The 1975 at the O2

19th January 2019

I'm always blown away by The 1975's performance, however last night I was genuinely shocked and surprised to the extent that I squealed with excitement. I may not listen to them as much as I should but I will always enjoy their music and hold so much respect for them. Their stage design is impeccable and their concerts are unforgettable experiences whether in standing or seats. I would definitely go and see them a third time.

Music

Obviously you don't go to watch an artist perform live if you don't enjoy their music, however, I find that after going to a concert I enjoy and appreciate the music even more.

There is nothing like feeling the drums and bass in your chest, hearing thousands of people sing along to the songs you love and seeing the passion of the artists as they perform.

Stage design

When I went to see The 1975 for the first time in December 2016 I was blown away by the simple but effective stage design comprised of four 'blocks' on which different things were projected, sometimes making them appear as blocks of rock, other times appearing like skyscrapers; creating a Cityscape. While simple, I was still blown away as the stage design I was used to seeing was the band, a simple banner with their name on it and different coloured lights. The 1975 was different.

This time around was a whole other level. With the same 'blocks' as before, LED frame, screens, a conveyor belt/treadmill, platforms, and hidden compartments I began to feel this was truly a performance rather than just another concert. The projections/displays were often linked to the albums/music videos, rewarding those who can recognise where they are from while not confusing or excluding those who do not.

At one point, due to the position our seats were in we could see backstage and I saw Matty put on a backpack and hat that I recognised from their video for 'Sincerity is scary' and I got so excited its ridiculous. If I got that excited about a hat imagine my excitement with the platform Matty was standing on began to move like a treadmill just like the music video.

During another song, Matty, standing on a platform pushed against the 'screen' and walked into it. My mind was blown.

Passion

It always makes me so happy to see the artist's passion in their performance and hear how grateful they are to the fans. This concert Matty expressed his feelings about the idea that once you release a song it is no longer yours. He said he doesn't necessarily agree with it but that certain songs will always be ours, since when the fans sing them live they are made so unique. He dared us to sing along to 'Loving Someone' and try to convince him that it belongs more to him then it does to us.

Concerts have such a consuming and inspiring atmosphere that I will never grow tired of. I can't wait for my next one. Watsky in March.

-Kaitlyn x