Finally, Thursday was a day without drama at work, and stayed fine as well - the one day in the week that did! So I headed off to the Scoop, going straight from the office because it's all the way over the other side of town, and the Meetup group, Free London Events and Talks, who advertised it said it was advisable to get there early for a good seat.
Good job I was early - the District Line was dawdling as much as ever. And the Jubilee Line, when I changed to it, was boiling! I was glad it was only three stops. Made my way to the Scoop, stopping en-route at M&S, where I picked up a sandwich, and one of those individual servings of wine, in a plastic container. (You're not supposed to take glass to events in the Scoop.) And while queueing for the till, I saw a box with two chocolate eclairs in it. So those came too!
It's ages since I've been - and never to a film - and I got a bit confused at the entrance - it transpired that you have to enter via a crash barrier, where they stamp your wrist, in case you want to leave and come back. I rented a cushion - you could also rent blankets, and he mistakenly charged me £3 (blanket price) instead of £2 for a cushion. What the hey, half goes to charity and it wasn't a big deal. There's also a £5 deposit, returned when you bring back what you've hired.
They weren't joking about the crowd - I arrived just after 7, for a 7.30 start, and it was packed! I managed to get a spot on the far side - an oblique view, but fine. A fellow behind me remarked to some people beside him that it had started to fill up around 6.. and as I enjoyed my picnic (the sandwich and wine were so-so, but the wine was pleasantly warming, and the eclairs were superb), I noticed that they'd set up some kind of food stall at the Scoop as well. But from what I gathered, the only food there was popcorn anyway. As for the group, well, no-one expected to meet anyone there - with over 100 people attending from that group alone, the guy who posted the Meetup informed us there'd be no organiser, and we should just go with our friends. So in effect, not a Meetup really - but it's good that they advertise events like this to people.
They showed a short film beforehand - something about people that work on the river, and this one was about a chap that manages Tower Bridge, and the raising and lowering of it. The sound quality was pretty terrible, mind - not to mention the helicopters flying overhead, drowning everything out! But it did improve for the main feature, and the helicopters became less frequent - despite one helicopter that hovered overhead for a minute or so.. wonder whether they were watching the film.
Selma deals with the march from Selma to Montgomery, capital of Alabama, that was led by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965, to protest against the local black population being denied the vote. David Oyelowo plays the man himself - nominated for several awards for his performance, he won some of them, and indeed it's a magnificent portrayal. Tim Roth plays the slimy Governor of Alabama, Tom Wilkinson an only slightly less slippery LBJ. Oprah Winfrey pops up as a civil rights marcher. And despite reviews I read that said that Oyelowo's performance was the only good thing about it, I found it stirring stuff. Earned a round of applause from the audience on Thursday. Widely available online and on dvd, if you're interested.
Well, what with it being so far away, I got home too late to blog. And yesterday was a hectic day at work.. I fell asleep over the computer last night, and have got distracted so much today.. but better late than never with the blog, eh?!
I'm back in Ireland for the weekend. On Monday, I'm, delighted to be going to The Fate We Bring Ourselves, a retelling of Greek legends, by the Crick Crack Storytelling Club, in Soho Theatre. It's ages since I've been with them, and they're always good! And on Tuesday, I'm supposed to be (nominally) with Free London Events and Talks at the Scoop again. This time, it's Still Alice.. but I dunno, the weather forecast doesn't look good. Watch this space.
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Concert: John Doyle
Well, it was touch and go, but there are so many reasons for me not to go tonight that I won't: the awful weather and another uncertain day at work may be blamed.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films outdoors in September. Mind you, if the weather's like today, that's out of the question! It's Selma, which I haven't seen. And on Friday it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films outdoors in September. Mind you, if the weather's like today, that's out of the question! It's Selma, which I haven't seen. And on Friday it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police
So, tonight I was to go this Amnesty talk about Britain's secret police. However, as it happens, I had some pretty earth-shattering news at work today, and if anything, I want some escapism tonight.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. Assuming I get no more shocks. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Tomorrow, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. Assuming I get no more shocks. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. Next Tuesday, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Monday, 14 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#4)
Wow. The last U2 concert in Amsterdam this year. After a terrific, deep sleep - on the softest bed I've had in years - I started off yesterday at the Fine Seasons with an ok breakfast: not the variety of the Holiday Inn Sloterdijk, but ok. Curious thing - I had a banana that tasted of.. a banana! I recognised the flavour from banana-flavoured ice cream. Not what I'd expect from, say, Tesco.. I've never before had a banana that actually tasted of anything. I saw bread, but didn't think there was a toaster until I spied one behind the door - the butter was insipid though.
My plan for the day was simple: walk somewhere, explore, have a big lunch, head to the concert in time to hit the merchandising stall. So, the guidebook said the 9 Canals district was nice, and I set off in a meandering trail across the city centre to make my way there. Indeed, I meandered through some lovely districts.. photos here. Around the Oude Kerk (old church), the sex workers were plying their trade, complete with pimps - as the guidebook says, it's actually more intimidating during daylight hours. On no account take photos of either. However, it was interesting to pass all the dungeon-like coffeshops, dark inside, even on a Sunday afternoon. Nice to see that Amsterdam's debauchery takes place 24-7!
