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Feb. 23rd, 2011 08:35 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsWriting this while the details are still clear in my mind.
First. MCR are real people, which sure, I already knew that but sometimes it's hard to not think that we created them with the power of our fannish imaginations. Plus, they're just so them on stage. Just how we read in interviews or see in footage and I didn't think it was possible but I love them even more right now.
As we were meeting![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
themoononastick we set off early afternoon. Arriving at the arena we found out where the disabled parking spots were and ended up parked right next to where the buses park. The only way we could get any closer was if we were parked in there with them. Which led to amusement later. This wasn't an actual stalking decision btw, just where a spot happened to be open. At least, that's what James said. The way he was keeping an eye on the doors and windows when the band bus came I suspect he created the situation with the power of his mind.
So, we parked, and then walked up into Newcastle to meet themoononastick. At that point the queue wasn't that big, and most people seemed to be just milling around. People in killjoy dress, black parade, and a whole lot of MCR t-shirts and hoodies. Which continued into main Newcastle. Sitting waiting at Burger King it was spot the My Chem fan. Not that they weren't easy to see. Then it was themoononastick times. Now what you need to know if every time I meet someone new I get all stressed because what if they hate me? But no. She's delightful and funny and a fantastic concert companion. It's just a shame we didn't get seats next to each other, but she was only along the row so it wasn't that bad.
Hugs over, we walked back to the arena. It was still a long time to doors and as we had seat tickets we decided to wait in the car, which was an A+ decision. We talked about many things, including how as there was a heli pad minutes away the band would be coming in by helicopter with a Drac on the side, Gerard and Ray hanging out of the opens doors when they land, their hair whipping in the wind. Sadly it didn't work that way and they drove past us in the bus. Which is when James started his stalking of the doorways and windows close by, one of which was a prime spot for someone needing a cigarette. Later, just as we got out of the car to go in James was sure that Frank was watching out of the dressing room window. I looked up enough to see someone that looked very Frank-like laughing with someone else. At which point it was a case of omg, being observed by the band in the stalking car. Not good. Go, go, go. So we went.
Getting in was really easy, and we went and checked out all the merch stalls, and bought one of the poster book things. Then, after a short wait, it was time to be allowed inside. Our seats were great. We were at the first block, first seats in the row even, pretty much in line with the stage, not many rows back so had great views of everyone. Though Ray tended to disappear behind his stack of amps/speakers at times. Plus, due to being in that line even though Frank was in full view he tended to get blocked by Mikey and Gerard when they stood in certain points.
James has the camera with the main pictures but these show where we were sitting.
Before the show started people were going around the audience selling popcorn, sweets and pop from trays. It was all very civilised *g*
Okay, so I'm getting ahead of myself here but that band. They're so them on stage. Of course Frank had the pictures of his girls and was rocking out like crazy. Ray. Oh man, Ray. At a few points he'd look to our stand and just beam, and I know he's looking at a huge group of people but it feels like he's looking directly at you, and just, damn. Gerard. Well, at the end of the night we said Gerard was being extremely 'Gerardy' and you really can't explain any more than that. The prancing, the jazz fingers, the fact that the man is blazingly hot while prancing is amazing. And then Mikey. You all said Mikey is even hotter in person and I never knew how that could be possible. But he is. Damn but he is. He's also very Mikey. Best explained by a moment at the very end of the show when he went to throw his plec from the side of the stage. He pulled back his arm for a mighty throw, and the plec went all of a foot if that. It was a fail throw to the extreme, but he didn't care, he just grinned and kept throwing up his arm in a salute/air punch and he looked so happy and it was the closest he'd been and all I could think was Mikeyway is mere feet away, obviously happy, and it's so clear he loves what he does. Also, early in the set he went around and took photos of all the people in the band, which was adorable.
But I'm getting ahead of myself yet again. First up were the support bands, Lost Alone, who were adorable and The Blackout, which I enjoyed musically but some of their stage talk diluted that enjoyment. I don't know if they did it at every show but getting everyone standing to kneel and then jump up seemed risky, and when most people didn't do so they wouldn't shut up until they did. Which included calling out the security guards who were understandably concerned.
And then it was My Chemical Romance! A curtain had gone up in front of the stage but due to where we were sitting we could see everything, and they walked on stage and it was like. That's MCR, and then the curtain dropped and it was Na Na Na and I just stood with the rest of the crowd and didn't sit all night. Though there was a guy directly behind me who didn't stand, and in fact left half way through the show, so who knows what was up with that.
