REVIEW: Tokio Hotel
- Posted on June 20, 2007 6:51 PM
- 37 comments
Tokio Hotel
Carling Academy Islington
19th June, 2007
By Katie Spain
Does anyone know if chronic bruising of the eardrums is curable?
I know we're nearing the Islington Academy before I even lay eyes on it. The screams can be heard from Islington High Street. I guess the Tokio Hotel gig was never going to be a quiet affair.
Earlier, at Angel tube station, the fans were easy to spot. Maybe it was their tender age, maybe it's because most were of the female persuasion or maybe it was just the gleam of excitement in their eyes. Most wore black and a majority came armed with posters, arm bands, glow sticks and attention attracting paraphernalia.
The line-up outside is hefty and more than a few passers by find themselves engulfed by curiosity. "What the hell is going on here?" I could answer by describing the German music invasion in detail but for now, "The next big thing" will suffice.
My companion and I aren't bothered about a front row position (forget the smoking ban, such large doses of passive pheromone inhalation is harder to cope with). Instead, we discuss music over a bottle of Rose and wait for the dust to settle. We need the ‘Dutch courage’ to tackle this lot. Later, the path to Tokio Hotel is a clear and silent one. Inside it's a different story.
The first thing we notice is the audience division; the number of brave folk accompanying their offspring is impressive; oldies (and press) at the back, the hard-core fans at the front. We're wedged somewhere in between. As the minutes tick by, the tension mounts...
The screaming is like a tsunami; you don't really know it's coming but when it hits, it knocks you for six; I’ve never heard such a level of lung stretching in my life. I wasn't around during the Beatles era but I'm guessing the screeching was similar. Although this band hasn’t hit The Beatles’ popularity levels yet, they're dangerously huge in Germany. Number One singles, platinum albums and regular sold-out gigs to audiences of over 60,000… you name it. Yep, Tokio Hotel already have their home country in a spell.
As Tom, Georg and Gustav hit the stage, hands rise towards the heavens and the room full of fans lets out a collective gasp of hysteria. I'm sure the girls in front of us will faint when front man (boy) Bill shows his face (and big hair). I can't help but worry for the front row battlers; we've made a smart move by hanging back. The fans towards the front look as though they're taking pushing and shoving to the extremes. Blimey, I saw Pearl Jam at Wembley last night and this lot rival the mosh bunnies there. (According to a number of fans on the official UK forum, the atmosphere at the front of the TH gig was unbearable). It’s a pity for people who want to see their favourite band without risk of injury.
The lads rip into their set. They certainly look the part - Bill's hair never fails to surprise. How he manages to style his long black locks is beyond me. His 'do' would do 'Sonic The Hedgehog' proud. There must be a hair-product deal on the horizon; seriously, the guy is missing out on some major royalties.
I interviewed the lads last month and even then, Bill had hair and eye-liner of epic proportions. As far as 'image' goes, the German foursome has it mastered. Appearance wise, identical twins Bill and Tom are as striking as they are unique. Tonight is no different; Tom hunches over his guitar in baggy jeans and an oversized white T-shirt, brown dreadlocks tied back and held in place with a black bandana and cap. Bill in stark contrast is decked in tight black... his elfin features framed by a mop of spiky black hair. Gustav and Georg are older (is twenty old these days?) but no less popular. They've covered all 'looks' here... there's one to suit every girl's taste.
When I asked about the typical Tokio Hotel gig Bill answered "We don't have an exact concept ready when we go on stage - most stuff happens spontaneously". Spontaneity aside, the band are tight and the reaction even tighter. The faithful UK fans are treated to the entire 'Scream' album; it’s all in English and they sing along to every word. Bill banters a little in between tunes - mostly to say thank you with a distinct German twang. I can't help but feel that a gig in their native tongue would carry a heavier punch but full credit to the boys for the translations. Something tells me the people here tonight know the words in both languages.
I sing along to ‘Monsoon’ and ‘’Ready, Set, Go!’ (I didn't even realise I knew the words!) - interview research obviously has a subconscious level I didn’t know about. That's the thing; this band is as likeable as it is inescapable. Just last week I was holidaying in Paris and their faces were plastered across every music channel we flicked to. Later, my Swedish friend informed me they've hit the big time there too. If the flags in the audience are anything to go by, these boys are spanning the nations. Poland and France are particularly well represented - it's getting rougher in there by the minute.