Near Dam Square, I passed a good-value chocolate shop, and a tourist office offering €11 tickets for that 1-hour cruise I took on Wednesday. By the time I'd got to the 9 Canals district, I'd had enough, and retraced my steps, looking for a steakhouse - I'd passed several, and after the last few days I was starving. Back near Dam Square, I settled on La Pampa, an Argentinian steakhouse.
I was starving. So I ordered garlic mushrooms to start - not a huge steak, I know I can never finish them, but a small one (200g) with a side of onion rings - and a dessert of profiteroles.
Decent wine, available in a carafe (0.5l).. when the garlic mushrooms came, I was dubious; the plate was massive! but they were tasty, and I finished them. The steak was gratifyingly small, after that. Mind you, it was nothing special - it does need a sauce, although I didn't like the pepper sauce I'd ordered to go with it. The onion rings were good, the dessert of profiteroles was lovely, considering the accompanying cream was sweetened and hid a scoop of chocolate ice cream in the middle!
Service is friendly, and I was well fed. But honestly, I wouldn't go back for the steak. I moseyed back to the hotel after that, where I had a most welcome nap, and headed out to the Dome. Oh, and for all of my talking about the U2 trucks.. here's a picture:
.. of some of them: I couldn't get them all in one shot.
I was early enough and made my way straight to the nearer merchandising stall, where I purchased a hat, and a red t-shirt..
..took my seat, and waited.
I was a little worried, to be honest: would I be a bit jaded, at my fourth in a row, in the same city?
I needn't have worried - I surprised myself with how enthusiastically I welcomed each number! And by the way, for their last night in town, Bono pulled a blinder. Apparently, the King and Queen were in the audience, and Every Breaking Wave was dedicated to the King's brother, Prince Friso, who was involved in a skiing accident a few years back and ended up in a coma. Indeed, there were also government ministers in the audience, whom Bono took the opportunity to harangue, near the end, about the Netherlands' falling percentage contribution to foreign aid. Before turning to his fellow band members and saying, with a grin, "What? It's the end of the week! I've been very good! I'm entitled.."!
Out of Control was back. Meerkat worked again, and the song for that this time was, apparently, a tour first - Magnificent. This was followed by what I think was a live first - The Sweetest Thing, with Bono on piano!
But what meant most to me was the change to the setlist at the end. They pulled off something very special. After being beseeched by fans all week, most notably by the girl pulled out of the audience on Wednesday, they finally played Bad. Well, I just lost it completely. And as if that wasn't enough, they decided to finish with 40.. Bono asked for the house lights to be turned off, and took up a spotlight to shine, first around the audience, then on his fellow band members as they exited the stage, one by one. And when they were gone, the audience was let sing the chorus a few times before the piped music came on. Very rare, very special. I want it inscribed on my tombstone, when I die - as I probably shall one day - that I was a U2 fan.
Setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Out of Control
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves
10. Until The End Of The World
iNTERMISSION- The Fly
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways
14. Magnificent
15. Sweetest Thing
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet)
26. Bad
27. 40
Early to bed last night to get up early today, so I'd have breakfasted in time to hunt for tickets for their just-announced Dublin gigs. I didn't actually sleep that well, or eat much, with the stress of it all. But it worked a charm, and I now have tickets for all four! I'm skipping the Belfast ones - I don't actually have enough time off left, and they're not as special. Then set about booking flights and accommodation with Expedia - which took me practically right up to check-out time, the internet connection was so bad! Checked out, which was when I got the nasty surprise that breakfast hadn't been included, and was €12.50 per night! As ever when you have to pay separately for hotel breakfast, a complete rip-off.
And here I am in Schipol, with a thunderstorm outside. Wanted something decent to eat, but not a hope in this excuse for a departure lounge (#3). Your best option is the Italian pizza / pasta / Panini place just as you come in - it's literally the closest they get to a restaurant. But at least they do serve wine.
No chance I'll go out tonight. Except perhaps to forage for food! Tommorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For tomorrow, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. next Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
My plan for the day was simple: walk somewhere, explore, have a big lunch, head to the concert in time to hit the merchandising stall. So, the guidebook said the 9 Canals district was nice, and I set off in a meandering trail across the city centre to make my way there. Indeed, I meandered through some lovely districts.. photos here. Around the Oude Kerk (old church), the sex workers were plying their trade, complete with pimps - as the guidebook says, it's actually more intimidating during daylight hours. On no account take photos of either. However, it was interesting to pass all the dungeon-like coffeshops, dark inside, even on a Sunday afternoon. Nice to see that Amsterdam's debauchery takes place 24-7!
Near Dam Square, I passed a good-value chocolate shop, and a tourist office offering €11 tickets for that 1-hour cruise I took on Wednesday. By the time I'd got to the 9 Canals district, I'd had enough, and retraced my steps, looking for a steakhouse - I'd passed several, and after the last few days I was starving. Back near Dam Square, I settled on La Pampa, an Argentinian steakhouse.
I was starving. So I ordered garlic mushrooms to start - not a huge steak, I know I can never finish them, but a small one (200g) with a side of onion rings - and a dessert of profiteroles.