I can't remember the set list right now, but it's out there if people want to look it up. So I'll just give details of some stuff.
At one point someone went down in the pit. Gerard went to the drum riser with Ray and his face was in close up on the screens and at first I thought he was doing some kind of crying act, you know how he gets with the fake eye scrubbing and woe face, but it was soon apparent it was real concern. The concert was stopped, the lights went on and security had to go into the crowd and carry someone out. What was impressive was watching the crowd part to let them out, it was like the red sea parting, no pushing I could see, just making room so that person could be taken out of the back. After that Gerard congratulated people for allowing that to happen and the show went on.
They played Kids From Yesterday. I was a little worried they wouldn't and then it started and I was just :D \o/ :D. I love that song so much. It's my favourite on DD so I just stood there all ♥ _ ♥ James recorded all of that so hopefully it comes out.
I loved every single song they sung up there, but Famous Last Words is another highlight. I'm never going to say that they saved my life, because they didn't. Everything I've done has been due to me. But they have been an inspiration, and standing there, arms in the air and singing along, punching it out to Awake and unafraid, asleep or dead, surrounded by all these other fans. A mam and her teenager daughter in front of us, young couples, people in costumes, people of all ages and sizes all singing together. It's a moment I'll remember for a long time.
Teenagers was ridiculous. The whole arena seemed to get the arm actions in sync, and Ray was watching and everyone was air punching exactly to the beat and Ray got this insane, huge grin. Seriously, if you could bottle Ray's happiness you could make a fortune selling it.
Mikey was rocking the back bends and head banging like crazy, both to the side and front. I also couldn't take my eyes off him when he was drinking in-between songs. Who knew drinking water could be so hot?
Seeing Frank rock out is amazing, when he throws himself to the ground and just goes for it. Wow.
Gerard started talking about a video they watch for hours on the bus and asked if people knew it, of course most didn't. He also got on his knees in front of the drum riser and prayed/sang, some Rob Zombie song I think. He really is an amazing front man and when he throws up those heart hands it's impossible not to do them right back.
I also have to mention Mike and James. They're both so good at what they do, and seeing Mikey going up to them and take their picture is making me smile even now.
Then it was over, and I was walking down stairs with legs shaking from standing so long, parched for a drink and stupidly happy. Home playing Danger Days and a few hours decompressing as I put the fannish world to rights with themoononastick, and also squeed an embarrassing amounts of times about Mikey's fail throw. Two Mikey wives in the same room leads to a lot of Mikey talk, I'm just saying.
I have pictures and video I'll share later, that is if they're any good, and have to apologise for such a rambling, disjointed report and also forgetting stuff, but I'm running on a few hours sleep and a feeling of, did that really happen? Also, a knowledge that it's a good thing the Newcastle date was the last one in the UK as right now all I want to do is see more.
First. MCR are real people, which sure, I already knew that but sometimes it's hard to not think that we created them with the power of our fannish imaginations. Plus, they're just so them on stage. Just how we read in interviews or see in footage and I didn't think it was possible but I love them even more right now.
As we were meeting
themoononastick we set off early afternoon. Arriving at the arena we found out where the disabled parking spots were and ended up parked right next to where the buses park. The only way we could get any closer was if we were parked in there with them. Which led to amusement later. This wasn't an actual stalking decision btw, just where a spot happened to be open. At least, that's what James said. The way he was keeping an eye on the doors and windows when the band bus came I suspect he created the situation with the power of his mind.So, we parked, and then walked up into Newcastle to meet themoononastick. At that point the queue wasn't that big, and most people seemed to be just milling around. People in killjoy dress, black parade, and a whole lot of MCR t-shirts and hoodies. Which continued into main Newcastle. Sitting waiting at Burger King it was spot the My Chem fan. Not that they weren't easy to see. Then it was themoononastick times. Now what you need to know if every time I meet someone new I get all stressed because what if they hate me? But no. She's delightful and funny and a fantastic concert companion. It's just a shame we didn't get seats next to each other, but she was only along the row so it wasn't that bad.
