The Killers at Hyde Park BST
"A night to remember."
July 2017, The Killers, Tears For Fears, Elbow at British Summer Time, London
A beautiful summer's day on a Saturday in Hyde Park. There's a gentle breeze, laughter and happiness in the air. It's great to observe the magic that music creates: bringing people together.
What better day than today, to kick off an afternoon and evening of music with Tears for Fears.
Lots of anticipation. Before they come on, a thumping drum beat begins. Out comes the voice of Lorde singing her version of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World.’ Her voice gently bellowing out the chorus and then the band make an appearance - and what an entrance it is.
Their first song is the original version of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World' with that iconic guitar riff that always makes people think of summer and love. Good song to start with, as that gets the crowd animated and singing along, me included. Roland Orzabal recalls that the last time they performed in this country was 2005. The energy of the crowd tells him, and Curt Smithm that this performance has been way overdue - and they're happy to be back.
Even if you haven't heard their name, you know some of their songs. This was apparent when they played their (original) version of ‘Mad World' and ‘Head Over Heels '(which I know makes some think of Donnie Darko. It was a great soundtrack let's face it). This is how you get a crowd eager for the rest of the evening. They finish their set with ‘Shout', a very (very!) popular song, if not their most famous.
This is an amazing day to be singing that, outside, in London where thousands are celebrating Pride. Pride in being yourself, and the struggles that come with shouting our truth ,your pain, who you really are. Tears for Fears end their show, and have set the tone for the rest of this event, to LOVE.
Elbow are next. I had to find some time to sit down, have some food and drink to get ready for at least an hour of simultaneous dancing and singing. But,even though I wasn't at the stage ,I could still hear them and the crowd. Elbow have been missed. I was back in time for their last two songs. Like Tears for Fears, you have definitely heard their songs over the years. One of their more popular ones is ‘One Day Like This'. Guy Garvey was getting the crowd to sing a capella , and he loved it. He also got the audience to sing back the words with northern pronunciation , something they happily reciprocated. As Elbow are the last band before The Killers come on, they know they need the get the crowd pumped and ready. What better way to do that, than playing ‘Grounds for Divorce'. Punchy guitar riffs, a steady rhythm that mimicks a heartbeat , lyrics that get straight to the point. Elbow have been around for a while, but there's life in them yet. They are here to stay.
The Killers
The next half an hour goes very quick. Staff setting up the stage. The iconic 'K' lights up, so we know it's starting very soon. Me and many many others waiting, covered in goosebumps anticipating what their first song will be. Then, the synthesizer's turned on , the guitar is primed and for those fans who have heard their new single ‘The Man', we start recognising the intro. Dave comes in with his guitar, playing that disco riff. Brandon, with a massive smile on his face, goes straight into the song. (video from the show, below) Who's the man? Brandon is, and if you don't know it, he will guarantee you will after they have finished tonight.
They don't waste any time, as they go into their next song. The single that they released before their first album( Hot Fuss), ’Somebody Told Me'. Memories are coming back. Myself and countless others dancing, jumping and singing every single lyric. The crowd is now fully amped, screaming, shouting. The Killers have been missed, and they've missed us. A special place in their hearts. The next three songs are played back to back :’Spaceman', ’Smile Like You Mean It'. Then comes ‘Jenny Is A Friend of Mine' and Brandon has the crowd singing the tune out at the end, while Ronnie adds a little drum solo to the end, clearly enjoying every moment; keeping the crowd on a high, on their toes wanting more and more.
The last time The Killers played in this country was about five years ago. Brandon says it's been too long, smiles, laughs and says ‘I think it’s time we all get reacquainted.’ Then he discusses them rehearsing their catologue and said, some songs they haven't performed live as much and would like to start. Which is why they play ‘This River Is Wild'. It's very popular amongst fans, a joy to finally hear it live. The words touch your soul, remind us that we all have growing pains but it doesn't take away the fact that you can find a life worth living.
The hits keep on coming, The Killers haven't lost their sparkle. In fact, the louder the crowd gets, the more energy the band seem to reciprocate. It's magical to watch, and be a part of. TTheir penultimate song is ‘When You Were Young'. Again,Brandon displays such talent for getting all your angst, pain, fear, hopes about growing up ,living life into their songs. There is not a moment where the crowd disagrees. Hearing these songs live, after so long, was definitely the way to round up a perfect summer's evening. They play for nearly two hours, including a beautiful twenty minute encore, it's still over too quickly.
The Killers save the best for last: ’Mr Brightside'. (Video from the show, below). There isn't a single person who isn't dancing ,and singing along. Recently it was discovered,that ‘Mr Brightside' has never left the charts, despite never hitting No.1. That’s over ten years! Clearly they are doing something right, and also demonstrating a very important point about music. When you perform, it's not just about where you reach in terms of position, it's also about the profound effect you have on people's souls. I can't tell you every number one since The Killers began, but I do know ‘Mr Brightside' and all the words. The Killers tonight have sent out a positive message. The Kings are back,and here to stay. They have already cemented their names in the hall of fame. This was a taster of what’s to come during their UK tour in November. This was a night to remember.
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