Bon Iver Live

In late November, I purchased tickets to see Bon Iver at the Sydney Opera House. I cried tears of happiness when those sweet tickets arrived in the post and I tucked them away safely until that special day.

That special day came yesterday. I have been excited about this show for so long, that I was actually nervous on the drive into the city last night. Would the show be all I wanted it to be? Would they sing my favourite songs? 

After a pre-show drink at Opera Bar, we hurried over to the Concert Hall and took our seats.

What transpired for the next hour and 45 minutes was nothing short of miraculous. I started crying about 13 seconds into the first song. I couldn't hold in my feelings any longer.

The setlist was absolutely perfect. A mix of old and new. The crowd and myself were in awe, respectful and enchanted by what we were all witnessing. If I had to pick a favourite track, then Perth, Beth / Rest, Towers, Calgary, Blood Bank, The Wolves [Act I & II], Creature Fear and Re: Stacks would have to top the list. 

Tears flowed as my heart swelled with love as every song seemed better than the last.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you will know that music is a passion of mine. Almost gospel like. It's my religion. It's all around me, always. In the car, on my ipod at the gym, when I blog, in my house, always on.

When I got in the car and digested what I had witnessed, I realised that I had just seen the best show of my life. It was utter perfection. And best of all? I am blessed enough to be seeing Bon Iver again in 4 weeks at Coachella Festival. 

If you haven't already heard the brilliant Bon Iver, I highly recommend that this video below be the first taste of their talent. 

The latest act to record a unique set are Bon Iver who recorded their set recently at Air Studios, February 2012 in London.

Speaking about the simply shot but stunning session, the filmmakers behind, artists Iain Forsythand Jane Pollard it told Q: "Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best - two remarkable musicians [Justin Vernon and Sean Carey] in one of the best recording studios in the world, both playing incredible Steinway pianos. No jiggery-pokery was needed, we just captured what happened in that special moment."

Flashback

Gwen Stefani Live in Singapore - 14th August 2007

I had just returned from Japan 2 days earlier on a solo trip to Osaka where I had seen Gwen Stefani perform at Summersonic Festival.

We had 2 tickets to the show but James had to fly to Shanghai on a last minute business trip and I went alone. I tried to sell 1 ticket but was unlucky at the gates. By some luck, just before the show started, a guy had one ticket but needed another, so I sold him my pair and I took his 1 seat.

Turns out his seat was in a better location than mine, only by a few rows. But it enabled me to snap this photo of Gwen as she came into the audience to sing her final song.

I was almost trampled taking this photo and although you can't see in the photo, she is SURROUNDED by huge, black bodyguards.

The concert was amazing. She has such natural talent and can hold her own doing a solo show. I never saw her perform with No Doubt, but if they tour Australia next year (2011) with their new album, then I'll be there!

This photo reminds me of early days living in Singapore. And taking risks. And having fun, alone. Which is possible afterall.



U2 360' Tour

I've seen U2 before, on their last Australian Tour in 2006. Back then I worked in the music industry and scored some awesome tickets through the promoter. We were a few rows back from the front and had a great view of the stage. We danced, I cried, and it was one of the best concerts I'll ever see.


Having just announced their 360 Tour in Australia, I was tempted to dig deep and spend big bucks on tickets but I held back. Knowing how many things lay ahead of the family in the next few months, I did the responsible thing and bought the $40 tickets. YES, I'm seeing U2 for $40! I texted my sister, Jacki, another massive U2 fan and she and her husband are coming too.


What a fun night out to start the summer in Sydney.


The stage set-up looks amazing and I'm pretty excited to say the least. Again, U2 for $40 a ticket. Ok, the seats might be right up the back, which will be different for me. I'm a presale kind of gal and only this week, bought VIP seats to see Robin Williams in November. If you are keen to go, there are still tickets available from Ticketek.


It's a beautiful day indeed. Look at this photo of a recent show in Helsinki. WOW.

5 days ago...

Date: Thursday 22nd April 2010
Venue: Lyric Theatre - Star City, Sydney
Event: The Wiggles 'Wiggly Circus' Live in Concert
Attendees: Myself, Abigail, my sister Jacki and her son Mikey.

