United Kingdom, Leeds - First Direct Arena

LEEDS

«Welcome to 1985» has become the slogan of the show. Our call to arms. Forwards backwards, twisted round. Especially since we are both going back and coming back. Used to be confused. Now we just don’t know. You figure it out. In Leeds it could, of course, also have been «Welcome to 1988», which was the last time we saw you. That’s even worse than Dublin and Belfast, but better than Perth, which will be «Welcome to 1986». I guess we are old enough to remember the 80s, after all, and will get it right after awhile.

There were some doubts as to whether or not we could fill First Direct Arena. But we did. In part, thanks to our partner at SJM, Mr. John Cornwell, a leap of faith and of course a yearlong welcome from a lot of Loiners! It just kept on coming, as if we were trapped in a cave filled with lovebats, leaving a string heart-shaped bitemarks. FDA is a marvelous structure and a supermodern concert hall. Beautiful place to work and super views all around. Big compliments goes out to Erik and GG from dedicated followers screaming «the sound is peeeeerfect» in between singing along and dancing. Quality time, indeed.

Saturday night and a few days off before Royal Albert Hall. Hotel out in the sticks in the middle of a golf court. As if that wasn’t enough, it was also used as the venue for a big wedding party that lasted a little too long. Non-quality time for sleepy heads with your voices in them. Revenge was almost had, as attempts to seduce the bride were made, but luckily for everyone, nothing happened. Not even in the parking lot, before departure to London. All is well that ends well, and everything does seem to end well so far. Enjoy it while it lasts.

A famous person once said on TV: «I live in and make a living creating highlights.» We are starting to understand how that must feel. So thank you Leeds, for the longest night!

TS // Photos: Stian Andersen