Liverpool Echo Arena

Stereophonics Review – Liverpool Echo Arena – 8/12/08


There had been a fair bit of hype surrounding the ‘phonics return to Liverpool and even more so since they were playing at the Echo Arena. The place filled up slowly, warming to the Mancunian support act The Courteeners. I suppose you could assume that most of the crowd would be mature, the type that loved ‘real music’ but to my surprise there were quite a few in their teens! The crowd was more than ready by the time the lights went out one final time, the roars were immense and everyone was up from their seats!

Although I don’t go to a lot of ‘band’ gigs, I was very intrigued and thought that these Welsh rockers would pass the test. Like Louis Walshs’ comment about X Factor’s JLS; the phonics were like fed-ex, they always delivered! Starting off with ‘Vegas Two Times’, they sang through all of their hits from ‘Just Looking’ to ‘Bartender and the Thief’ (quite obvious with it being The Best Of tour, I know) but it was the most successful singles such as ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Have A Nice Day’, that got the audience jumping for joy. It was great to see a band that loved to please their audience and in return give an even better performance song after song.

The highlight of the night for me however was how they managed to lull the audience with their version of ‘Handbags and the Gladrags’. It was beautiful but the tranquillity didn’t last for long as they launched into another fan favourite ‘Pick a Part That’s New’. They just didn’t stop until they had performed everything they had in them, finishing with ‘Dakota’. It was a shame to see the concert ending after almost two hours but one thing I know for sure ; if the ‘phonics ever decided to come back to Liverpool , they would be welcomed with open arms.


Fiona Ray,
MyVillage

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Thank God for Capital of Culture 2008! The Liverpool Echo Arena has proved to be a massive hit amongst Liverpudlians (and even music fans further afield! ) with not only the biggest music acts in the world performing but by bringing the MTV Europe Music Awards to the city!!

This 10,000 seater venue has been 'designed to produce half the CO2 emissions it would without any environmentally-friendly measures' (credit to www.accliverpool.com), one of the uk's first venues to do so!

Unlike it's nearest arena, (Manchester's Evening News Arena) fans need not be afraid of finding their seats. The layout is quite simple and although there are two tiers, they are quite low and easy to move around without fear of falling down a step or two! There are enough stewards on hand to assist you with seat location and they will even go a step further and bring you to your seat.

It's fairly obvious to say that the city's reaction has been positive since we now have the likes of Coldplay and Rihanna playing at the arena plus the BBC Sports Personality of the year being filmed here too! This is only the second time it has been filmed in a city outside London!

It's a very clean, pleasant and easy to find venue (just a stones throw away from the new Liverpool One). Music fans will love the Echo Arena, no matter where you are seated, you can see the stage clearly and the sound quality is fantastic!

Fiona, MyVillage

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