Decent wine, available in a carafe (0.5l).. when the garlic mushrooms came, I was dubious; the plate was massive! but they were tasty, and I finished them. The steak was gratifyingly small, after that. Mind you, it was nothing special - it does need a sauce, although I didn't like the pepper sauce I'd ordered to go with it. The onion rings were good, the dessert of profiteroles was lovely, considering the accompanying cream was sweetened and hid a scoop of chocolate ice cream in the middle!
Service is friendly, and I was well fed. But honestly, I wouldn't go back for the steak. I moseyed back to the hotel after that, where I had a most welcome nap, and headed out to the Dome. Oh, and for all of my talking about the U2 trucks.. here's a picture:
.. of some of them: I couldn't get them all in one shot.
I was early enough and made my way straight to the nearer merchandising stall, where I purchased a hat, and a red t-shirt..
..took my seat, and waited.
I was a little worried, to be honest: would I be a bit jaded, at my fourth in a row, in the same city?
I needn't have worried - I surprised myself with how enthusiastically I welcomed each number! And by the way, for their last night in town, Bono pulled a blinder. Apparently, the King and Queen were in the audience, and Every Breaking Wave was dedicated to the King's brother, Prince Friso, who was involved in a skiing accident a few years back and ended up in a coma. Indeed, there were also government ministers in the audience, whom Bono took the opportunity to harangue, near the end, about the Netherlands' falling percentage contribution to foreign aid. Before turning to his fellow band members and saying, with a grin, "What? It's the end of the week! I've been very good! I'm entitled.."!
Out of Control was back. Meerkat worked again, and the song for that this time was, apparently, a tour first - Magnificent. This was followed by what I think was a live first - The Sweetest Thing, with Bono on piano!
But what meant most to me was the change to the setlist at the end. They pulled off something very special. After being beseeched by fans all week, most notably by the girl pulled out of the audience on Wednesday, they finally played Bad. Well, I just lost it completely. And as if that wasn't enough, they decided to finish with 40.. Bono asked for the house lights to be turned off, and took up a spotlight to shine, first around the audience, then on his fellow band members as they exited the stage, one by one. And when they were gone, the audience was let sing the chorus a few times before the piped music came on. Very rare, very special. I want it inscribed on my tombstone, when I die - as I probably shall one day - that I was a U2 fan.
Setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Out of Control
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves
10. Until The End Of The World
iNTERMISSION- The Fly
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways
14. Magnificent
15. Sweetest Thing
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet)
26. Bad
27. 40
Early to bed last night to get up early today, so I'd have breakfasted in time to hunt for tickets for their just-announced Dublin gigs. I didn't actually sleep that well, or eat much, with the stress of it all. But it worked a charm, and I now have tickets for all four! I'm skipping the Belfast ones - I don't actually have enough time off left, and they're not as special. Then set about booking flights and accommodation with Expedia - which took me practically right up to check-out time, the internet connection was so bad! Checked out, which was when I got the nasty surprise that breakfast hadn't been included, and was €12.50 per night! As ever when you have to pay separately for hotel breakfast, a complete rip-off.
And here I am in Schipol, with a thunderstorm outside. Wanted something decent to eat, but not a hope in this excuse for a departure lounge (#3). Your best option is the Italian pizza / pasta / Panini place just as you come in - it's literally the closest they get to a restaurant. But at least they do serve wine.
No chance I'll go out tonight. Except perhaps to forage for food! Tommorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For tomorrow, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. next Monday, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Saturday, 12 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#3)
My, but that was a welcome shower! I eventually made my way to Centraal Station.. but nowhere could I find the fast food place I'd glimpsed out of the corner of my eye when I arrived! So it was another hungry concert for me.. thank goodness for the stroopwaffel I got from a vending machine in Sloterdijk Station, and hadn't eaten yet. It proved delicious as I was queueing to get into the Ziggo Dome.
A word about those trucks parked outside - I forgot to mention, but Bono confirmed during the last concert that there are actually 30 of them. So that answers that! which leaves the question of how many tour buses there are.. as I say, I counted seven..
Unfortunately, with just 15 minutes to go to (official) start time, I figured I'd be cutting it fine, queueing for merchandise. Which is a shame, as I wanted a lighter coloured t-shirt, it being supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow. Oh, and I already lost my hat, and want another. Well, I'll make a special effort to get there early tomorrow and queue.
I made my way to my section. When the usher saw my row, she seemed a bit flustered in trying to explain how to get there. I gathered that I was to go down the side aisle and across the front row. When I got there, I discovered that this was Row 3.. it turns out that the front of the lower tier is staggered at the ends, and there was no Row 2 in this section - but I had to cross this section to get to Row 2, which formed the front row of the next section. So I was actually in the front row! and delighted with my proximity to the stage..
It's also handy to be at the front, and have a rail to lean on. So, this was the view from my seat, looking across the dome. You can see the enormous vidi-wall, suspended above the catwalk that runs along the middle of the floor, the length of the room. And you might notice a "gap" in the crowd at the far end of the floor - that's where Bono enters. The "i" stage is just visible to the right.
