I can't believe a month ago today, I saw one of my longtime favourite pop bands at The O2; an arena I've
always wanted to visit for a show. I've been
outside The O2 twice in previous years before, but this is the first time I bought a ticket for a performance =) To say it lived up to my expectations is an understatement. This was my first evening of my travels flying out of Toronto and into London. I was severely sleep deprived due to the nature of working straight shifts, including the day of my flight. It all worked out since it kept my body awake to the timezone.
The concert was phenomenal and Ella Henderson did a wonderful job! All of her songs from her opener, except "Ghost", were something new for me to hear. It's nice she also takes part in writing some of her material. I wish her album was available at the souvenir section, but that's why Steve Jobs created iTunes ;). Her voice is versatile, and most solo singers with natural talent rarely get good songs to showcase their sound. I really did admire her vocals and hope she's able to come over to Canada in the near future.
set list:Glow
Pieces
Mirror Man
Empire
Yours
Rockets
Billie Holiday
Ghosts
I have two Take That tour DVDs;
Beautiful World Tour, my sister's favourite since it was the comeback and
Circus Tour, which is my favourite because it's the last one with all four of them before Robbie Williams
ruined everything.
The set for this tour was diverse, even though this is the only tour I've seen live. A lot of what was incorporated was inspired from previous music videos and live performances. The buskers who opened after Ella wore the outfits from memorable songs ranging from the early 90's into the present. It was a good tribute, especially since it's now three members remaining (I hate you Robbie Williams; you could've left in peace but you had to take Jason Orange down as well).
Once again, there's a lot I liked about the set; "Shine" was performed in its original format with the sparkles and suits, "The Garden" was an underwater experience, "Relight My Fire" used fans as a part of rhythm in choreography and "Back for Good" was done on stools! Mark made a point after introducing the rest of the band it was their second night at The O2 and this would be their second time officially performing in the original form, sitting on stools. I honestly can't wait until the tour DVD comes out. I saw posters all over Belfast and Dublin that a live telecast would happen in the theatres June 19 of Take That at the O2, so I'm hoping they use it for their tour DVD!
set list:
I Like It
Love Love
Greatest Day
Get Ready For It
Hold Up a Light
Patience
The Garden
Up All Night
Said It All
Could It Be Magic
Let in the Sun
Affirmation
The Flood
Flaws
Relight My Fire
Back for Good
Pray
Portrait
These Days
Rule the World
Shine
Never Forget
Side note: Right when I entered the O2, I circled around to our gate and saw Donovan their drummer walking in my direction before the show! I wanted to give him a hello but his cellphone rang. My friend thought I was crazy until the mid-way through the show Gary, Howard and Mark introduced the band members one by one and she saw Don's face on the jumbo screen. Yep, NOT crazy!
I'll organize the remainder of my trip in entries mainly by day. Of course, people will like to see more pictures than text, so I'll work on that as well! I now end this with the lovely Mexican food I ate outside The O2 before the show =)
