Equation: London + Magic + Nightwish/In Flames/Deathstars = Dreams = Madness. Translation: “the capital of both England and the United Kingdom, and the most populous municipality in the European Union. An important settlement for two millennia” and place where bands like to tour plus Stanely Kubrick’s definition of screen magic likened to the magic felt at a live performance, which “has such power that it can retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods that no other art form can hope to tackle” plus
equals the realisation of “something that you want to happen very much but that is not very likely” and “hopes and ideas which are not practical or realistic” equals “unrestrained excitement or enthusiasm”. Confusing Perhaps? I’ll simplify. This is LIFE. Some of us need to move half way across the world to live our dreams. That’s what LIVING is about – realising dreams, whatever they may be.
Queuing can be a most tedious activity. What do I mean can be? Queuing is bloody boring. To relieve my waiting-for-my-husband-to-arrive-standing-in-a-queue-to-see-Nightwish boredom outside Brixton Academy last night, and to distract myself from the urination beer smell typically used to mark the territory of seasoned giggers, I resorted to some light entertainment – eavesdropping. That’s how I met Chris and Dan. As components of the same great uni-mind of metal, it seemed natural for me to be drawn into their conversation. We discussed: the Download lineup; our favourite bands; my age – apparently I look 21 (Yes Please!); Nightwish (of course), last year’s gig, what songs we hoped to hear; we mocked an old man wearing poorly applied eye-liner; had a debate about the best place to pee – which turned out to be a car park around the corner; we argued rugby…and as it drew closer to 7 o’ clock, we discussed the near tragedy of the boys almost leaving their tickets at home. When we reached the front of the queue, we said our adieus and wished one another luck in our battle for prime position amidst the masses. That may be the last time I see Chris and Dan. Then again, metal gigs are like family reunions. So who knows? Hanging out with Chris and Dan reminded me that that every single person in that queue has their own story. Their own history. And yet we are all drawn together through a common love for metal. Pretty awesome.
The atmosphere of anticipation is like an electric current. The familiar sight of a miniature Edward Scissorhands (sometimes it’s Jack Sparrow) attached to mastermind Tuomas’s keys produces a similar reaction to Jonathan Davis’s iconic lady-shaped microphone – when unveiled, the crowd erupts in bellows and cheers for the keys and their Edward. The Nightwish set is a nautical fantasy – boats, anchors, blue lighting, mist…beautiful. Eventually the band burst onto stage and launch into 7 Days to the Wolves – a dramatic start to a set boasting a perfect mix of old and new (set list: 7 Days To The Wolves, Dead To The World, The Siren, Amaranth, Romanticide, Dead Boy’s Poem, Poet And The Pendulum, Nemo, Sahara, The Islander, The Escapist, Dark Chest Of Wonders *Encore* – Ghost Love Score, Wish I Had An Angel) Throughout the night, the Academy rains with fire, foam and sparklies. Magic. It feels surreal to remember that in March of last year, I was partying and screaming alongside the same Nightwish in Astoria. Dreams. Madness. The band puts on an emotional and charismatic performance, resulting from a chemistry that stems from a mutual respect and admiration. It is a great thing to watch musicians performing out of a love and passion for their art. The shared smiles, private jokes and affectionate gestures between band members give the audience a small glimpse at the inner-workings of a success story. A band that has overcome insurmountable obstacles. A generous and humble band. A band that does not take itself too seriously – a band with a sense of humour, a tool so essential to the successful negotiation of this crazy world. It’s the first time Nightwish has performed Romanticide live – a small gesture that makes a crowd feel special. The crowd-appreciation shown by the band is well received, and there is a tacit acknowledgment by he crowd of the effort taken to produce the experience.
I have tears in my eyes when the encore starts. The first time I heard Ghost Love Score I cried. The fact that I am witnessing the live rendition of this most majestic of songs elicits too much emotion for me to suppress. My eyes well. The song is a testament to the genius of Tuomas Holopainen’s songwriting and lyrical talents. Holopainen reveals his soul through his art, which evoke a sense of beauty and intimacy that delves deep into the core of his being. It is a risk to make oneself vulnerable in this way, and I respect and admire the risk-taker. Wish I had an Angel is another one of my most favouritest of favourites and I belt out the words as if it is my last breath. The song testifies to the struggle of the individual who, in his desperation to do right, is always disappointed by the condition of being human.
Wish I had an Angel
I wish I had an angel
For one moment of love
I wish I had your angel
Your Virgin Mary undone
I’m in love with my lust
Burning angel wings to dust
I wish I had your angel tonight
Deep into a dying day
I took a step outside an innocent heart
Prepare to hate me fall when I may
This night will hurt you like never before
Old loves they die hard
Old lies they die harder
I wish…
I’m going down so frail ‘n cruel
Drunken disguise changes all the rules
Old loves…
I Wish…
Greatest thrill
Not to kill
But to have the prize of the night
Hypocrite
Wannabe friend
13th disciple who betrayed me for nothing!
Last dance, first kiss
Your touch my bliss
Beauty always comes with dark thoughts
I wish…
Tuomas prefers not dictate thought by divulging the meaning of his lyrics, which leaves the songs he writes open to personal interpretation. I love this. Yet, the music that carries Holopainen’s words guides the emotion of his poetry and gives the listener insight into the writer’s mind and heart. The song speaks of love and how it is so easily corrupted, and the pain resulting there from. “I wish I had your angel” – I wish I had your innocence, as mine has been destroyed by lust and dark thoughts. The innate self centeredness of my human nature burns innocence (angel wings) to dust. It corrupts goodness. It destroys beauty. It’s a poem of self-loathing and torment – the inability to escape the human condition. The song reflects the complex emotions that plague humanity. It’s painful to be human. It’s a struggle. And yet, there is a poignant irony created by the words of the writer, who uses the beauty and passion of poetry to emphasise the beauty of life, which is often present within the misery and melancholy of our circumstance or condition. The inescapable tragedy of the human condition is made beautiful through art…through words.
Nightwish are truth and art and beauty.
[See Clink Music Magazine for more live concert reviews.]
The Last fm Team: “Thanks so much for the link to that review! (I’m assuming it’s your own, btw, correct me if I’m wrong) It’s a wonderful read, you’re absolutely right about
the equation at the start, and I especially love the quotes. The anticipation
was insane… I felt like I was going to implode. Nothing will ever match that
feeling when Jukka took to the stage. I don’t even know what that feeling would
be called! I don’t think they’d ever play a new song before they’d recorded it in the studio, Tuomas is too much of a perfectionist for that :] And one last thing, thank you for your interpretation of Wish I Had An Angel… I’ve always found it hard to really engage with that
song, but now I have an angle to come at it from :] Now, having written way too
much, I’ll leave you in peace”