The crowd tonight was electric - best on the tour so far! Cheering, clapping before anything happened, waving at each other across the dome... a guy in the row behind me was explaining to the person sitting beside him where Bono would come in - was probably at one (or both) of the two previous concerts here this week.
Third night in Amsterdam, third night for me this year.. and third unique setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Electric Co.
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Elevation
15. Every Breaking Wave
16. October
17. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
18. Zooropa
19. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
20. Pride (In the Name of Love)
21. With or Without You
22. City of Blinding Lights
23. Beautiful Day
24. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
I really did feel closer to the stage tonight - and was close enough to see Bono's autocue for the first time. Well, I'm not surprised he has one, the amount he has to say.. I'm loving the way they're cycling through a variety of old songs for song #2.. it's always a lovely surprise to hear a new one. The Fly is a staple now for the iNTERMISSION, and the girl pulled up for Mysterious Ways certainly seemed to enjoy herself, bouncing her way through the number. And afterwards. Unfortunately, Meerkat didn't oblige tonight, though.
Tonight it was that beautiful acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that brought tears to my eyes. Tonight it was dedicated to Edge's daughter Hollie, who apparently got married recently! She and her husband were in the audience. And that song slips into the equally haunting October, before we change completely to the spitting fury of Bullet the Blue Sky, delivered through a megaphone.
I always look forward to these concerts - this band is just so damn good! And I try to savour each one - after tomorrow, I shan't see them again till next month. The breaks between concerts are generally much longer than that, of course... It occurred to me (too late) on the way back that the merchandising stand might still have been open, and less busy, after the concert - ah well, I'll try tomorrow!
So! I fly back on Monday, and try to get back to normal, but probably won't go out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
A word about those trucks parked outside - I forgot to mention, but Bono confirmed during the last concert that there are actually 30 of them. So that answers that! which leaves the question of how many tour buses there are.. as I say, I counted seven..
Unfortunately, with just 15 minutes to go to (official) start time, I figured I'd be cutting it fine, queueing for merchandise. Which is a shame, as I wanted a lighter coloured t-shirt, it being supposed to be sunny and warm tomorrow. Oh, and I already lost my hat, and want another. Well, I'll make a special effort to get there early tomorrow and queue.
I made my way to my section. When the usher saw my row, she seemed a bit flustered in trying to explain how to get there. I gathered that I was to go down the side aisle and across the front row. When I got there, I discovered that this was Row 3.. it turns out that the front of the lower tier is staggered at the ends, and there was no Row 2 in this section - but I had to cross this section to get to Row 2, which formed the front row of the next section. So I was actually in the front row! and delighted with my proximity to the stage..
It's also handy to be at the front, and have a rail to lean on. So, this was the view from my seat, looking across the dome. You can see the enormous vidi-wall, suspended above the catwalk that runs along the middle of the floor, the length of the room. And you might notice a "gap" in the crowd at the far end of the floor - that's where Bono enters. The "i" stage is just visible to the right.
The crowd tonight was electric - best on the tour so far! Cheering, clapping before anything happened, waving at each other across the dome... a guy in the row behind me was explaining to the person sitting beside him where Bono would come in - was probably at one (or both) of the two previous concerts here this week.
Third night in Amsterdam, third night for me this year.. and third unique setlist:
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Electric Co.
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Elevation
15. Every Breaking Wave
16. October
17. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
18. Zooropa
19. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
20. Pride (In the Name of Love)
21. With or Without You
22. City of Blinding Lights
23. Beautiful Day
24. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
I really did feel closer to the stage tonight - and was close enough to see Bono's autocue for the first time. Well, I'm not surprised he has one, the amount he has to say.. I'm loving the way they're cycling through a variety of old songs for song #2.. it's always a lovely surprise to hear a new one. The Fly is a staple now for the iNTERMISSION, and the girl pulled up for Mysterious Ways certainly seemed to enjoy herself, bouncing her way through the number. And afterwards. Unfortunately, Meerkat didn't oblige tonight, though.
Tonight it was that beautiful acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that brought tears to my eyes. Tonight it was dedicated to Edge's daughter Hollie, who apparently got married recently! She and her husband were in the audience. And that song slips into the equally haunting October, before we change completely to the spitting fury of Bullet the Blue Sky, delivered through a megaphone.
I always look forward to these concerts - this band is just so damn good! And I try to savour each one - after tomorrow, I shan't see them again till next month. The breaks between concerts are generally much longer than that, of course... It occurred to me (too late) on the way back that the merchandising stand might still have been open, and less busy, after the concert - ah well, I'll try tomorrow!
So! I fly back on Monday, and try to get back to normal, but probably won't go out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Play: Much Ado About Nothing
In between trips to Amsterdam to see U2, I had two free nights - Thursday and Friday. But, you know, I'm spoiled flying between the UK and Ireland all the time - I hardly have to go through any passport checks. The queue for passports upon re-entering the UK on Thursday - albeit a lot faster if you had an EU passport - was an eye-opener, and exhausting. I definitely didn't feel like going out that night!
Last night, however, was a different matter. Well, considering the subject matter, anyway - the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group was headed to the Globe to see Much Ado About Nothing - which, by the way, is my favourite Shakespearian play! Well, they were sold out - but tickets were still available on the Globe website, so two of us decided to go, and I booked us seats in the "Gentlemen's Box" - where we could still get in the front row.
