Afternoon:
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John Aizlewood's rating
The snowmen cant break the ice
By
John Aizlewood
29 Jun 2007
Two public shows in and clearly the O2 Arena has much going for it: the staff are friendly and helpful; the seats cushioned, although ruined by cheap, sharp-edge plastic armrests. Best of all, on level 1, between blocks 116 and 117, was that gig-going miracle: a queue-free bar, manned by four underemployed staff.
Twenty seconds walk away, hungry Snow Patrol fans were queuing for food and drink like Iranians in search of petrol. "Nobody knows to walk this far round," chuckled a bartender.
Even so, the isolated location and incoherent transport infrastructure may yet fatally combine before you can say "Docklands Arena". Car parking is minimal and any Londoner familiar with public transport dare not trust somewhere served by a solitary Tube line. None of this troubled Snow Patrol, although singer Gary Lightbody did teasingly ask the crowd if they had managed to drive there. The quintet have risen without trace and now find themselves adored in Britain and, more surprising still, globally successful.
Lightbody's often-disturbed lyrics give them a harder edge than a casual listen suggests, but this was a show where very little happened, although in the spine-tingling Chasing Cars they have their equivalent-of Robbie Williams's Angels: a modern-day classic that has transformed them from contenders to champions.
Indeed, while there was nothing to dislike and no dissentwhen Lightbody introduced Run as "a song for everyone", excitement was in short supply. Most tellingly, for all his disarming warmth, Lightbody's refusal to explain or expand his tales kept proceedings to handshaking levels of formality when this was a crowd who would rather have been French-kissed.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
To the reviewer. We have been to the O2 on a number of occations. The public transport facilities are second to none. The car parking is resonable (although they should sort out the payment mechanism which requires you to que to pay after the gig. We found if you just drive to the gate and flash a note at the attendant you get out pretty quick!). The sound system at the O2 is often not up to par, but Snow Patrol obviously brought their own system because it sounded awesome! These guys rock. I agree with the other posters that they felt totally comfrotable and personable on stage and provided an awesome performance. Snow Patrol rock!!!!
- Andy, Reading, Berkshire, 19/03/2009 21:20
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I loved them, Gary's banter was on top form as usual, Post Punk Progression was more amazing then I ever dreamed about. Olive Grove was just pure love. Now to heal the war wounds in preparation for the next gig.
- Cat, Bristol, Avon, 30/06/2007 00:55
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That was my fourth time seeing Snow Patrol, and they just get better and better! They have so much enthusiasm and always seem genuinely happy to be performing live. Although Gary Lightbody didn't chat as much as he usually does, he still connects with his audience and gets them on their feet for the entire set.
- Jane, Essex, 29/06/2007 20:49
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Maybe we were not at the same gig as the crowds went completely crazy as soon as Gary and co walked on stage! This band and especially Gary has so much charisma, it is almost unreal. I have yet to see a band with that much sincerity and dedication on stage. You can really tell it's a pleasure for these boys to be on stage performing for their fans.
- Sophie & Nicky, London, 29/06/2007 16:40
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Great songs and great venue, but the guy has no personality!
- Lisa, London, 29/06/2007 14:57
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Let me start by saying I'm not a big Snow Patrol fan and was at the show last night accompanying my family (who are big fans). While the review is overall OK, I take isue with "excitment was in short supply" - from the second the band came on stage there was much excitment where I was sitting ... or rather wasn't sitting as everyone stood up for the entire show - hardly a sign of apathy?
- Nigel, Binfield, UK, 29/06/2007 14:47
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