Unfortunately, our view is blocked by a sea of cameras and posters. How people can fully lap up a concert's vibe whilst trying to hold a camera straight is a mystery. Sure, get some happy snaps but take care to savour the moment too. Tonight, the venue isn't huge and this rare feeling of intimacy will be short lived. If their UK fan base eventually matches that in Germany, an up close and personal Tokio Hotel experiences will be non-existent.
Amidst the hysteria, the band stands proud. Bill's voice doesn't hold as strong as the likes of Vedder and his fellow musical legends but this seventeen year old has a lifetime of stardom (and vocal development) ahead of him. In fact, all four do. The fans love them and the critics love to bag them. They're not everyone's cup of tea but young Brits don't drink much of that anyway. If you can't scull vodka, go for the mixers. As Bill informed me "As soon as you're successful, there will instantly be people who'll be jealous and I think that's pretty normal". If the amount of female attention these lads are receiving is anything to go by, we'll see a lot more of them in the years to come. Good on them. Jealousy, it seems will be part of the package... the band have talent and magnetism all rolled into one.
Let's just hope the fans don't grind each other to a pulp in the meantime.
Were you there? What was your experience like? Post your messages and reviews in the comment section.
Comments (37)
Angela
I found it amazing, it was the first time I had seen Tokio Hotel live. An unforgettable experience. I was the girl that had a piggy back on my friend to get a better video, you might of seen me lol. I can't wait until the next concert in London, whenever that is. I hope its soon!!! xXx
Posted on June 20, 2007 7:39 PM
Gretta
That's a really well written review, Katie! Thanks a lot!
So..did you manage to have a word with the boys this time round...?
Posted on June 20, 2007 7:44 PM
Andie
I was at the show too. I was hanging at the bar on the right side together with the other older fans. I'm in my mid 30s and plenty others my age were there without any teenage kids. I couldn't even bear the thought of going into that insane crowd. I had a good view from where I was standing though, albeit a bit blocked by all cameras that people held up over their heads. Fantastic performance by the boys though, in particular by Bill who has an incredible stage presence. It's hard to believe he's only 17 years old.
Posted on June 20, 2007 8:27 PM
Anne
Hey Katie. Thanks for the positive review. I'm glad, that Tokio Hotel are so kindly welcomed in a new land.
But I was really wondering, nowhere found the information, of the capacity. I heard that the venue allow only 900 people. Did it look sold out?
And the name of it - I realized, my other favorite band, I think you might know them - Hanson, recently had one of their shows in Carling Academy Islington. But MMMBOP years are now far far away, and they've returned to London already almost unknown. Tokio Hotel start little, and get bigger. just the opposite to them.
I remember your mentioning Hanson on the radioshow - you said that TH not really Hanson, but much more androgynous than them. Yeah, that's truth.
So thanks for the review once again. Good luck
Posted on June 20, 2007 8:43 PM
Andie
Carling Academy holds 800 people and each and every ticket were sold out for the Tokio Hotel gig. There were several people who offered to buy tickets from the people in line. A german woman offered me 70 GBP for mine so she could give it to her daughter. I did not sell it however. :) The official Carling Academy guard said he got a lot of requests from people who wanted a ticket but that it was completely sold out so he couldn't do anything.
Posted on June 20, 2007 9:32 PM
Mr B
I was one of the 'oldies' standing towards the back having accompanied my son, daughter and her friend to the show. I agree with your review, Katie - very accurate. Having worked with countless boy and girl bands for the past 20 years - I'm a music photographer, we came across TH in Bravo magazine (I occasionally shoot for them) last year and predict that they'll be massive in the UK. Interesting to see that the NME were behind the show as the band would be perfect for the (ex) Smash Hits audience - some clever marketing I think! However, my one negative observation - WHERE WAS THE MERCHANDISE? I saw several people looking to spend money after the show but nothing on offer - an opportunity missed I think! It would also have been good to have heard a couple of the numbers in German!
Posted on June 20, 2007 10:31 PM
Nancy
wow really great article!!
thank you honey, for promoting our boys!!!
<3
Posted on June 20, 2007 10:57 PM
allina
Great review!!!
