Take Me To The Edge.

Last night I finally got to experience one of my Christmas presents- tickets to see The Deftones in Birmingham.

 

Despite my cold and infected lungs, we weren't out in the cold too long queuing up for our balcony seats.  Annoyingly you can't join the O2 priority queue for balcony seats- it would see O2 only think you're worth prioritising if you're willing to stand up and at my old age of nearly-30, these days I opt for a safe corner room or seats instead of the mosh pit.  We had good seats directly facing the stage and the nice size of the O2 arena made it feel close yet a safe distance from the crowd. 

Not all that far away from us was sat a little old lady with white hair and glasses.  On noticing this lovely, open-minded old lady, I'd already used the words "youngsters", "coats" and "what language is he singing in?" for the support act, 27 year old nutbags Let Live, so I was feeling like a right granny.  And yet, sitting just down the aisle from us, was this wonderful lady.  I want to be like her when I'm her age.  I have no doubt she is the Gran of one of the support acts or something, but still, for her to be open-minded enough to even enter a venue like that is incredible. 

The gig itself was superb.  Highlights being, Change, Passenger and My Own Summer (obviously).  Looking down onto the crowd it's always hard not to miss the pit- each silhouetted little head halo'd by the stage lighting, arms raised, waves of movement as people got lost in the sounds and energy.  Still, I got to enjoy the music without overheating, losing anything, being paranoid about getting robbed and without any injuries. :)

I had one of those moments during Riviere... you know what I mean seasoned gig-goers... just one of those moments where you just feel... awe.  And memories.  And peace. And loads of emotions all at once... like everything is perfect within one song.  Like you're surrendering your soul to the music completely.  Words are never quite fitting for moments like those; it's almost impossible to describe.

There were some songs that I wished they'd played- Back to School, You've Seen The Butcher, Digital Bath, Knife Party.  The latter however, spark intense emotion in me on record let alone live. All in all though, an incredibly energetic setlist which packed a heavy punch.  Just AWESOME.