BLOC PARTY 04.08.07
So here we have the next installment in that week.
(I know, I know. It's taking so long that it's just ridiculous, but I've been busy.)
Now we have Saturday.
It started with me forcing James to get up early. (contrary to college lifestyle). We went and had fish and chips for lunch at Coogee.
I was in a bit of a mess before we left. I had written a letter (some-what knowing that it wouldn't reach the band), and was in a fluster. Not able to find anything, late, you name it I was beating myself up about it. I drove James insane, so apologies now, brother.
Maddie got there before us. We felt so old. There were so many kids (we're talking twelve year old) and people in neon (a trend I am yet to fully comprehend or understand the appeal behind). It was a bit of a contrast to Wednesday. So there we were, at around 4:30pm, sitting in barricades. We tried to play cards but that didn't really work. James kept forgetting how to play snap. So we ended up grazing on biscuits and sweets, and watched Maddie play solitaire.
As soon as they opened the gates everyone went mental. They were pushing to get through. James called a good one as he calmly walked up to the ticket scanning man, shook his head and went 'Kids these days, eh?'. Kudos to you!
Despite my doubts, we ended up on the barrier in front of Russell, which was incredible.
Midnight Juggernaughts were the support act, and were actually quite good. It was just a shame that many people didn't really get into their music, but I guess that's usually the score with support bands.
At nine Bloc Party came to the stage and opened with Song For Clay (Disappear Here). Everything just exploded.
It was clear that they were so happy to be here playing for us. They were so energetic, tight and Kele was extremely chatty and couldn't stop smiling. They had a good mix of the old and the new (they even played Two More Years, which I did not expect). I kind of wish they played Where Is Home? because that song means the world to me, but I don't think it fitted in with the setlist.
Russell is a wonder to watch. That's all I can say. There was a very cute twee moment in SRXT where someone to the right from me was yelling out to him and he just stared at them and put his finger to his lips to 'shh' them quiet.During She's Hearing Voices Kele jumped around onstage and jumped down to the area in front of the barrier and ran his hand along the front row, which was amazing!
From memory, these are the songs that they played (not in order) Song For Clay (Disappear Here), Hunting For Witches, Waiting For The 7.18, Banquet, I Still Remember, This Modern Love, Uniform, Like Eating Glass, Helicopter, So Here We Are, The Prayer, Sunday, Positive Tension, Two More Years, SRXT. Highlights for me were Like Eating Glass, Hunting For Witches, SRXT and So Here We Are (during which I am guilty of crying). But that's not to say that there were any low points! I cannot help but emphasise their energy and enthusiasm. They were just incredible. The only thing which put a damper on it was the crowd. It was quite rough, and we suffered a bit being on the barrier. Maddie was airborne during one song and basically had my hair in her mouth for a while, swearing that we were being fused together. She also informed me that she could smell my hairspray. I just wish these kids (and select idiots) would get it into their heads that it's not cool to push and hurt people around you and that barriers hurt! But it's always like that at the Hordern. You can't ahve everything I guess.
the first photo I took :)..
three of my favourites.....
probably my favourite one of Kele...
Gordon, ahoy!..
Russell, again.
and...
A clip of 'So Here We Are'
I have many more photos. I just got myself an account on flickr. Once I get everything up I shall post the link.
I honestly do not know what to say in conclusion. I was bruised and my throat had more wear, I cried and I held on for dear life.
Two down, Two to go