You Me At Six make girls cry at the Apollo
In the sub zero temperatures, I took the train to Manchester Apollo full of excitement to see two of the biggest bands that have dominated 2010.
Already to a bad start when there were complications with my ticket reservation and my train ticket never got checked (so beer money down the drain). After all the drama I finally made it into the auditorium and much to my disappoint, Set Your Goals, the first supporting act, had already begun their set. I found I wasn’t the only one disappointed after word got round that the band began playing before the starting time of 7:30.
It was obvious the crowd were there to see two bands in particular, The Blackout and You Me At Six. The Blackout in my past experiences have never failed to please the crowd and this was no exception. “It’s High Time Baby” and “We Are The Dynamite” were by far popular tunes, warming the crowd up for the headliners. The second they walked onto the stage it was apparent the boys were full of energy which rubbed off on the audience. However, the only thing I didn’t quite get was why some people were putting their middle finger up at Sean Smith in appreciation. Funny way to show it but if that’s how you show appreciation then why not. I remember watching The Blackout just before they made it big at a small gig just outside Bath, they have created a more developed sound and a stage presence that has come from their solid commitment to their music.
During the interval between The Blackout and You Me At Six, fans were becoming restless with the new found energy they received, chanting You Me At Six’s name every five minutes. I have to admit after The Blackout’s performance, I was all ready and waiting for more adrenaline to be fed to me. You Me At Six’s opening was flawless, beginning their set with “Save It For The Bedroom” which caused a crowd surge, tidal waving to the stage. It wouldn’t have surprised me if a few injuries occurred, but anything is worth a close up.
However, it wasn’t all constant jumping, punching and girls pulling hair, towards the end of the set the band toned it down with an acoustic set. One of the songs had some girls to tears and I won’t deny that I was close myself. “Always Attract” taken from their album “Take Off Your Colours” was (feel free to correct me) the best performance of the night. Never have I been at a gig where the audience fall silent and when prompted by Josh Franceschi, lead vocalist, come to life, singing the words almost tune perfect. Not to mention the mobile lights and lights glowing the Apollo with such positive feelings.
This was the first time I have seen You Me At Six live, and I heard a new side to the band which can’t be captured on recordings. The way they have control over the whole show instead of the audience controlling them is something which some big bands can find difficult as they forget who they’re playing for. You Me At Six does everything that most bands cannot.
The supporting acts Canterbury, who were second in the line up, may as well been the first because it was hard to hear what they were saying even when they were speaking to the crowd. I’m sure the band has potential but whether it was a gig they just weren’t feeling, I will have to watch them again to fully judge. Set Your Goals forgot the fact they were starting the gig and acted like headliners. The crowd connected with the band well especially with the female fans who I think were screaming more about the band than the music.
Despite the annoyance of the UK’s train service and getting my tickets, this performance left me ready for bed after so much energy was taken out of me, even eating some cheesy chips required effort. I have no doubt everyone else felt the same.
Naomi Havergal
Tagged in You Me At Six