Live Earth, Wembley Stadium, London - 07/07/07
I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about an event organised to bring people together to solve the climate crisis. Surely with all the lights needed to generate the concerts around the world and the private jets used to fly in the artists, a bigger carbon footprint would be left?!! I have to say though that after attending this monumental event (and I can't believe that I'm actually saying this), I do applaud what Al Gore is doing and if anything, I hope that this event has made more people aware of the issue. The righteous preachings of the hypocritical celebs can bugger off. My stance, even before the event, is this; while things like flying are a necessity of modern life, small things can hopefully make a difference so do try to do your bit (for e.g. use eco-friendly bags when out shopping or re-use plastic bags, recycle, wash your clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40 degrees and don't leave electrical goods on standby if at all possible). More tips here.
But I'm not here to preach because you guys are smart enough to make your own choices. I'm here to give a rundown of the artists who performed at the London concert, with ratings out of 10, so here we go...
Me, Matt, Nev & Tash turned up around 2 p.m. and had missed 2 acts; a "supergroup" kicked off the show and consisted of drummer Taylor Hawkins from the Foo Fighters, drummer Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen's Roger Taylor (damn) and Genesis who I was glad to miss because I can't stand them and the sight of Phil Collins makes me want to punch old women in the face.
The new Wembley Stadium is impressive and the Arch is a magnificent sight. The sound system was amazing - great acoustics.
What I found odd was the "security" checks. I had brought along a 1.5L bottle of mineral water (with the full intention of recycling the same after!) but they confiscated the TOP in case I decided to chuck it at Bloc Party or something, which was a bit dumb because chucking the empty bottle of water would give me a better chance of hitting the bastards. Anyway, the London event was hosted by the fatty Chris Moyles and the rather delicious Russell Brand (who took over halfway through) and here is my take on the acts: -
I wanted desperately to hate Razorlight as I think Johhny Borrell is a bit of a ponce but I take it back because they were amazing live. Rating: 8/10
Again, this was another band I wanted to write off (God I'm so bitter) but they were fantastic live and really got the crowd's spirit lifted with a touching sing-a-long at the end of "Chasing Cars". Rating: 8/10
They did an acoustic duet at the end of the catwalk. David Gray is not my cup of tea but I can see why some people dig his stuff. To me, hearing his music is the equivalent of watching paint dry. Damien Rice has an amazing and powerful voice, absolutely beautiful. The sing-a-long to "Que Sera Sera" was rather random but sweet, although David Gray managed to make his part sound like "Babylon". Ugh. Ratings: David Gray 3/10 (only because I can't stand his music); Damien Rice 7/10.
My boys! My darling Kasabian! They were a last minute addition to the show so good call on the organisers' part! My future husband Tom Meighan & co swaggered onstage, Tom wearing a funky Union Jack shirt and did what they do best - rocked the stadium! Rating: 9/10 (honestly, I am not being biased, check them out live and you will see)
Video of Kasabian performing "Club Foot" here
I was looking forward to Paolo Nutini as he's quite good from what I've heard and I was curious because I've read mixed reviews about his live performances. What can I say apart from this guy is a bit weird. Granted, he has a great voice but it's like a 90 year old crooner entered his body for the performance because that voice cannot belong to such a young, gorgeous guy! His singing pose was equally dumbfounding - the whole time he sang hunched with his left hand holding on to the mic stand for dear life. His performance was a bit boring although he redeemed himself with his final song. Rating: 5/10
Every time a Black Eyed Peas song comes on, I switch channels. So I was pleasantly surprised to be blown away by them. They burst onstage and injected some much needed energy into the crowd and sang, rapped, jumped around and danced their hearts out. Fergie's solo of "Big Girls" showcased her strong, clear voice. While I won't be rushing out to buy their albums, I give kudos to them for putting on one helluva show and working the crowd into a frenzy. Rating: 8/10
John played the piano and sang his most famous song. Nothing else to report I'm afraid: Rating: 6/10.
The truly revolting Geri Halliwell introduced Duran Duran and there was a less than thunderous reception (those who applauded were probably only being polite). The shameless wench unsurprisingly plugged The Spice Girls' reunion which was met with boos, jeers and heckles (My contribution: "It's not the Geri Halliwell show love! Piss off!"). Note: Rage Against The Machine reforming is a good thing, not The Spice Girls.
I was too young when Duran Duran mania came about but my sister was into them. There were loads of Duran Duran fans in the crowd. While I found them to be a little dated, I will give credit where credit is due as they were once the biggest band on the planet and their performances of "Ordinary World" and "Notorious" (video here) were quite good. Apart from that, I found them a bit bland. Rating: 6/10 (7/10 if they had played "Come Undone")
I always half joke that the Chilli Peppers post-drugs are quite boring but admittedly, this was an unfounded claim as I had never seen them live. They were introduced by Chris Rock and they were mindblowingly awesome. They got everyone on their feet. The Chilli Peppers reached the top a long time ago and judging from their performance, they intend to stay there. Video of "Dani California" performance here. Rating: 8/10
I can't f*cking stand Bloc Party so when they came on I decided to take a toilet break. I've seen them on interviews and they are rude, arrogant little shitheads and their music sucks. I don't get them at all. The only good thing about Bloc Party was the fact that Neve Campbell introduced them and I liked her on Party of Five and the Scream movies. Rating: 0/10
Oh, while I was queueing up for the toilet, I managed to pledge to "make the switch":
She only has that one hit ("Put Your Records On") so no one really cared about her first two songs. Good voice but otherwise a forgettable performance. Rating: 5/10
Classically-trained alternative musician from America now living in the UK. She sang acoustically. Great voice, reminded me of Tori Amos. Rating: 7/10.
