playground tactics...no rabbit in a hat-tricks

So the gig.

They were brilliant!

It was probably the best gig I had been to since Garry Wilmots wedding. Normally gigs get on my nerves a bit for a few reasons:

1) They are expensive
2) They are really short
3) The support is often lackluster
4) The crowds are odd.

Point 4 needs expansion as its a pet hate for me. Hate is not the word, more of a pet confusion (like Meg, she is a pet confusion - I ponder what she is on about at least a dozen score and ten times a day!). Why oh why oh why are gig crowds so static? Given that everyone there is generally there because they really like the band playing and so know and like the music and are probably into music generally and have paid a lot of money...would they just stand? When you are used to clubbing and non-dancers in a club are almost detested, its a strange experience as probably the majority of gig goers don't really dance. Some wiggle a bit and some shake their heads but some literally move nothing. Unless of course the lead singer asks the crowd to put their hands in the air like they just don't care...in which case the non movers just don't care and put their hands in the air. Ironic really as those crowd participation bits of gigs are the bits I respond to the least! Me and Hannah danced like loons, as any self respecting J5 fan would and I would love for someone who is a regular gig goer to explain to me why they don't move? I can only assume its due to lazyness or embarasement?

Anyhoo, its rare at any performance that the performers look like they are absolutely loving what they are doing, but J5 did just that and were all smiling from start to finish. Their energy and enthusiasm knows no bounds and as a result it was an amazing show. Fears of them not being so good after the mighty Cut Chemist's departure are quashed as DJ NU-Mark is more than capable and even outstanding at times. The hightlight, predictably, was Chali 2na though, the man is simply a legend and constantly engaged with the audience. Plus his deep booming voice is comedy and technical genius!

They also played a great mix of old and new so didn't dissapoint. I was worreid they would let me down by not playing Concrete Schoolyard and things, but no, they did and peace was restored in John world.

When you have wanted to see someone for ages, the fear of them being rubbish amasses quite a bit and so it was refreshing that they beat expectations. Often at gigs I look at my watch a bit as I get a bit bored and restless, but I didn't look at it once, which must be a good sign!

Hurrah for J5.

The funny thing was, getting to London and back to longer than the whole length of the gig!

London smells. Sometimes in a nice way, sometimes bad.

In conclusion, go and see J5 at all costs and bring an army of mates with you so you can show the gig crowd that dancing is the order of the day! Not to is simply insulting!