Hugs over, we walked back to the arena. It was still a long time to doors and as we had seat tickets we decided to wait in the car, which was an A+ decision. We talked about many things, including how as there was a heli pad minutes away the band would be coming in by helicopter with a Drac on the side, Gerard and Ray hanging out of the opens doors when they land, their hair whipping in the wind. Sadly it didn't work that way and they drove past us in the bus. Which is when James started his stalking of the doorways and windows close by, one of which was a prime spot for someone needing a cigarette. Later, just as we got out of the car to go in James was sure that Frank was watching out of the dressing room window. I looked up enough to see someone that looked very Frank-like laughing with someone else. At which point it was a case of omg, being observed by the band in the stalking car. Not good. Go, go, go. So we went.
Getting in was really easy, and we went and checked out all the merch stalls, and bought one of the poster book things. Then, after a short wait, it was time to be allowed inside. Our seats were great. We were at the first block, first seats in the row even, pretty much in line with the stage, not many rows back so had great views of everyone. Though Ray tended to disappear behind his stack of amps/speakers at times. Plus, due to being in that line even though Frank was in full view he tended to get blocked by Mikey and Gerard when they stood in certain points.
James has the camera with the main pictures but these show where we were sitting.
Before the show started people were going around the audience selling popcorn, sweets and pop from trays. It was all very civilised *g*
Okay, so I'm getting ahead of myself here but that band. They're so them on stage. Of course Frank had the pictures of his girls and was rocking out like crazy. Ray. Oh man, Ray. At a few points he'd look to our stand and just beam, and I know he's looking at a huge group of people but it feels like he's looking directly at you, and just, damn. Gerard. Well, at the end of the night we said Gerard was being extremely 'Gerardy' and you really can't explain any more than that. The prancing, the jazz fingers, the fact that the man is blazingly hot while prancing is amazing. And then Mikey. You all said Mikey is even hotter in person and I never knew how that could be possible. But he is. Damn but he is. He's also very Mikey. Best explained by a moment at the very end of the show when he went to throw his plec from the side of the stage. He pulled back his arm for a mighty throw, and the plec went all of a foot if that. It was a fail throw to the extreme, but he didn't care, he just grinned and kept throwing up his arm in a salute/air punch and he looked so happy and it was the closest he'd been and all I could think was Mikeyway is mere feet away, obviously happy, and it's so clear he loves what he does. Also, early in the set he went around and took photos of all the people in the band, which was adorable.
But I'm getting ahead of myself yet again. First up were the support bands, Lost Alone, who were adorable and The Blackout, which I enjoyed musically but some of their stage talk diluted that enjoyment. I don't know if they did it at every show but getting everyone standing to kneel and then jump up seemed risky, and when most people didn't do so they wouldn't shut up until they did. Which included calling out the security guards who were understandably concerned.
And then it was My Chemical Romance! A curtain had gone up in front of the stage but due to where we were sitting we could see everything, and they walked on stage and it was like. That's MCR, and then the curtain dropped and it was Na Na Na and I just stood with the rest of the crowd and didn't sit all night. Though there was a guy directly behind me who didn't stand, and in fact left half way through the show, so who knows what was up with that.
I can't remember the set list right now, but it's out there if people want to look it up. So I'll just give details of some stuff.
At one point someone went down in the pit. Gerard went to the drum riser with Ray and his face was in close up on the screens and at first I thought he was doing some kind of crying act, you know how he gets with the fake eye scrubbing and woe face, but it was soon apparent it was real concern. The concert was stopped, the lights went on and security had to go into the crowd and carry someone out. What was impressive was watching the crowd part to let them out, it was like the red sea parting, no pushing I could see, just making room so that person could be taken out of the back. After that Gerard congratulated people for allowing that to happen and the show went on.
They played Kids From Yesterday. I was a little worried they wouldn't and then it started and I was just :D \o/ :D. I love that song so much. It's my favourite on DD so I just stood there all ♥ _ ♥ James recorded all of that so hopefully it comes out.
I loved every single song they sung up there, but Famous Last Words is another highlight. I'm never going to say that they saved my life, because they didn't. Everything I've done has been due to me. But they have been an inspiration, and standing there, arms in the air and singing along, punching it out to Awake and unafraid, asleep or dead, surrounded by all these other fans. A mam and her teenager daughter in front of us, young couples, people in costumes, people of all ages and sizes all singing together. It's a moment I'll remember for a long time.
Teenagers was ridiculous. The whole arena seemed to get the arm actions in sync, and Ray was watching and everyone was air punching exactly to the beat and Ray got this insane, huge grin. Seriously, if you could bottle Ray's happiness you could make a fortune selling it.