I ordered Print at Home tickets - a good thing, as in the event it was a mad dash for me.. left the office later than I intended, and got on arguably the slowest Tube in history. It took forever to leave Earl's Court, and dawdled at several stations along the way. I figured I'd make it on time - just - but my worry was my companion, who arrived even earlier than we'd agreed, who'd never been there before, and who must have wondered whether I'd ever arrive! I did, after nearly giving myself a coronary dashing from the Tube - it's been a while since I had to rush that much. But you know, all's well that ends well! They hadn't closed the gate yet, I had the tickets in hand, and we made it inside and through the entrance just as the usher was thinking of closing the door. The music had started as we made our way to our seats, but it was only the prologue - we didn't miss much.
Well, this was posh! I'd never been in the Middle Gallery before, and it seems you automatically get cushions there, rather than having to hire them; also, the benches come with backs. At least in the Gentlemen's Box! (and probably in the Ladies', too). We kind of had a rear view, but not a big deal - just the odd action was obscured by the nearer of the pillars holding up the stage roof.
This was a terrific production! I can see why it sold out - the comic skills of the actors were superb. My companion was pleasantly surprised at all the audience interaction - and, indeed, there was more of it in this play than many others. Including orange-throwing, for the energetic in the pit. Not even a rain shower could dampen their enthusiasm, and at the end the place went wild! I bet the entire run sold out.. sadly, that was the last night of this run. Hope there's another..
Afterwards, to the Founder's Arms as usual, and we occupied a space at the back. Where we stayed, we talked, we drank, we talked, and they didn't throw us out till midnight! Shame in a way - we'd have stayed longer, those of us that were left - and there a few, this time. But then, Tubes do stop running at about 12.30, and there's no sign of that 24-hour Tube yet.. straight to bed when I got home.
Right! Well, more rushing today to catch another flight to Amsterdam - and my flatmate and her boyfriend hogging the shower at exactly the time I wanted to get ready. So, I couldn't go to the toilet, I couldn't even get my toothbrush. I left at about 10.15, Tube to Victoria (no delays, thankfully!) and the Gatwick Express got me there for 11.15. I had to change terminals - handy they say tell you which terminal, on the boarding pass - but fortunately there's a shuttle between them that only takes two minutes. The gate was due to close at 11.35 - I made it through security by 11.30. And it was a long, long way to the gate.. long before I got there, the departure boards were saying the gate was closed for that flight. Unnerving, but it does just mean you need to get through security by that time. I arrived in time to board without delaying the flight - and wasn't even the last one on.
No free stuff on Easyjet, but very friendly crew. And despite a "one-bag" policy, no-one seemed to object to me carrying my handbag separately. The flight was packed with people off to enjoy themselves for the weekend.. bumpy in parts, but no-one minded. Dear God though, if I thought passport control on Thursday was a nightmare, I'd seen nothing yet! The queues in Schipol today were so long they filled the room! I joined what seemed the shortest - there was an EU fast-track, but only for people with electronic chips on their passports. Which I don't have. So I stood in the queue for a full 20 minutes before it even moved, whatever they were doing. When it did, suddenly I was at the desk within five minutes, and processed in two seconds.
No sign of anywhere to buy a toothbrush (or shampoo - I didn't have a small bottle, or time to look for one). I got a ticket for the train to town, knew what I was about this time, and made my way quickly to the platform, where a train to Centraal was leaving within five minutes. And so it happened, even with the passport nightmare, that I was in town within an hour of my flight landing. I got another travel pass - only 48-hour this time (€12), I realised that'd do - and had an idea what direction to take for my hotel. This time, I let Expedia choose me a hotel, and have ended up in the "Fine Seasons", on Prins Hendrikkade. It's about a 10-minute walk from Centraal - just follow the right street, and you see it on the right. And on the way, joy of joys, I saw a convenience store that had shampoo. And toothbrushes. And I do intend to have a much-needed shower before I head out.. I'll grab my first meal of the day in a fast food place in Centraal, probably.
My third U2 concert of the year tonight - I'm on the North side of the venue again, but really close this time - Row 2 of the lower level! Tomorrow night, I'm only two seats away from that. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-) And I daresay, again, I'll be too tired to venture out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Last night, however, was a different matter. Well, considering the subject matter, anyway - the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group was headed to the Globe to see Much Ado About Nothing - which, by the way, is my favourite Shakespearian play! Well, they were sold out - but tickets were still available on the Globe website, so two of us decided to go, and I booked us seats in the "Gentlemen's Box" - where we could still get in the front row.
I ordered Print at Home tickets - a good thing, as in the event it was a mad dash for me.. left the office later than I intended, and got on arguably the slowest Tube in history. It took forever to leave Earl's Court, and dawdled at several stations along the way. I figured I'd make it on time - just - but my worry was my companion, who arrived even earlier than we'd agreed, who'd never been there before, and who must have wondered whether I'd ever arrive! I did, after nearly giving myself a coronary dashing from the Tube - it's been a while since I had to rush that much. But you know, all's well that ends well! They hadn't closed the gate yet, I had the tickets in hand, and we made it inside and through the entrance just as the usher was thinking of closing the door. The music had started as we made our way to our seats, but it was only the prologue - we didn't miss much.
