'Running Up That Hill' the 'Kate Bush' song, 'Brian' is overwhelmed by the crowds response on this show, he bows and waves and with hand in a buddist pose he takes one final bow and they were gone .
It was a feast for the eyes and an assault on the senses 'Placebo' just proved they are as relevant as they ever were and still a force to be reckoned with even after 20 years ...Wow where does time go ,
I'm left smiling as I leave the venue... Once more with Feeling.....
* Special Thank you to 'Kerry' my guardian angel who booked my blankets in to the cloakroom so I could get my place at the front .
Next Blog ...We Get All Electro in Blackpool !!!
LMi xo
Nothing But Theives
Manchester Academy
01.12.2016
The first time I'd seen these 5 lads from 'Essex' it was back in April on 'Muse's Drones Tour,I was so impressed with their sound that I had to see them play live in their own show once they went on tour, I'd met up with 2 of the guys who were 'Muser's from the 'Drones' shows who were just as excited as me to watch them.
The first support band 'Airways' are like a Rock/Pop version of 'Arctic Monkeys' singer is quite overly confident asking us to buy the E.P. on the merch stand, before they even played their set in full #Cheeky.
They were good and the guitarist on the left was quite entertaining and quite tall with floppy hair, at the end he took over the stage doing the old 'Guitar Feedback' trick,leaving it screeching at the amp as they leave ..Hmm quite a start.
Up next a band getting a lot of attention who I thought on first listen were full of promise, 'Vant' unfortunately the problem with them is there is just too much going on for one band in terms of pushing the boundaries of their sound .
Their image is kind of Hippy Psyche Rock,they are a bit outspoken and politically correct which is ok but its not even their own show!!?? 'Karma Seeker' was the song that I liked originally , but they don't sound anything like the last song they play, it was simply all over the place really, I couldn't pin down what they were trying to achieve they seemed to get lost.
The crowd are getting closer for the main act, up next on stage, there are Gold lights trailing through the stage set up with a drum kit up high, and a lot of stage space up front, there is also a rather impressive catherine wheel shaped decoration above the backdrop looks quite christmasy.
They come onto the stage with 'Itch' a song I'd heard in 'Birmingham' and thought 'Yes!!' they also played 'Hostage' and 'I Get High' and then 'Painkiller'.
The crowd went crazy for 'Connor Mason's vocals with his impressive falsetto he stands out, even when looking casually dressed in his now sweat drenched White shirt by the time he'd gone through 'Wake Up Call'.
He sounds like he's taken lessons from the School of Rock think 'Matt Bellamy' and 'Daniel Johns' (Silverchair) when he sings the slower album tracks he nails it all over again with the soulful 'Lover Please Stay'.
Connor has amazing vocal range both Rough & Smooth,not to miss out their talented Bass Player and Drummer doing a stellar job up there, they were all on point for this their first Headline tour since the release of their debut album.
After the start of the encore they end with 'Ban All The Music' they are a band who are heavily played on the music video channel 'MTV Rocks',I've known most of their early singles without realising it, they remind me of 'You Me At Six' when they rose to fame I think when 'Nothing But Theives' play festivals next year they will be Huge.
A Great Start to December !!
Next up an Anniversary Show from A Rather Big Rock Band...
LMi xo
The Cure Manchester Arena 29.11.2016
This band I remember mainly from '1990's Era formed of 'Souixsee & The Banshees' members 'The Cure' were formed in the ashes of the original line up of the late 70's.
They were then predominantly 'Gothic' til their more lighter pop surfaced in the mid to end of the 80's on 'High' and 'Kiss Me Kiss Me' albums and of course from the 90's era they proved to to be an unstoppable force which spawned some glorious singles.
So why has it took me so long, well they don't tour often and choose to play 'Italy','France' and 'America' than over here in the U.K. when I heard about this tour I just had to get a ticket and Go.
