With a life that's falling apart at the moment it felt like a real escape to get on that plane and be flying above the clouds to London. I've never been to the O2 before so didn't know what to expect of the venue and the crowd. On arrival I started queuing immediately about 60 people were already there, and I spoke to a lovely couple from Mexico who hadn't seen them before and a girl from my hometown who's seen them a billion times!! Small world eh?
With my WASTE ticket I got second row right in front of Thom's microphone stand. It was so nice to see caribou again SUN SUN SUN !!! Then with total delight and relief (a sense of Mission Accomplished) welcomed Radiohead on stage. Straight into Lotus Flower and I could see every detail under the vast canopy of screens and lighting above. A pack of predatory photographers filled the gap between us and our band. Thom seemed to do anything but look at them. He seemed slightly more chatty and jittery between songs ( a sign of nerves, me thinks... ) Some classic moments was his, " .... it's a quality newspaper" comment before playing the Daily Mail, only for a fan to shout out something that made Thom stop the song and laugh uncontrollably for a moment. Also later on Thom offered a girl a job with the band for saying his performance was "Brilliant" !
It always baffles me why the bursting red energy of Morning Mr Magpie doesn't turn the crowd into one giant mosh pit.... it's a very jumpable song! I love it.
The total highlight though for me was Spinning Plates, it was such a moving experience to be there for that song , I just drifted away with it, beautiful.
It's always funny to see the reaction of everyone when the old faithful's role out, in this case Karma Police. Complete camera fumbling, air punching, singalong .....(I'm totally guilty on all counts)
I'm a member of Free Tibet but every time I see that Tibetan Flag brought to the front, my heart sinks. It's the last song. Everything in it's right place. But what a lovely end.
So it's day two.
You know you're a devoted fan when you stand in a Ticketmaster queue from 11am in the morning, knowing that every single WASTE ticket holder is going to get infront of you.... Even the ones who turn up after 6pm !!! It was soul destroying. But nevermind, we had a cheerful bunch of Greenpeace fellows and a 'real' Polar Bear to keep us company, and for me a chat with the legendary Austin Brock ! Actually on the way to the O2 that morning I met one of Radiohead's crew ( I called him a 'roadie' but I think he was the chief bloke ! oops) Anyway we chatted about the gig the night before and he said Radiohead were so completely nervous about the first 'Home Town' gig, and there was to be no soundcheck today. Then I babbled on about seeing them in Montreal before saying our polite goodbye's. Then he went off to entrance B and I went off to Entrance F, Damn it.
With a pocket full of credit cards, ID and that precious confirmation email I finally got through security and unexpectedly got second row again on the edge of Jonny's side. What a success! It was a great view, and a nice varied bunch of people to be with. From as far away as Ecuador to as local as you get, Abingdon ....Radiohead fans really are the best, ...and most polite fans you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. It's official.
Colin fleeted on stage briefly after another dazzling Caribou set, organising stuff it seemed, unnoticed by everyone apart from our group. Then another deafening roar goes up and Radiohead are back. You could feel the energy and atmosphere was so much freer than last night. Only one photographer, no pressure, just us.
From the emotions of Videotape and Reckoner ( which I will forever link with Scott now) to the relentless power of There There, National Anthem and the awesome Feral, it was indeed a total ....'I'm loving this setlist, Man!' moment. I loved it when Thom said to the crowd after Feral, " I bet the people in the high up seats are wondering "what the f**ck just happened there'.
I never expected Thom to wave back to me before the beginning of Reckoner but he did and a smile too!!! ( by coincidence Austin filmed it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8r0wd7IY88&feature=player_embedded#! ) This totally made up for the prolonged STARE he gave me in Montreal, it was so intense I didn't know where to look and actually hid behind a taller person in the front row the next time he came over, I'm such a coward.
Then just when you thought it couldn't get any better.... they play Planet Telex.
It was always my favourite from the Bends, and thought I'd never hear it again, I had a christmas day smile on my face, singing my heart out. And with the final encore opener my personal new favourite Staircase I'm a very very happy fan.
But wait a minute... the Tibetan flag has come and gone, but this time it ain't over..
OMG its Idioteque !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and Thom's got his hair down. You can tell he's really going for it and, guess what, we're right there with him, the place erupts, totally awesome!
What a great GREAT end.
With a bag full of merchandise goodies and a head buzzing with happy memories that will last a lifetime. I could honestly have flown back home myself the next day. No plane required.
Thanks Radiohead.
