Things I will never decline: free concert tickets. Luckily, I’ve become many people’s token “concert friend,” so when they need someone to stand in GA and get them to front row, I’m the first person they call. This time, one of my best friends offered me the chance to see Radio 104.5’s Birthday bash. We got there late, but four bands and my first “crabby fry” experience later, I realized it was an unforgettable night.
Empire of the Sun pulled off an incredibly artistic and visual set. The thirteen year olds who were only there for The 1975 didn’t quite get it, but it was impossible not to appreciate the time and effort the band but into their performance. (Speaking of The 1975, they sounded great. But am I the only one who kind of wants to fight Matt Healy? He puts on such a tortured-soul-mysterious-boy act that I can’t help but believe he’s full of it. I’m pretty sure he’s admitted to being pretentious… so at least he knows.) Anyway, the Empire of the Sun set stuck out like a sore thumb compared to all of the other artists, and at times was perhaps a little too over-the-top. However, I was sold when three guitars in row were smashed. #AngryGirlProblems.
Bastille were my surprise of the night. The girl next to us was sleeping with the keyboardist, so maybe that’s why the band kept looking in our direction and interacting with the crowd. But nonetheless, I haven’t seen a band give back to their fans during a show to that extent in quite sometime. Dan walked through GA, bounced up and down nonstop, and sung like it was his last show. Major props.
Count this as the second time, yes, second, that I’ve accidentally seen Kings of Leon front row. I’m not complaining though… they put on an awesome show every time. Although they may not have the same interactive stage presence as other bands on the bill (such as the jumping beans in Bastille) their effortless riffs and vocals are off the chart. My appreciation of Jared Followill’s bass talents grow stronger with each show.
Overall, it was a great day. But the best part was when we bypassed forty dollar parking fees by parking in a meter spot on the street. I somehow had thirty-five quarters in my purse and we ended up paying only $8.00. Beating the system… now THAT is beautiful.
-B
Brittany O'Connell 