The first rule of this blog: readers will come to learn very quickly that I am obsessed with the British alternative quartet (or quintet, if we’re on tour), Bastille. A little bit of backstory; I became intrigued at the age of 13 upon a recommendation of the song “Skulls” by a friend, which sounded “weird and depressing” as I believe I put it, oh how correct was I? Little did I know, this flippant remark and ignored song recommendation was to very quickly become my life, when I first watched a trailer for ‘Dancing On Ice’ (a show in which 12 celebrities attempt to ice skate and injure themselves over the course of a few weeks, if you’re not familiar). To this day, I remember the moment so vividly – walking through the living room, stood watching in awe at a blade gliding through the ice rink as Bastille’s 90s mash up “Of The Night” played so beautifully, and hauntingly, in the background.
To cut a long story short, almost 6 years after this moment, and I’m set to be 11 shows in by August 2019. I chose to write about the ReOrchestrated show I had the privellage of attending back in April, as it was a ridiculously special show for two reasons; much of the band’s music had been specially reworked into orchestral/acoustic pieces, accompanied by a string section, brass section, and choir, and it was where I met my first real friend in the fandom, which has opened up so many doors for me in terms of other amazing friendships.
I still have the alarm on my phone which I set for precisely 7:40, entitled “YOUR BASTILLE TICKET CHLOE,” reminding me to take my much-loved, highly sought after ticket with me to Sheffield. I decided to couple this day with spending some quality time with my mum at Meadowhall, a shopping centre in Sheffield, before the show, as this was the first show I’d been to where I had a guaranteed seat and had no need to queue from “stupid o’ clock” (as my mum affectionately labels it) to get to the front.
I was able to hold off my excitement until about 3pm, when photos of beaming fans with Dan Smith, the band’s frontman, became emblazoned across my Twitter feed, taken just a 9 minute train journey from my current location. I’ve had my fair share of wonderful encounters with Dan and the rest of the band before, but the thought of coming face-to-face with them again was too much excitement for me to handle, so off on the train to Sheffield city centre I hopped…
I realised quite quickly that didn’t much fancy the idea of standing around three hours before doors opened all by myself, and took to Twitter to beg for a friend. Little did I know that, for once, my awkward social media smoke signals would be answered in the form of my now good friend, Kate, who too was stood outside the venue by herself!
I rushed off my train, and out came Google Maps and a bottle of water (it was a surprisingly hot and sunny day for April)! Within about 10 minutes, I was stood gasping at the sheer beauty of the venue from the fountains out front, internally squealing with excitement at the fact that my favourite band would be playing inside in just a matter of hours. Deciding I’d spent enough time gawping at the architecture, I ventured to the back of the venue where I eventually found three tour buses, two groups of fans, and one Kate (is this beginning to sound like the 12 Days of Christmas)? Kate and I hit it off immediately, and I was enthralled that I’d finally met another fan who was so likeminded – and being able to fangirl without hearing a chorus of sighs and groans was of course a bonus!
After a few waves to Dan, and a very quick chat to Will, it was time for doors open…
I took my seat and will admit to almost shedding a few tears at my view – I was so close to the stage! I got myself comfortable just in time for Charlie Barnes to come on and perform: Bastille’s fifth touring member and the first support act of the night. My giddiness was however short-lived when a couple tapped me on the shoulder and informed me that I was in their seat. Adamant they’d made a mistake, I told them they must be wrong… It turns out that in my excitement I’d taken the seat 22 on row B, rather than my seat: 22 A. Clutching what was left of my dignity, I moved forward another row (although I’ll admit I was a little smug about getting even closer to the front).
Charlie’s set was no short of amazing, of course. Even though I don’t know his music that well, that man’s voice is just incredible, and his lyricism is one of a kind! Oh and the high notes… don’t get me started on those high notes! (Sublime, impeccable, beautiful…)
I took the opportunity during the interval to go to the toilet (and I’m only mentioning this because it’s a rare treat for me at most gigs), and ended up (somehow) at the merchandise stand. £65 later, clutching my new t shirt and hoodie with pride, I settled back down in my seat for the second support act… This was to be To Kill A King, and I remember almost jumping out of my seat in an English class when this was announced, because not only are they one of my favourite bands, it’s always been a dream to see Ralph and Dan perform together, and I had an incling that’s exactly what we were going to be treated to this evening.