Mikey was rocking the back bends and head banging like crazy, both to the side and front. I also couldn't take my eyes off him when he was drinking in-between songs. Who knew drinking water could be so hot?
Seeing Frank rock out is amazing, when he throws himself to the ground and just goes for it. Wow.
Gerard started talking about a video they watch for hours on the bus and asked if people knew it, of course most didn't. He also got on his knees in front of the drum riser and prayed/sang, some Rob Zombie song I think. He really is an amazing front man and when he throws up those heart hands it's impossible not to do them right back.
I also have to mention Mike and James. They're both so good at what they do, and seeing Mikey going up to them and take their picture is making me smile even now.
Then it was over, and I was walking down stairs with legs shaking from standing so long, parched for a drink and stupidly happy. Home playing Danger Days and a few hours decompressing as I put the fannish world to rights with themoononastick, and also squeed an embarrassing amounts of times about Mikey's fail throw. Two Mikey wives in the same room leads to a lot of Mikey talk, I'm just saying.
I have pictures and video I'll share later, that is if they're any good, and have to apologise for such a rambling, disjointed report and also forgetting stuff, but I'm running on a few hours sleep and a feeling of, did that really happen? Also, a knowledge that it's a good thing the Newcastle date was the last one in the UK as right now all I want to do is see more.
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no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 01:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 01:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:47 pm (UTC)Thank you ♥
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Date: 2011-02-23 07:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:48 pm (UTC)I'm sure you will. I never though I would and it happened :)
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 08:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:49 pm (UTC)I really hope your concert is just as good.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 08:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-24 05:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:52 pm (UTC)Also, thank you ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 03:14 pm (UTC)Okay, so I'm getting ahead of myself here but that band. They're so them on stage.
Ahahaha, I KNOW THE FEELING. It's hard to explain and should be really obvious, but it hits me every time I see someone live. (Like, did you know that Howie winks? This should not be brand new information. Yet it IS.)
no subject
Date: 2011-03-09 04:53 pm (UTC)It's hard to explain and should be really obvious, but it hits me every time I see someone live. (Like, did you know that Howie winks? This should not be brand new information. Yet it IS.)
Yes! That's it exactly. It's like, until you see them live they're nothing but words and pixels on a screen.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-22 11:29 pm (UTC)Wasn't Ray adorable, he was just so smiley. Seeing his big grin just makes me so happy.
And Famous Last Words, that song just makes me feel things that I can't even explain <3333
I only caught the Black Out twice but they had the same patter both times. I really didn't appreciate the kneeling down thing. We didn't do it but others around us did and when you are in a crush and people start kneeling down it feels so unsafe.
Amazing gig though! They totally exceeded what I hoped for and it was so amazing to see some of the things you have read about/ seen online for years actually in the flesh.
no subject
Date: 2011-03-29 07:37 pm (UTC)Ray was incredible at the show, his smile could light up a room.
The Black Out patter was ridiculous, and I'm glad other people thought the kneeling down was stupid too. I wasn't sure if I was just being picky.
I'm glad you had such a good time too.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 09:11 am (UTC)When it comes to someone going down or almost going down. People are usually pretty amazing to help them get out of the pit and let security to them.
When I nearly passed out at the Adam Lambert show, the crowd did indeed part like the Red Sea. It's amazing.
I wish I could go see them! :( Stupid State. Stupid SoundStrike. Stupid Laws. >:|
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 09:30 am (UTC)I was so impressed with the security, they were doing a bang up job getting people out of the crowd.
I wish you could too :(
(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 09:18 am (UTC)At one point someone went down in the pit. Gerard went to the drum riser with Ray and his face was in close up on the screens and at first I thought he was doing some kind of crying act, you know how he gets with the fake eye scrubbing and woe face, but it was soon apparent it was real concern. Righto - that's what happened! We didn't know if it was a fight or something. I have to say, this was my 8th MCR gig and I've never seen that expression on Gerard's face. That look of concern and slight pissed offness (at first I guess because people weren't helping), followed by relief.
Ray's happy face is awesome!cakes.
The Arena Crowd - I think I tweeted at one point that crowd - they have had another album out. I think it was because it was the first time in Newcastle, but I found a lot of what makes MCR gigs so special for me was missing. There's normally so much more armwaving, clapping... it was only really through Teenagers and FLW that this happened. Even Gerard commented upon it. 'Wow, Newcastle really likes Teenagers - that song is (some word used for old).'
