With a few moments to take it all in, I noticed my coveted ticket came with a special collector's postcard with the show's date and what appeared to be a serial number. I thought to myself, "won't this look amazing in a frame?" Oh yes. And I did so as soon as I got home.
As more and more people flooded in, it became apparent this was going to be a ridiculously packed show. I couldn't help but gaze up at the VIP section with utter contempt, especially upon noticing Jason Bateman as part of the crowd (did he have to fight with Ticketmaster to get his ticket?! Probably not...). But I waited patiently for the opening band, Four Tet, to finish. I kind of felt a little bad for them. Clearly no one was interested in what they were playing. Biding time til 10pm when Radiohead was slated to take the stage was all anybody on that floor was doing.
The first note. Thom's voice sounded crisp and clean. Colin's bass rattled through my chest. The two bald dudes on drums (one being, of course, Phil Selway and the other, Clive Deamer) killed it, Johnny, the awkward musical genius poured over his keyboard and Ed the giant guitar God, rocked. the fucking. house. Though it was impossible for me (5'1") to see anything from where I was standing, I didn't have to see them to know they were there. The set list (below) was cohesive and inspired. The King of Limbs, In Rainbows, Kid A, The Bends...and OK Computer's "Subterranean Homesick Alien"?!!!! A happy surprise to hear a track from my FAVORITE album. A track that the band hadn't played live since 2003. I appreciated the old, the new and the so new they haven't been released yet! I am excited for what's to come and am hoping, quite frankly, praying, a full US tour is on the books for 2012.
photo credit: Penny Lane
The evening made me happy. I danced my little heart out. I sang at the top of my lungs. And I sweat Radiohead for their entire set. I am grateful to have been a part of something wonderful. And Thom singing "This one goes out to the one I love..." almost brought a tear to my eye...
And now...for the second portion of my review, I would like to hop atop my soapbox.
SHAME ON YOU DRUNK ASSHOLES...I watched a gentleman, probably six feet tall, get carried out of Roseland by his girlfriend, who was a little over five feet, while I was in line at the merch stand. You wasted not only your $80 but the chance to witness something only a small number of people were privy to. Your ticket would have been better off in the hands of someone who goes to see Radiohead not to get so fucked up he won't remember the show the next day but who will appreciate being part of something special. And. Oh I don't know. APPRECIATE THE MUSIC! It is in fact why you came to the show, am I wrong? I wish I could say this was the only instance of drunken asshole syndrome I saw but sadly it was not.
Take a moment to remember why we go to live performances. Show some respect for the artist you came to see, the crowd around you and, for the love of God, yourself.
photo credit: Penny Lane
To see videos and pictures from a much closer vantage point, go to www.brooklynvegan.com
Radiohead Setlist - Roseland Ballroom, New York NY
September 28, 2011
Bloom
Little By Little
Staircase
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
Feral (Live concert debut)
Subterranean Homesick Alien (first performance since 2003)
All I Need
Everything In Its Right Place (with "The One I Love" intro)
Lotus Flower
15 Step
Myxomatosis
Codex (live concert debut)
The Daily Mail
Bodysnatchers
Reckoner
Encore:
Give Up The Ghost
The National Anthem
Morning Mr Magpie
Encore 2:
Street Spirit (Fade Out)
Nude
