I don't think I've ever been to a gig where the crowd was so involved with the act on stage (okay, maybe The Rocky Horror Show, but that's different). My theory, for what it's worth, is that this is down to The Lumineers' particular brand of folksy rock - there's a lot of hand-clapping, foot-stomping and singing along, all of which encourage - even necessitate - participation.
The band's set list was well balanced between their two albums to date and kept the energy flowing for a full ninety minutes. I particularly loved the fact that, after four or five songs, not only did the band respectfully ask the crowd not to take any further photos so that everyone could just get on with enjoying the performance, but that 99.9% of the attendees obliged. From my seat in the balcony I had a great view of the stage, the upper tier and the crowd below, and I barely saw a single camera screen glare for the rest of the gig. And you know what? It was fantastic to know that the audience was so focused on simply enjoying an act they'd paid good money to hear.
Special mention must be given to Manchester's Albert Hall - a converted church - which is a great venue and contributed significantly to the amazing atmosphere. How can you fail to enjoy a gig when there's fading sunlight streaming through huge stained glass windows? So far I've only been to the Hall twice, albeit coincidentally both events took place within 48 hours of each other, but I'll definitely be looking out for future events there. I'll also be keenly awaiting The Lumineers' next trip to the North of England!
Pete
(P.S - A quick call out in support of Twickets, the website and app through which people can buy and sell unneeded tickets at face value. Help the fight against scalps by refusing to pay over the odds for sold out events!)
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