Posted on June 20, 2007 10:59 PM
aldina
Great review, Katie!! Fans can sometimes get violent, but i hope you had a nice time at the concert. I'm glad Tokio Hotel is getting so much attention in a new country. (:
Posted on June 21, 2007 1:30 AM
wyanne
Awesome review, Katie! I heard the moshing was brutal and getting in was even harder. I'm glad you had a good time! The boys are phenomenal anywhere they go, aren't they? So proud! :)
Posted on June 21, 2007 2:44 AM
Carole
Thanks for posting such a great review and I'm glad you survived the madness! :-)
Posted on June 21, 2007 3:43 AM
Katie
No problem guys... honesty in reviews is always the best bet! Really good point on the merchandise... a big opportunity missed. I noticed the posters on the wall on the way in - and didn't think they'd stay on the walls long! I was right... as we left, the last one was being pulled down by a guilty but proud looking fan. What a memento. And to Angela... I definitely saw you honey - your back is smack bang in the middle of most of my photos!!! :) I know what it's like though... I'm a little one too.
Posted on June 21, 2007 10:01 AM
claire
omg the concert was amazing i was quite at the front but it must have been good to be able to get good shots of them. bill, well all of them looked really nice that night and i could see that they were having a good time. xx
Posted on June 21, 2007 5:04 PM
Jenny
I loved it, every second of it. Of course, there were some tall people in front of me and my friends but we managed to see the boys.
I literally screamed along to every word, it was SO fun. I feel so lucky to be able to go see their first ever London gig, and before I know it, TH will be playing in huge venues...
Great review by the way, mind if I steal some of those pics? Most of mine are a tad blurry =]
xxx
Posted on June 23, 2007 2:31 PM
broken dreams
omg katie the woz a brilliant review.
i wasn't there coz it were sold out but u talked me through every bit of it lol
do u know wen they are next coming to england?
xx
Posted on June 23, 2007 8:09 PM
linaq
Tokio Hotel it is fiction. Deception. Boys are very untalented!
Bill is a bad singer. In Germany they are already hated.
Posted on June 27, 2007 8:09 AM
Helen (Meridian)
Thanks so much for the review! I was there at the very front, almost directly in front of Bill's microphone stand. It was amazing, I got so battered ,bruised and hair-pulled but it was worth everything! I really didn't expect it to be quite so violent! I had the most amazing day though, the boys really are something.
Posted on June 27, 2007 3:13 PM
Jenni
oh yeah I was there that night! 5 meters from the stage!!!!
fecking awesome!
The irony of delaying a tad constantly reasuring my companions "we're sure to easily push our way to the front!" pah! small we may have been however the mosh pit proved too difficult to wrestle past the melting fans...
it was hardly fair, all the larger and taller people had managed to perch themselves in a place with the perfect view, all the mini people, including yours truely, had been filed to the back, not seeing more than a wisp of Bill's hair,
still, the music was what we came for, right?
well, the v.i.p pass holders seemed less than satisfied, all they appeared to care about by the expression on their faces told me "who cares who they are? they're famous right? It's not like I've ever heard of them, atleast I get to meet yet ANOTHER celeberity.
Still, the concert was mind-blowingly immense! so that I felt like singing and dancing in the rain once it had ended, I was also lucky enough to swipe the last poster from a bouncer, it's above my bed right now, it all ended far to soon, and I probably got ink pollution from the glowsticks, the UV radiation wasn't the problem, it was the fact that stupidly in the fit of the moment I wrote "tokio hotel" on my arm with the ink of a broken glowstick.
Well, I'm still well and breathing, my dream and quest still is to somehow contact them or perhaps even meet them... naive as I may appear I am not that foolish, I know it's almost impossible for a chance like that to pass my way, however if I don't try, I have even less of a mere chance
Posted on June 30, 2007 6:42 PM
Jenni
I'm very sorry if you WERE one of the v.i.p pass holders and I offended you, I guess I only saw two girls on the balcony above, they looked pretty fed up and bored, I take it back if thats not how you people felt ^^
Posted on June 30, 2007 6:47 PM
Jenni
another comment, I just can't quit!
I managed to make a couple of friends at the time, a couple were old Brits to the bone so it seemed, a group of girls they were, another at first I took to be American whcih struck me as odd, seeing as none of my American friends have ever heard of tokio hotel, then is appeared later she was french, which explained alot, as I've come to notice many european people sound slightly American when they speak English.
I don't think there will be another concert in England in the near future, but I may be mistaken. Which I hope I am, my boyfriend who adores them as much as I do missed the concert, and was a generally depressed person anyway, so when he found out he couldn't go and he wasnt aloud any peircings but thats a completely different story all together he almost died, ok that was a tad melodramatic, but yeah he was very upset. So if you could inform me of any info on future gigs, concerts anything in that area that'd be great!
oh and yeah how did you get your hands on backstage passes?