Need I even say that their set was simply perfect. Ralph’s voice is so unique, and one of those you just want to bottle up in a jar and save it for when you’re really sad. We were treated to Dan and Charlie joining them at the end of the set for one of my favourite songs: Choices, which again, needless to say, was a beautiful rendition. If you’re unfamiliar with the song, I highly recommend YouTubing Ralph’s Balcony sessions and listening to the version with Bastille and various other artists (and then repeat…). I don’t mind admitting that an acoustic version of Howling early on in the performance also reduced me to tears – that song always strikes a chord with me and I will always hold it dear.
After another short interval, the time was nearing 9pm, and that could mean only one thing: Bastille’s set was drawing closer by the second. For some reason, I always seem to get butterflies in my stomach before a show – I dread to think what I would be like if I was the one performing!
Having had this booked since December, it was finally time. Kyle, Charlie, Will, Woody and Dan each strolled out confidently on the stage, and I was eager to hear what the first song would be. Hearing the plethora of musical talent on stage pick up their instruments, especially the string section warming up, was truly magical, and I couldn’t wait for what was in store. Now I will say this, the one thing that ruined this moment for me was the (probably inebriated) lady that kept declaring her love for Dan… Very, very loudly. If you’re that lady, please stop. No one likes a rude heckler…
Moving onto a positive, Bastille, breaking tradition, begun their set with what I can only describe as an enchanting ‘Disney’ version of Pompeii. The choir opening up the song and backing up the whole thing by harmonising behind Dan’s voice worked like a match made in heaven, and for the second (maybe third, I’d already lost count) time this evening, I was officially reduced to tears.
After many of Dan’s inaugural “thank you so much” speeches, the set moved onto some more upbeat, edgy songs like Icarus and Blame. Bear in mind this was a seated event and security didn’t seem too fond of people standing up… However, in true Smith fashion, Dan encouraged everyone to stand up, dance and get down with him (“not in a kinky way”) to Of The Night. From there on in, there was no stopping the dancing. This will probably shed light on how much excitement I have in my life, but a true surge of rebellion rushed through me as I pogoed like a madman on steroids for the whole three minutes that the song lasted.
What really surprised me about this set was the altered version of Two Evils, albeit a real pleasant surprise. Typically, this style of concert was meant to slow down many of the songs, adding extra depth and new layers to them through the use of the orchestral sounds. Two Evils, however, was made more upbeat and intense with the extra layering of sounds, accompanied by a crashing drum beat in the background. I’ll have to confess, I fell in love.
Another highlight of Bastille’s set was their ReOrchestrated performance of The Anchor. This song always has resonated me from the moment I heard it as my relationship with Bastille, and music in general, is very much like an anchor that I tie to my brain, and I do quite literally sing those songs again and again when I’m feeling lost or out of control in my life. With the gorgeousness of Smith’s voice no less than beaming through every note, the very ‘live’ acoustic notes to the song, and the sublime (very emotional) backing vocals from the choir, this was a winning performance. It wasn’t just another one of those songs at a show where I feel contented and sing and dance my way through it, I truly felt something. This version touched my heart like no other, and the intimacy of the venue really helped with that connection. It was one of those moments where I physically cried to the point that tears were streaming down my face, so much so that Will (Bastille’s bass and guitar player) noticed I was in a bit of a state and motioned mid-song to see if I was alright. Unfortunately, that only made the tears worse… Thanks for trying though, Will.
Closing with a song I’d never heard played live before; Weight of Living Part 1, the night ended with absolute perfection. I certainly felt like I’d shot down my albatross, albeit temporarily, after the pure adrenaline and emotional cleanse I feel I’d had that evening.
My only improvement is that they could do this tour again one day, so I can hopefully relieve this truly amazing experience… Dear Bastille and Crew; I am thankful every day that I got the chance to see this absolute masterpiece while it was on the road.
Gigs and Flaws 