A few days ago we played an honest-to-god arena.
I know this because it was called the NIA and the ‘A’ stood for - arena. I also figured it out when we showed up and it was fucking huge. Like 11,000 people huge. Like “we have major sporting events here on the regular” huge.
The show was in Birmingham, the second largest city in the UK and ancestral home of Editors and current home to half of them. Russell showed us around and cooked us breakfast - twice.
But before the show we were definitely jittery, or at least confused at the prospect of playing songs where once the American Gladiators (according to Chris, I have no proof) held court. Here is a photo of us sound checking at the biggest show of our lives - the place where Malibu and Nitro once tread.
There are some photos of the actual show here. There’s also a great photo of us in Blackpool here. The venue was called the Empress Ballroom and looks like it may have entertained a queen or two back in the day.
Now we’re fresh off the boat and in France for the night before heading to Belgium tomorrow. The UK was amazing, thanks to all who came out early to hear our opening band exploits. And cheers to Sons & Daughters, a fantastic group of Scots and great band too. Aaaand jeers to the terrible meal we just ate at our hotel.
March 9th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Loved your show in Plymouth! Thanks for that! You have no clue how rare good music is at the end of that world! Hope you visit Germany sometime - they would love it! Like on a festival like that one: http://immergutrocken.de/en/
And - shhh - you were way better than The Editors. Enjoyed watching you having fun on the stage, loved how you enjoyed performing your music and sharing it with us.
x
March 9th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Yeh was a huge venue…was gobsmacked at just how big. Good that you guys got a good response.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Keep meaning to ask…. why didnt 1996 past the test?
March 15th, 2008 at 5:10 am
i love ur band :] ur music is awesome
March 16th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Hi,
saw your show at the Editors concert yesterday in Denmark, and wow you were really good!! Keep up!
March 16th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
So I guess if will be weird playing the 7th Street Entry after playing to an arena of 11,000?
Can’t wait for your Minneapolis show.