Photo: WENN.com
Arcade Fire performed two huge gigs this weekend at London's Earls Court, bringing with them not only their incredible back catalogue, but support acts that demanded early arrival for all their fans.
We are of course talking about, Lorde, who is in London this weekend to play two of her own sold out dates. As the lights dim for her set, Lorde smiles and waves in such an enthusiastic and polite manner. But this persona disappears in moments when ‘Glory and Gore’ begins and Lorde becomes a primal creature, wielding her microphone like a menacing weapon. It’s a profound spectacle, accentuating that Lorde is an extraordinary performer here to stay.
When Arcade Fire step out onto stage, chaos ensues; in the best way possible that is. Each and every member puts their entire body and soul into their performance. From the minute the first notes of ‘Reflektor’ burst into the arena, the crowd lose their minds. Playing the first few old favourites back-to-back, ‘Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out)’ and ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ Arcade Fire prove that they are undoubtedly capable of putting on an extravaganza that most certainly justifies the hype and of course, that upcoming Glastonbury headline slot.
Yet this is not just mindless rock music. The heavy hitters such as ‘Month of May’ and ‘Joan of Arc’ are of course filled with Arcade Fire’s signature lyrical insight and wisdom but it’s moments like ‘We Exist’ that you recognise why this band are known to be so astute. As Win tells the audience that it’s “okay to be straight, gay or whatever. We should all just be ourselves,” the song begins, and flamboyant dancers begin to perform a routine in the middle of the venue. It is indisputably compelling to see an indie band of this fame to put dancers such as these in their show whilst they sing “Daddy it’s true I’m different from you,” instead of spreading the same innocuous misogyny that we see too many rock bands do today.
However ‘We Exist’ is the only slower moment of the evening. Every other minute is done at such a full-throttle speed, that there is not a still person in the audience. Despite how diverse the audience is in terms of age, there is a common unity in that everyone utterly engrossed by, and involved with the music.
The highlight of the night, which exemplifies the sheer vigour that the audience give off for Arcade Fire, is when the band play ‘No Cars Go’. Every lyric is shouted at the tops of lungs and Régine Chassagne has a grin plastered on her face that resembles that of an excitable baby.
As the anthemic Wake Up’ brings the evening to an end, Arcade Fire are deservedly proud of themselves. Tonight’s performance proves that this is a band that possesses showmanship that only comes around once every few decades.
Below: 9 stunning photos of Arcade Fire live at Earls Court, London
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