After seeing Dora the Explorer in March, I decided to purchase tickets to see The Wiggles LIVE. Even though both Abigail and my nephew aren't into them yet, I assumed a morning at a concert full of young children and live music would be fun... And I wasn't wrong. The 2 kids loved it. Abigail spent most of the concert sitting next to my sister trying to eat a packet of biscuits in Jacki's handbag and Mikey danced in front of the seats, bewildered by the bright lights and characters dancing.

The crowd of children were much older than that of Dora's live show. The parents seemed more relaxed too, obviously with older children they could really sit back and watch / enjoy the show.

The Yellow Wiggle is my favourite for sure. He's the youngest and newest member of the group, and it shows. He actually did most of the singing and is the official band leader. We had a really fun morning and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Our next concert is Yo Gabba Gabba Live on Saturday June 5th, I cannot wait!! Abigail will be beside herself on the day.

xx

Solo mission to GAGA

Image - MTV Brazil

Wednesday April 7th 2010
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour Live in Concert

I hesitated for so long to buy tickets to Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour of Australia. I waited so long, that I actually missed out on tickets.

Friends went to her other Sydney shows and raved about her crazy antics, brilliant costumes and surprisingly great live vocals.

I have been a fan of Gaga since Day 1 of her career and don't take her songs too seriously.

Since all of her shows had sold out and after rave reviews, I decided to hop onto ebay and see what the going rate was for tickets. I can't believe people make a LIVING from scalping tickets. Before moving to Singapore when I worked for inthemix, we wrote an article in 2006 for our annual magazine about the life of a full time scalper. We were astonished to hear of his profits and little secrets he did to buy the best tickets.

I refused to pay the inflated prices for terrible seats and left it at that. Well no, I whined all the way home from our Easter holiday saying how upset I was that I missed out on tickets. I called Ticketmaster at 5pm on the day of the concert and asked if they had any tickets. Well low and behold, they had just released some single seats in the side view section for $89. $89!! In Row A as well. Even better... The scalpers wanted $200 for REAR VIEW seats! Since it was so last minute, I decided to go on my own. And I don't regret it. James and Abigail dropped me off at the concert, I felt like a teenager all over again.

She was brilliant. Not the best vocals in the world, but still great live. Her costumes were amazing. Her dancers were average. Her stage set-up was extravagant and crude. She simulated masturbation to the crowd during at least 2 songs and talked about homosexuality, sex, politics and money. I cringed for the parents who had brought their 8 yr old daughters to the show. I'm sure those girls asked lots of questions on the car ride home!

From the crowd's reaction, I predict most fans were new as they didn't seem to know music from her 1st album. Bad Romance, Telephone, Poker Face, Speechless, Just Dance and Love Game were the favourites.

Would I see her again? Possibly. Another stellar album with original pop music would seal the deal. Has Gaga sold out? Yes, a little. I want to see more of her walking around in London, carrying a purple tea cup.

Saturday...

It's a good friend's 30th Birthday party tonight. I have NOTHING to wear, as usual. I'm thinking jeans, a black blazer, ballet flats and scarf will suffice.

We are dropping Abi off to my Mums house for her 2nd official sleep-over. We left Abi with Mum last Wednesday night to go see Bad Religion at The Hordern Pavilion. It was the 1st night I had ever spent away from Abi and I really struggled. I had a mild panic attack at the concert, thinking about not being with her when she woke up. Probably sounds stupid I know, I should have enjoyed my night off from motherhood.

Bad Religion. One of my favourite bands of the 90's.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll be better tonight.

It's rainy and wet and windy today. Total indoor weather. I hope the rain holds off tonight, we are walking to the party from the apartment and don't really want to carry our massive golf umbrella with a certain bank logo on it ;)

I'm going to get my hair done at Global Hair in Paddington this evening, before the party. My hair is in that real "nothing" phase at the moment. Haven't had my hair cut or coloured in... forever!

Watched the first 4 episodes of Season 3 of Gossip Girl last night. It's not the most amazing show anymore, but I like watching it for the youth appeal, music and fashion.

Gossip Girl cast

Am off to pack an overnight bag for Abigail.

xoxo