Cities with two shows in a row are a touring treat – the luxury of walking away from a show with no load-out, no travel and no load in the next day is a glorious break in the pinball-pace of regular touring. Obviously, to get this on the first shows of a leg is truly being spoilt. As indeed is having a rooftop aftershow party within sight of the crew hotel.
Unsurprisingly, the second show day gets off to a subdued start. The band have foregone a soundcheck, so opener Jess Kent gets some time to stretch out in the time before doors.
Showtime is 8pm here – a little earlier than usual, which makes the day feel a little compressed. Jess Kent is on before I’ve even had dinner – and although she’s been popular everywhere, I have to say I can’t remember a reception as enthusiastic as this one. They’re cheering along, dancing and waving their arms as though it were the headliner. Looks as though the boys could be in for a good one tonight, I think to myself.
And as the intro tape rolls and the fellas bound up the stage steps, it’s clear that’s very much going to be the case. I could be mistaken, but the crowd seem even louder than the previous night. These folks don’t just make noise between the songs and in the singalong sections – there are swells of cheering and singing popping up all over the first few songs. Something about this makes audiences on these kind of nights somehow feel like a huge ocean. Waves of excitement and noise rise up and crash against the stage. It’s a wild and unpredictable sea of energy. With the frontman’s role being all about providing the primary link between band and audience – and with Chris being an avid surfer, I do wonder whether it feels that way to him?
So, two superb nights in Singapore and onwards to Manila.
What a great start back!
Roadie 42.