Well, this was posh! I'd never been in the Middle Gallery before, and it seems you automatically get cushions there, rather than having to hire them; also, the benches come with backs. At least in the Gentlemen's Box! (and probably in the Ladies', too). We kind of had a rear view, but not a big deal - just the odd action was obscured by the nearer of the pillars holding up the stage roof.
This was a terrific production! I can see why it sold out - the comic skills of the actors were superb. My companion was pleasantly surprised at all the audience interaction - and, indeed, there was more of it in this play than many others. Including orange-throwing, for the energetic in the pit. Not even a rain shower could dampen their enthusiasm, and at the end the place went wild! I bet the entire run sold out.. sadly, that was the last night of this run. Hope there's another..
Afterwards, to the Founder's Arms as usual, and we occupied a space at the back. Where we stayed, we talked, we drank, we talked, and they didn't throw us out till midnight! Shame in a way - we'd have stayed longer, those of us that were left - and there a few, this time. But then, Tubes do stop running at about 12.30, and there's no sign of that 24-hour Tube yet.. straight to bed when I got home.
Right! Well, more rushing today to catch another flight to Amsterdam - and my flatmate and her boyfriend hogging the shower at exactly the time I wanted to get ready. So, I couldn't go to the toilet, I couldn't even get my toothbrush. I left at about 10.15, Tube to Victoria (no delays, thankfully!) and the Gatwick Express got me there for 11.15. I had to change terminals - handy they say tell you which terminal, on the boarding pass - but fortunately there's a shuttle between them that only takes two minutes. The gate was due to close at 11.35 - I made it through security by 11.30. And it was a long, long way to the gate.. long before I got there, the departure boards were saying the gate was closed for that flight. Unnerving, but it does just mean you need to get through security by that time. I arrived in time to board without delaying the flight - and wasn't even the last one on.
No free stuff on Easyjet, but very friendly crew. And despite a "one-bag" policy, no-one seemed to object to me carrying my handbag separately. The flight was packed with people off to enjoy themselves for the weekend.. bumpy in parts, but no-one minded. Dear God though, if I thought passport control on Thursday was a nightmare, I'd seen nothing yet! The queues in Schipol today were so long they filled the room! I joined what seemed the shortest - there was an EU fast-track, but only for people with electronic chips on their passports. Which I don't have. So I stood in the queue for a full 20 minutes before it even moved, whatever they were doing. When it did, suddenly I was at the desk within five minutes, and processed in two seconds.
No sign of anywhere to buy a toothbrush (or shampoo - I didn't have a small bottle, or time to look for one). I got a ticket for the train to town, knew what I was about this time, and made my way quickly to the platform, where a train to Centraal was leaving within five minutes. And so it happened, even with the passport nightmare, that I was in town within an hour of my flight landing. I got another travel pass - only 48-hour this time (€12), I realised that'd do - and had an idea what direction to take for my hotel. This time, I let Expedia choose me a hotel, and have ended up in the "Fine Seasons", on Prins Hendrikkade. It's about a 10-minute walk from Centraal - just follow the right street, and you see it on the right. And on the way, joy of joys, I saw a convenience store that had shampoo. And toothbrushes. And I do intend to have a much-needed shower before I head out.. I'll grab my first meal of the day in a fast food place in Centraal, probably.
My third U2 concert of the year tonight - I'm on the North side of the venue again, but really close this time - Row 2 of the lower level! Tomorrow night, I'm only two seats away from that. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-) And I daresay, again, I'll be too tired to venture out that night.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks.. on Monday 21, I'm finally back with the Crick Crack Club, in the Soho Theatre, for The Fate We Bring Ourselves - a retelling of Greek legends. The following day, I'm - again (nominally) - with Free London Events and Talks, for another free film at the Scoop - this time, it's Still Alice.
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
Concert: U2, Ziggo Dome (#2)
After my last blog, I was just preparing to go out when housekeeping finally got around to my room. So that was good timing! I wanted to head into town for a bit, and looking up the easiest thing to do - which would also have to be quite quick, as I wanted to get back to the hotel and leave in good time for the venue - I came up with a one-hour sightseeing cruise, run by Holland Cruises and departing regularly all day from Centraal Station. Perfect!
I thought about getting a train to town - it's only a 10-minute journey - but first I had trouble finding a platform where such a train was going from - Sloterdijk Station has no general departures board - and then I'd have had to queue for the ticket machine - my pass doesn't cover that. So I said sod it, and took the Metro instead.
This would be a good time for a brief review of Amsterdam's Metro. Carriages are higher than the Tube, seats - which are quite hard - either face the direction of travel or backwards - not to the side. They come in singles and pairs. It's never as crowded as the Tube, but neither does it come as frequently. 10 minutes between trains is the norm. And there are only five lines. But you know, as usual in any city, it's the easiest to figure out!
Exiting Centraal Station, I saw a tourist office across the way. Goodee! I nipped in there, found a brochure with what I wanted, and asked the nice lady at the desk whether she'd sell me a ticket. She would, she did (€16), and she directed me "across the green bridge and to the right". And that I was looking for "Holland Cruises". I easily found them, and as it happened, a boat was just about to leave, and the captain let me on.