I arrive early morning with blankets and handwarmers and a supply of food, to no one queuing its deserted "I thought where is Everyone??" I found that 'Cure' fans don't queue they just turn up.
However I quickly met up with some cool fans who were following them on this tour we set about numbering up people and kept warm whilst we waited, it was very cold that the trip back to local fast food outlet and toilets was necessary and a blessing in disguise.
Even as the doors open early at 5.30pm there are only 30 of us , I quickly break the news about the venue being a nightmare and to watch the stairs theres no rail, my aim is to make sure as a group we end up at the nearest door and we look out for each other , the fans are fun to hang out with were mainly girls most from America travelling to Europe to see the band.
Something's gone amiss already the guys queueing at the end door were told it wouldn't open and then they opened it... but luckily they joined our queue in number order ,it took a lot of shouting for me to get people to step back and let them in its only fair they are numbered,but we managed it.. just, the saving grace is there is only at least a 100 and up to 40 of us are numbered.
We're awaiting wristbanding and go down Rule 1 : Never worry about getting to the front barrier until you are on the floor its no use looking at what's going on and panicking.
I manage a polite jog and run for the barrier centre I note that most of my team of giggers made it too from what I can see #Relief.
Support band 'Twilight Sad' were supporting I've seen them a few times, they are on early in readiness for 'The Cure' to start an earlier timeslot they are an Indie band spawned of a love of 'Glasvegas' and 'Joy Division', lead singer has changed he's a shadow of the man I remember now very slim .
By 7.30pm 'The Cure' appear on stage with a track I don't recognise,'Robert' hadn't changed that much with his wild hair smudged lipstick heavy black eyeliner and trademark baggy jumper , there are only 2 original members as 'Lol Tolhurst' the original drummer left a while back.
So bassist 'Simon Gallup' and 'Robert' are the visualists tonight with 'Simon' doing his best 'Joe Strummer' impersonation in a 'Iron Maiden' t-shirt, doing his rock star thing on the amps.
The crowd are laid back and seem to be taking a while to get into it, there is not much chat from 'Robert' its hit after hit the brilliant 'The Walk' that has that delicious hook on keyboards and the inspired 80's sound captured in underground clubs all over the U.K. and U.S.A. at the time and the hits keep coming with 'In Between Days' ,'Pictures Of You' and title track from album 'High' from 1990.
We get 'Love Song' and the absolute indie classic 'Just Like Heaven' from 1987 with those recognisable chords on guitar, everyone is bouncing to it now its on ,they go off the stage for an encore.
The screens used in backdrop of the set are awesome the effects hi tech state of the art animation and video visuals, as 'A Forest' begins the next set ..I'm surprised as they walk off again I've never seen so many walk on walk off in one show guitar changes and equipment tweeks phew!.
They arrive back for another encore with the ultra dark 'Lullaby' with a spider climbing in a web behind 'Robert' and the band ,its fascinating to watch no expense spared technological genius in fact.
I cant believe I'm hearing my fav 90's song 'Friday I'm In Love', there was so much more to come 'Boys Don't Cry' and the stand out personal moment after 'Close To Me' where 'Robert' came around the mic stand sneakily with hand up to his face crouched and stared at me and the fans on the front row I actually got eye contact ,I think he liked my hat, a fellow gigger noted .
Then off they went again I wondered what it was.. 3rd encore in during 'Why Cant I Be You' and after 'Robert' put his hands together in a 'Thank you' to us he mouthed the words "That's it Thank You,Goodnight" the reason I was stunned he'd gone off is normally there are more songs in a 'Cure' set but I guess the crowd weren't hungry enough or the venue wanted it to finish for 10.30pm.
It was a shame I didnt hear 'Never Enough' which I was holding out for I wanted 'Lets Go To Bed', 'Wrong Number', but having said that they did play some absolute classics tonight, I finally got to see their show.
It was great commeradrie between the fans and a truly great night out.
#IndieGold
See you soon Gigger's!!
LMi xo
