Franz Ferdinand, Heaven, London, January 20th
Franz Ferdinand played Heaven on January 20th
Also In The News
|
Manchester United booked their place in the final of the Carling Cup with a 4-2 win over Derby County at Old Trafford, meaning Sir Alex Ferguson's men progress 4-3 on aggregate. |  |
Wednesday, 21, Jan 2009 03:08
Alex Kapranos and co are in confident form ahead of their new album release, finds Valerie Haberman.
Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand kicked off the NME Shockwaves awards show concert series to a sold-out crowd inside of club Heaven on January 20th.
The quartet took to the stage for a late start at 22:00, after support from the ever extravagant (and unquestionably fabulous) Of Montreal.
While the venue was not exactly glamorous, and the throws of a general admission concert allowed fans the pleasure of getting to know each other a bit too closely, the band put out a performance that was a great kick start to a slew of upcoming February gigs by other bands and artists sponsored by NME and Shockwaves.
Lead singer and guitarist, Alex Kapranos, offered a strong stage presence that stood out from the rest, delivering rock song after rock song, getting so into the music he presented that he needed to take a moment to take a puff from his inhaler at one point!
Further antics of included playing his guitar on the floor of the stage, to dancing along to the music as it came through. It was clear that despite the fact that this band surely tours at a neverending rate, the enthusiasm and joy for being able to play gigs and have music as a career remains clear as day.
The crowd, while involved and enjoying the music, was not too rowdy (at least towards the front), but once Take Me Out was played midway through the set, momentum peaked and a jumping crowd continued to engage themselves further within the music.
The night ended with a bevy of balloons being unleashed from the club's ceiling during the last song, and as the band prepared to bid adieu for the evening, they sent cracked open Christmas style poppers full of confetti onto the stage. Overall, an enjoyable evening seemed to be had by all, musicians and fans alike.
The NME Shockwaves Award series concerts will follow with performances from The View, Simian Mobile Disco, Peter Doherty, Frank Turner, The Wombats, and many more including a closing headlining performance by legendary rockers, The Cure. The shows will ensue at a variety of venues across London, as well as Glasgow, including venues such as Koko, Shepherd's Bush Empire, and Islington Academy.
For more information about the NME Shockwaves Award Series Concerts, please visit www.NME.com.
Valerie Haberman