Today was gloriously sunny - perfect for this kind of trip. Mind you, being in a glass-covered boat was like being in a greenhouse, and we boiled for the next hour or so. But it was very pleasant, and a good way to get an idea of the city. Photos here - such as I could take, given the difficulty of shooting through glass and into the sun. And avoiding constant bridges we were going under. And it didn't help that I didn't notice the flash had turned itself on, which of course reflected in the glass.. but I got some presentable ones.
Well, by the time it was finished, it was about time to head back to the hotel, so I did - stopping off for another burger at the station on the way. And headed off nice and early for the concert - good thing, considering we stopped at a station in the middle of nowhere for 10 minutes without explanation..
Food not being an issue this time, when I arrived I turned my thoughts to merchandising. But first I went up to Level 2, where my seat was tonight. Where I found that yes, the queues were substantially shorter - but there was no merchandising! I had visions of being very bored for the next hour - potentially - until, phew, I found the stairs down. (I'd taken an escalator up.) So I shoved my way to the front of the merchandising scrum, identified a cap I wanted (yay! I hadn't had a U2 cap before..) and waited patiently for the guy who'd pushed in front of me to be served. Which took a while, as he bought over €300 worth of stuff - clothing for all the family, by the sound of it! 3 medium t-shirts, 1 small, 4 hats, a hoodie.. and this stuff ain't cheap! Me, I was just interested in my hat - and had a look at a necklace they're selling, but it didn't appeal. At €40 for the hat, that was enough for me, thanks! My, but he was relieved I paid in cash..
Well, tonight gave me an interesting perspective - I was on the other side, upper tier, but far more central: closer to the "e" than the "i". Excellent view - and I can now testify, at least for this venue, that being in the upper tier makes little difference to being in the upper part of the lower tier - in fact, I felt closer to the stage tonight.
Setlist;
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Gloria / Gloria - Van Morrison (snippet)
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / /Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Desire
15. Angel of Harlem
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
So! You'll notice some changes, if you're paying attention. The sections that can change are those that have least to do with the video screen - the bits heavily tied into that obviously won't change much. Now, I found tonight's show even better than last night's - although there's been talk that Bono didn't sound great, and they thought he was holding his arm as though it hurt. Well, I sincerely hope that's not true.
For me, it could have been the fact that I was more relaxed, knowing more or less what to expect - or my better seat.. it probably had a lot to do with the fact that they substituted Gloria for the second number! O my, I don't often hear that..
I didn't cry as much as last night, but there's something about Song For Someone that really gets me, heard live. The intermission had the remix of The Fly, again.. in the second part, again, Bono first pulled out a girl, then a guy. The girl got to film everyone, and got to film the whole of Desire, on someone's mobile phone - apparently it was streamed live to Meerkat, and the feed was shown live on the vidi-wall. Got lots of good responses from South America. And when the guy was pulled up, he was asked whether he could play guitar to Angel of Harlem.. he said he could, and after some brief instruction on chords, by The Edge, that he did. And got to keep the guitar for his troubles!
Ah, like I say, U2 concerts always merit another look. They have so much depth.. and they're so damn good! I'm looking forward to getting back to London, just to spread the word..
So, I probably won't do anything but go to the airport tomorrow. On Friday evening, I'm off to see Much Ado About Nothing, at the Globe. (Now, that is worth dragging myself along to!) Lucky the proposed Tube strike was cancelled though, or it'd have been impossible. Anyway, I was too late to book with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group, who are going the same night: but I've arranged to meet them, to go to the pub after. For the show, I got a ticket in the "Gentlemen's Box"..
..and then on Saturday, I'm back to Amsterdam again, for two more U2 concerts (Saturday and Sunday). As I say, I've been to Amsterdam before, to see them, and seen pretty much enough of the place, so didn't want to stay the whole week. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-)
On the 15th, 16th, and 17th, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday 15th, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday 16th, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday 17th, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks..
I thought about getting a train to town - it's only a 10-minute journey - but first I had trouble finding a platform where such a train was going from - Sloterdijk Station has no general departures board - and then I'd have had to queue for the ticket machine - my pass doesn't cover that. So I said sod it, and took the Metro instead.
This would be a good time for a brief review of Amsterdam's Metro. Carriages are higher than the Tube, seats - which are quite hard - either face the direction of travel or backwards - not to the side. They come in singles and pairs. It's never as crowded as the Tube, but neither does it come as frequently. 10 minutes between trains is the norm. And there are only five lines. But you know, as usual in any city, it's the easiest to figure out!
Exiting Centraal Station, I saw a tourist office across the way. Goodee! I nipped in there, found a brochure with what I wanted, and asked the nice lady at the desk whether she'd sell me a ticket. She would, she did (€16), and she directed me "across the green bridge and to the right". And that I was looking for "Holland Cruises". I easily found them, and as it happened, a boat was just about to leave, and the captain let me on.