Hahaha -seeing more - do you see why I'm up to 8 now! :)
I enjoyed the gig and during the songs you've picked out they were really on form, but it wasn't the best I've seen them. They are normally more awesome, G Way particularly - so if you found him super awesome and amazing you'll get your head blown if you see them again!
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 09:29 am (UTC)Righto - that's what happened!
Yeah. I can only send tweets to my phone not receive them, so didn't see yours yesterday. Gerard looked really concerned, I really did think he was just stretching out an act like he tends to do, but then it became clear that he was worried.
It must have been where I was sitting but everyone was doing the arm waving thing. It's a shame it didn't happen everywhere.
I can see why going to concerts is addictive. I would have gone to another as soon as it finished if I could have.
You're probably right, and I will see them again.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 09:53 am (UTC)I love all your excitement and your details.
Also, early in the set he went around and took photos of all the people in the band, which was adorable.
I don't understand WHY this is so amazingly cute BUT IT IS.
I can't remember the set list right now, but it's out there if people want to look it up
Yep, stalkers like Yek and Anna and draconic_girl followed MCR_london religiously and put together the set list in real time. AWESOME LIST.
YAY I am so SO glad you got Kids. HUGS!!!
no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 03:17 pm (UTC)It was such a lovely day and I wanted to share it with people.
I don't understand WHY this is so amazingly cute BUT IT IS.
At first I thought Mikey was just taking a picture of Gerard, because well it's Gerard and we all know how Mikey feels about him. But then he went around and got everyone.
You guys are amazing!
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Date: 2011-02-23 09:54 am (UTC)<3
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Date: 2011-02-25 03:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 10:02 am (UTC)Just *hearing* about Ray's smile makes me smile.
And ahahahaha Mikey ILU so.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 10:22 am (UTC)When he looked into our section it really did feel like he was looking directly at me. The power of the Toro direct look is a powerful thing!
Mikey. He's just so Mikey-ish. Even the security guard laughed at his fail throw, because it went nowhere near the barrier *g*
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Date: 2011-02-23 10:32 am (UTC)and omg yes i know all about the "this is mcr and they are right there in front of me" thing. sometimes it is hard to believe that they are real....
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Date: 2011-02-25 03:01 pm (UTC)It does feel like they're conjured out of magic at times.
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Date: 2011-02-23 10:33 am (UTC)Even though I've seen MCR up close, I still have doubts about them being real. They're too awesome to be real.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 03:00 pm (UTC)It's hard to believe they're real. They're so awesome that it feels like they shouldn't be.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 11:13 am (UTC)I don't know why but it's very .... moving, to me, to read about you seeing them for the first time, I guess maybe because you're one of the people I associated directly with MCR when I think about LJ, and to think that you'd never gotten to see them before! So I'm EXTRA HAPPY for you. *hugs*
Hopefully the first off a long series of MCR viewings and laughing at Mikey's weak arm!! *g*
no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:58 pm (UTC)I didn't think I'd ever get to see them tbh, and even going it still felt unreal, and they were there. These people I'd admired and loved for so long.
I hope it is the first of many concerts, in fact, it will be. I need to see them again!
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Date: 2011-02-23 11:14 am (UTC)Thanks so much for sharing all this with us :D
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Date: 2011-02-25 02:56 pm (UTC)I hope you enjoy your show just as much ♥
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Date: 2011-02-23 11:14 am (UTC)Also, yeah, seeing Frank and Ray play is always such an experience!
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Date: 2011-02-25 02:55 pm (UTC)Frank and Ray are so into it. Seeing Frank thrashing on the floor was so cool :D
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Date: 2011-02-23 11:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 11:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 11:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:49 pm (UTC)♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 12:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:47 pm (UTC)You're the best.
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Date: 2011-02-23 01:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-25 02:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 01:25 pm (UTC)I'm totally making you come to the next Backstreet show, you realise that?
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Date: 2011-02-25 02:45 pm (UTC)You can try *g*
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Date: 2011-02-23 05:02 pm (UTC)Did James enjoy the show, too?
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Date: 2011-02-25 02:44 pm (UTC)James did enjoy it. He went in not liking Bullets or Revenge at all, but had changed his mind by the time we left. Though he still can't tell Mikey and Gerard apart for some reason.