The Forteloud Family's
Best Live Performances of 2016
Jamie // Biffy Clyro @ The O2 Arena, London
But with much thought my chosen ‘Best Live Performance of 2016’ had to be the almighty Ellipsis December tour brought to you by Biffy Clyro.
I am always hesitant to buy large arena tour tickets, whether that’s in London’s O2 or Wembley. I find prices are genuinely extortionate, it’s a nightmare to get to and from in the crowds, and with the large mass of people gigs lose their all important intimacy. But when Biffy Clyro released tickets supported by none other than the amazing Brand New I couldn’t say no. Biffy Clyro were the last of my favourite huge, well-established bands I was yet to see live so without a shadow of a doubt I had to attend. Having grown up with Blackened Sky, The Vertigo of Bliss and Puzzle the band have always meant so much to me. Their impeccable lyrics helped me through the toughest of times growing up. To this day I still put all their songs on shuffle on a rainy day and my youth crashes back to me in a storm. So as you can imagine seeing them live in the flesh FINALLY was a dream come true.
Biffy’s stage presence has been talked about for years. They’re absolute giants in the rock scene, with their live performances often described as 'furiously energetic' and 'full of life'. Expectations were met and raised to a whole new level. Highlights of the night included;
Biblical //
Simon Neil took to the left hand stage and smashed into Biblical around the forth song into the set. This song having helped me survive my A-Levels, was extremely powerful. As soon as we got to the first chorus I started to sniff, overcome with emotion. Theres something just so special hearing thousands of people singing along with one of your idols to one of your favourite songs of all time.
57 //
Their set list was on point. Combining both old and new tracks, pleasing both the hardcore fans (like myself) and the newer crowd. 57 was one of their first songs I heard from Biffy and instantly fell in love with their riffs. When the deep guitar started from 57 roughly a third through the set I knew I was in for a treat. Simon Neils vocals live sound identical to the album. Even as far back in the venue as I was, hearing 57 on the best quality speakers in a studio would’ve had the same impact. If anything having the crowd as an extra vocal singing the ‘doo-do-doo-doo..’ bridge made it more textured and incomparable to anything I had seen before.
Machines //
The most beautiful solo I have ever seen. Just Simon Neil, an acoustic guitar and an entire arena of fans singing along. Abosolutely mindblowing. The lyrics of Machines have become particularly relevant in my life recently.
‘Cause I’ve started falling apart I’m not savouring life, I’ve forgotten how good it could be to feel alive. Take the pieces and build them skywards’
When things really are falling apart in your life hearing your idol telling you to take all your broken pieces and building them into a something big and strong is really so comforting to hear. If I could listen to one song my entire life on an endless stream this would be it.
Stingin’ Belle //
The very last song in Biffy’s encore. It surprised me quite a lot this was their last song. Mountains or Bubbles at first thought may have been a better fit as their most famous songs. But you know what, Stingin’ Belle was an impeccable choice. The subtle bell undertones in the chorus were ideal for the festive time of year/ December tour and the bag pipes really brought to the forefront Biffy’s culture. They made the bag pipe/drum section into an extended outro accompanied by an almightly light display. Honestly the best end to a gig I have ever seen, it is no wonder Biffy can sell out an arena capacity of 20,000 people..
In all honestly, every track in their set list was incredible to hear; Folding Stars, Black Chandelier, Friends and Enemies, all flawless beyond belief. If you haven’t seen Biffy Clyro live already I strongly urge you to do so. They will make your year, as they did my 2016.
Full ordered set list below;
Charlotte // James Vincent McMorrow @ The Sage, Newcastle
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Daisy // Coldplay @ Glastonbury Festival, Somerset
It would sound obvious to say that my favourite gig would be seeing my favourite band for the first time at the best festival in the world (Glastonbury - if anyone wasn't sure) so my choice may not come as a surprise to you reading. However let me start by saying this was more than an experience. This gig became a memory as it was happening. I knew I was somewhere so incredibly special and that that particular moment was one I would tell my friends, family and grandchildren one day. I was there and it was absolutely perfect. I remember standing in a forest of lights, consumed by the mighty noise of the crowd and power behind the band. I was suitably (massively) drunk with one of my bestest friends and we were surrounded by other as happy and friendly people, singing, dancing and crying to our hearts content. For that set, I didn't have to be anywhere else than exactly there. I didn't have work the next day and no one else to be. And let me tell you, having that feeling soundtracked by some of the greatest songs of all time live is some experience. I will always be so thankful I got to be there. I smile every time I even think about it.
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