White Lies Friends Tour -Update
Spring 2017
Well here I am again on the road this time I'm in 'Sheffield' making my way to the hotel for the past 20 minutes as I'm browsing around the city shops and buildings well I've got time to no need to rush.
Pleased and exhausted to find my hotel at last I check in and have a few hours to get ready, the tour kicked off in 'Newcastle' where the band were fighting to get there from 'London' due to #StormDoris ,they just about made it and are now here tonight in 'Sheffield Academy'.
Tonight's show is a lager soaked affair with the crowd quite rowdy but it goes well enough, the set list is the same as last years tour,After the show I catch up with the band and drummer 'Jack' reveals they are working on a new live track but it's not ready yet it's one from the album, hmm I'm intrigued it s good to catch up and chat with them all .
Next show is in 'Leicester' a place I haven't visited since 2001 , I arrive before doors rain soaked in the 02 priority queue I'm first in it but I have been looking around for hour before to find where to go and how to get around I'm new to this venue, I don't feel much like a priority as support band 'Alex Cameron' are still sound checking and the rain is not stopping.
When 'Alex Cameron' do take to the stage to start proceedings they are in a banter mood and talk to the crowd,the singer reminds me of 'Nick Cave' the way he moves and his hairstyle my fav song on the tour 'Feel Like Marlon Brando' because of the classic pop feel and the lyrics, one band member was on the Sax and at times he sat just watching us watching them until it was his cue.
Some time later 'White Lies' take to the stage at 8.45pm it starts earlier and after playing an energetic set,I notice the left hand side are going for it ,but the right hand side crowd are just not getting the vibe even 'Death' doesn't get some of the crowd into it ,I don't know why its the first headline show in 'Leicester' I expected so much.. its still a great show I enjoyed it.
My next destination is 'London' where my hotel is in 'Tower Hamlets' near to the glorious 'Tower Bridge' a lovely setting with a small harbour view from my window , I get comfy but not for long as its almost time to get ready my room is so lush I don't want to leave it but show 3 'London's Troxy' is in 'East London'.
'Alex Cameron' supporting again, and after doors opened and we got to the barrier behind us they were having an imprompteu photosession, the venue is quite En -Trend with one side looking like a bingo hall and the stage area looking theatrical.
We wait as 'White Lies' take centre stage the crowd are up for it you can feel the energy most of the fanbase is here for this one, its totally Sold Out, every song is appreciated the band are even stronger with the support behind them , The new song 'Jack' promised us 'Swing' makes an appearance (it was actually played in Hull the night before but nevermind) the 3 P's are back in the room tonight..
Power, Passion , Performance was witnessed this quite possibly was their best show they've played up to now.
I had no intention of waiting I knew there would be celebrations all night ,I headed back and left the next morning.
A Day off in between then 'Preston' not a place I think they've headlined either, tonight they play 'Preston Guild Hall' with support from local rock band 'Fighting' and 'Anteros' who will continue to support , its another good atmosphere with friends and new people , but as 'White Lies' come on quite late it's totally 'Sold Out', its a Bonkers Atmosphere people seem to want to drink more not enjoy the music.
The band get on stage later than expected turned 9.15pm already, the stage is low and the barriers are not fixed to the floor, midway through people were drinking again the barrier was edging toward the stage which was about 10 inches away I was concerned I'd end up on the stage,people are shoving but not because of the band cue the insane goings on... one woman nudges me and actually says "Whats his name?" clearly drunk I looked at her and thought are you for real .. when she found out his name when quiet and he's talking she starts yelling at him 'Harry Harry" arms flailing to grab him oh dear if ever I needed the ground to swallow me it would be now, he looked not amused and carried on !! I enjoyed the show no matter.
Then off to 'Coventry' for show 5 and this is the latest they get on stage after support from 'Andy Hopkins' Ex of 'The Enemy' new band 'Autopilot' the atmosphere is buzzing but crowd waiting ,9.45pm they arrive onstage and kick proceedings off with 'Take It Out On Me' its a pushy shovey gig and yes I get drenched in Cider , particularly 'Farewell To The Fairground' and 'Death' go down really well here,it appears not everyone familiar with the new tracks but its another stand out show for me.
Last show for me at least, Show 6 ..I have to travel from 'Coventry' all way to 'Keele' well actually 'Stoke On Trent' there is no railway station so its a train and a bus to get there,a 40 minute bus ride!! all because 'Coventry' was rescheduled when I'd got tickets to the show and that is miles away lol, I'm meeting my best mate at this show ,we are excited because neither of us have ever been to 'Keele' trying to get from our rooms to the Su was a lengthy trek we'd missed a bus .
So they are playing 'Keele SU' support from 'Divine Youth' and 'Anteros', well this is a surprise the crowd are great and over-exhuberant.. a bit crazy here,and Yes Lager was involved but they sang all the words and danced about if at times annoyingly barging into us on front row not apologetic either but it was great to end on this note, the band are loving it up there what a great show to end on I must catch up with them again for end of tour pics and chat about the Tour in general and chatting about future shows planned and some surprises not yet announced, its certainly a busy year for the band and it will be for me too.
We get back to our accommodation at 1am after trying to find it with only vague signs and google maps sending us the wrong way and oh my feet were killing me in these heels but boy it was fun.
So 'Friends' Tour is over for now this was my fav tour for this album, and I met some fantastic people along the way, including some familiar faces and some new friends Til the next time.
LM i xo
