This is more of an additional 'experience'. I bought my ticket to see Alicia Keys back in December, and it seems that last night's show was taking forever to come around. This time, it would be a little different. I'm used to being crushed at the front of the barriers, stood half way back at an Arena show or standing at the sides struggling to get a decent view. I paid a little bit extra and I had bought myself a front row seat! This was part of the floored blocked seating, words that normally make me think twice about buying a ticket, for me it's all about being part of the audience - being crushed and singing along with the crowd is standard, not sitting down like it's a theatrical performance!
I entered in to the Arena, I walked straight to the front, and I was directed to my seat by the event steward. I couldn't believe it! Literally a stone's throw away from the stage, perfect view - I could see part of the stage hiding behind the black curtains to what would be a huge production.
Melanie Fiona was her support and she has such a powerful voice. Imagine a slightly younger Alicia Keys, but with the same focused attitude and vocals that filled the arena and that takes some doing! Melanie made great use of the stage and when she walked over to the left hand side (directly in front of me) my jaw hit the floor, she was so close I was expecting a tap on the shoulder from one of the stewards and him saying "err....you're not meant to be down here are you? This is the VIP section". A great start to the evening, and now we waited while the final alterations to the stage took place.
9.15 - The house lights went down and a wave of cheering from the arena surged the stage as three huge screens played a short intro video that looked like someone was trying to tune their TV. Scrambled images of war & groups of soldiers marching then Alicia's image was on the centre screen, talking about how she is a Renegade, and fights for the truth. "Fallin'" & "You Don't Know My Name" were the first two songs on tonight's setlist and I was quite surprised by that. I was expecting those for the encore - not quite the versions I was hoping for, more of a 'jazzed up big band' style than her stripped down album version.
I got chatting to a couple of guys sitting next to me, and they've been to quite a few concerts which have chosen blocked seating over general admission standing - and they prefer it! As expected, a few people from rows further down came up to the front to take photos, which led to a load of people charging to the front with their "I'll just take one photo, then I'll go back to my seat" face, which the stewards weren't buying. There must've been around 20-30 people standing at the front, but nobody seemed to mind. Alicia made full use of the stage, spending time in the centre as well as walking across to the left and right hand parts of the stage so everyone could enjoy her talent close up. By the middle of her set, those in the first few rows were either dancing in their row, or like me, just wanted to be up close against the barrier. I completely forgot about everyone else in the arena, it felt like it was Alicia Keys and the first 5 rows of the audience!
The whole show was amazing! I think it would be unfair to compare her to the Lady GaGa show I saw earlier this year, I'm sure GaGa has a larger budget and it's a different style of show. That said, it felt like Alicia had to come out with a huge 'big band' style show, and I think that rained on her talents a little, as everyone is focused on the busy video displays and dancers. It has completely changed my mind about floored seating concerts, one that I'd definately consider in the future, but to be honest, it'd probably have to be front row or nothing now :P
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