Congratulations Keane, you are in the running for "The Most Boring Band on Earth". When they came on all of the middle-aged housewives went crazy. I mean, "Is It Any Wonder" is bearable but otherwise, they are, as Matt puts it, "Musical wallpaper". Rating: 4/10
Oh my God! Metallica were the BEST act of the night by far! There are no words to describe how bloody awesome they were. "Enter Sandman" was... WOW! Seriously, if you get a chance to see them, GO! Unbelievably amazing. Metallica, I bow down to your greatness. Rating: 10/10.
See Metallica performing Enter Sandman
The fictitious heavy metal band of the much loved Rob Reiner rockumentary/mockumentary classic This Is Spinal Tap reunited for the concert, how unbelievably cool and mad is that?! Rob Reiner, in character as Marty DiBergi, introduced the band as "the loudest and most punctual band on Earth, this is Spinal Tap!" and it was a hilarious, laugh a minute set. Highlights: the little people dancing around the model Stonehenge and Michael McKean a.k.a. David St Hubbins, introducing "every bass player in the known universe", only to have the likes of Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters), Robert Trujillo, Kirk Hammett, and James Hetfield (Metallica), Gordon Moakes (Bloc Party - yuck), Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA) of the Beastie Boys and Stuart Price (Madonna's bass player and manager) join him onstage, all playing bass for the last number... cracking stuff! James Hetfield was smiling and laughing away, devil worshipper my arse (see video here). Rating: 11/10 (because that's 1 more than 10)*
*If you have no idea what I'm talking about, rent the movie!!
Boring. Forgettable. Uninspired. Rating: 5/10
They came onstage wearing green suits (geddit??) and delivered a flawless, non-stop and highly energetic set which drove the crowd absolutely mental. Top class. Video of "Intergalactic" and "Sabotage" performances here. Rating: 8/10
Not the most credible of acts musically but the girls, dressed in very little, definitely did entertain with their catchy pop hits and
Pure rock genius. Like the Chilli Peppers, the Foo Fighters got everyone pumped up and rocking. I was blown away by how good they were, especially Dave "Hairy" Grohl. He commanded the entire audience from start to finish and gave a chilling and raw performance of "Everlong" where he initially played solo at the end of the catwalk before the rest of the band joined in for the climax. What a voice. Bloody marvellous. Kurt Cobain's suicide was probably the best thing to have ever happened to Grohl's career. Rating: 9/10
Videos of My Hero and Everlong performances
Prior to Madonna, Terence Stamp led the symbolic gesture of turning off all of the non-essential lighting in Wembley Stadium which I caught on video:
Seconds later, Madonna came onstage to close the show. Love her or hate her, no one can deny that Madonna knows how to put on a good show! I was excited to finally get to see her, I mean, COME ON, it's Madonna! Madge, who I believe is almost 50, looked fantastic in a black dress and heels and sang the first song, "Hey You", with a choir of kids, beautifully. She then strapped on a guitar and blasted into "Ray of Light" (which I think is one of her best songs). The thing with Madge is that, she's not going to let something like her not being the best guitarist/singer/dancer in the world stop her from entertaining. She then went into an extended version of La Isla Bonita, introducing Gogol Bordello stars Eugene Hutz and Sergey Ryabytsev and salsa danced all over the place and whether or not she was acting, girlfriend looked like she was having a fantastic time. Then she donned a sexy pair of leotard and closed with a breathless and extended performance of "Hung Up", her massive hit from last year. Her dancers complemented her beautifully and Madge sure can distort her body into all sorts of positions, Guy Ritchie is a lucky man. Even my darling Tom from Kasabian was impressed. Madonna provided a wonderful climax (ummm, no pun intended). Madonna = one of the greatest entertainers of our time. Rating: 9/10
View videos of Hey You, Ray of Light, La Isla Bonita and Hung Up. I promise you will be astounded.
And that was all folks! For more pictures, videos, details of the shows etc. click here and here
Labels: Gigs and Concerts, Kasabian
posted by Lyn @ 10:20 pm
2 comments
2 Comments:
I was hoping to read some about Bloc Party's performance since I think they're great, especially having just seen them a few weeks ago and been in awe at the performance. :)
But the rest of it sounded good.
Sorry to disappoint you Sam, I'm afraid my dislike of BP runs quite deep! haha. Thanks for visiting the blog hope you come back!
Post a Comment
<< Home