Today was gloriously sunny - perfect for this kind of trip. Mind you, being in a glass-covered boat was like being in a greenhouse, and we boiled for the next hour or so. But it was very pleasant, and a good way to get an idea of the city. Photos here - such as I could take, given the difficulty of shooting through glass and into the sun. And avoiding constant bridges we were going under. And it didn't help that I didn't notice the flash had turned itself on, which of course reflected in the glass.. but I got some presentable ones.
Well, by the time it was finished, it was about time to head back to the hotel, so I did - stopping off for another burger at the station on the way. And headed off nice and early for the concert - good thing, considering we stopped at a station in the middle of nowhere for 10 minutes without explanation..
Food not being an issue this time, when I arrived I turned my thoughts to merchandising. But first I went up to Level 2, where my seat was tonight. Where I found that yes, the queues were substantially shorter - but there was no merchandising! I had visions of being very bored for the next hour - potentially - until, phew, I found the stairs down. (I'd taken an escalator up.) So I shoved my way to the front of the merchandising scrum, identified a cap I wanted (yay! I hadn't had a U2 cap before..) and waited patiently for the guy who'd pushed in front of me to be served. Which took a while, as he bought over €300 worth of stuff - clothing for all the family, by the sound of it! 3 medium t-shirts, 1 small, 4 hats, a hoodie.. and this stuff ain't cheap! Me, I was just interested in my hat - and had a look at a necklace they're selling, but it didn't appeal. At €40 for the hat, that was enough for me, thanks! My, but he was relieved I paid in cash..
Well, tonight gave me an interesting perspective - I was on the other side, upper tier, but far more central: closer to the "e" than the "i". Excellent view - and I can now testify, at least for this venue, that being in the upper tier makes little difference to being in the upper part of the lower tier - in fact, I felt closer to the stage tonight.
Setlist;
1. The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
2. Gloria / Gloria - Van Morrison (snippet)
3. Vertigo
4. I Will Follow
5. Iris (Hold Me Close)
6. Cedarwood Road
7. Song for Someone
8. Sunday Bloody Sunday / /Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet)
9. Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet)
10. Until The End Of The World / Love and Peace or Else (snippet) / Words(snippet)
iNTERMISSION
11. Invisible
12. Even Better Than The Real Thing
13. Mysterious Ways / Burning Down the House (snippet)
14. Desire
15. Angel of Harlem
16. Every Breaking Wave
17. October
18. Bullet the Blue Sky / 19 (snippet)
19. Zooropa
20. Where The Streets Have No Name / California (There Is No End To Love) (snippet)
21. Pride (In the Name of Love)
22. With or Without You
23. City of Blinding Lights
24. Beautiful Day
25. Mother And Child Reunion (snippet) / I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For / People Have the Power (snippet)
So! You'll notice some changes, if you're paying attention. The sections that can change are those that have least to do with the video screen - the bits heavily tied into that obviously won't change much. Now, I found tonight's show even better than last night's - although there's been talk that Bono didn't sound great, and they thought he was holding his arm as though it hurt. Well, I sincerely hope that's not true.
For me, it could have been the fact that I was more relaxed, knowing more or less what to expect - or my better seat.. it probably had a lot to do with the fact that they substituted Gloria for the second number! O my, I don't often hear that..
I didn't cry as much as last night, but there's something about Song For Someone that really gets me, heard live. The intermission had the remix of The Fly, again.. in the second part, again, Bono first pulled out a girl, then a guy. The girl got to film everyone, and got to film the whole of Desire, on someone's mobile phone - apparently it was streamed live to Meerkat, and the feed was shown live on the vidi-wall. Got lots of good responses from South America. And when the guy was pulled up, he was asked whether he could play guitar to Angel of Harlem.. he said he could, and after some brief instruction on chords, by The Edge, that he did. And got to keep the guitar for his troubles!
Ah, like I say, U2 concerts always merit another look. They have so much depth.. and they're so damn good! I'm looking forward to getting back to London, just to spread the word..
So, I probably won't do anything but go to the airport tomorrow. On Friday evening, I'm off to see Much Ado About Nothing, at the Globe. (Now, that is worth dragging myself along to!) Lucky the proposed Tube strike was cancelled though, or it'd have been impossible. Anyway, I was too late to book with the Let's Do London - for less! Meetup group, who are going the same night: but I've arranged to meet them, to go to the pub after. For the show, I got a ticket in the "Gentlemen's Box"..
..and then on Saturday, I'm back to Amsterdam again, for two more U2 concerts (Saturday and Sunday). As I say, I've been to Amsterdam before, to see them, and seen pretty much enough of the place, so didn't want to stay the whole week. I fly back on Monday, my U2-ing done.. for this month. ;-)
On the 15th, 16th, and 17th, I have Meetups.. For Tuesday 15th, I discovered there's a Hammersmith and Fulham Amnesty group, who that night have a talk entitled Undercover - the True Story of Britain's Secret Police. And I'm going. On Wednesday 16th, I'm (nominally) joining the London European Club, who are off to see John Doyle, at the Irish Centre. And on Thursday 17th, I'm (nominally) back with the Free London Events and Talks group, who are off to the Scoop, where they show free films in September. Weather-dependant. That day, it's Selma, which I haven't seen. And then it's back to Ireland yet again - I go every two weeks..
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