Posted on June 30, 2007 6:55 PM
Jenni
me and my two friends are taking the role of band members, me as Bill, Gina as Tom [I would like to be tom but my hair isnt nearly long enough]
and Lara probably as Bill aswell, unless she doesnt mind being georg.
I'm getting my hair styled and spiked like his, wearing my skinnies, a jacket, and my boots/converse it'll be great!
we're using these cosplays as an effect for our attempt of the music video and song ready, set, go! it'll be an entry for a conpetition to star in one of their fan videos =]
Posted on June 30, 2007 6:59 PM
Estate
Hello,
I have a question, how much cost a ticket fot Tokio Hotel about?
x Estate
Posted on June 30, 2007 8:08 PM
Monica
You are very lucky!
I hope we can see them perform in Romania soon.
Posted on August 23, 2007 10:33 PM
Bill
i look bad on the pictures
but the consert was nice
Posted on September 22, 2007 3:46 AM
Lili
hi,i was wondering,how do you get a backstage pass?because i want to see Tokio Hotel,please reply back,bye x
Posted on November 24, 2007 2:52 PM
Lili
please if you know how to get a backstage pass,please please pleaseee e-mail me to ih8dagpark@hotmail.com thansk youu xxxxxxxx
Posted on November 24, 2007 2:54 PM
Danni Champion
Hey awesome review makes me even more jealous i never got to see them =[ but they rock my entire sock drawer!!! hopefully they make it 2 Ireland soon...(preferably the north!!) LOL xXx
Posted on December 8, 2007 6:31 PM
aneta
thanx everyone for your coments!I really wish I was there but I wasn't a huge fan then,but now I am just obsesed with TH!I also wanted to ask how can you get the backstage passes and about the price of ticket...please if u know email me to an_2123@hotmail.com I woluld realy apriciate it :)
Posted on January 2, 2008 9:10 PM
Claire
Hey Just wondering if any of you know when Tokio Hotel Are in Britain Next i Am DYING to see them! im gna hav 2 fly 2 germany if ther isnt one soon :)
Great review btw :) xx
clairesimms1994@hotmail.com
if you know xD
Posted on April 16, 2008 6:55 PM
Aniishaa. TH
I know that it has been a loong time now, (almost a year! :s) But Tokio Hotel are my absoloute LIFE. They mean everything to me, and that day was the BEST DAY EVER of my entire life, and thanks for the great review! My friend found it, and was like, 'Hey have you read this review..' and I said no, and I read it and it is amazing. That DAY was amazing and I will never forget it. I hope all of teh FanActions will bring TH back to the UK sometime. <3
Posted on May 1, 2008 5:37 PM
Aniishaa. TH
Oh and another thing...
If you thought THAT concert was hectic and cramped with an insane crownd etc... That Academy held anout 500 People that day. Normally in Germany/France numerous places in Europe, their concerts sell out for about 10,000 people on average. Think how those girls must feel, especially in the middle when it gets rough.. and thgem camping out for days just to see their idols. I would.! <3
Posted on May 1, 2008 5:40 PM
Miranda
Awesome review! I'm a new fan of Toko Hotel but working my way as an expert I just bought there Scream Album signed lol :P I was just wondering how much are the thier tickets these days and how do you get the back stage passes? Cuase I want to see them for my birthday coming up(: email me at:mirandauong@yahoo.com please!
Posted on May 18, 2008 7:16 AM
Ellie
Tokio Hotel are the best band for a long time-actually for a VERY long time. I so hope they come to Scotland sometime...i have no chance of ever being allowed to go to London! Tokio Hotel please come back to Britain!
Posted on May 22, 2008 3:45 PM
Lydia
Oh man!! I so wish I was there. Does anyone know if they have plans to come to Scotland? I doubt it though, nothing cool ever happens in Scotland!! We're always totally left out. Tokio Hotel are the shiz anyhoo.
Posted on June 14, 2008 2:14 PM
Amber
does anyone have any information on who to call/contact to get permission to interview tokio hotel? My dad and I work for a local newspaper and would like to know who/what numbers to call. If anyone could please help me with this at all my e-mail is: littleblueshoes38@yahoo.com
thank you so much and hopefully someone will be able to help me!!
Posted on June 22, 2008 11:12 PM
sam
i need backstage passes if possible so if you find any let me know and i'll pay!!!lol
Posted on July 7, 2008 8:14 AM
pat
does anyony know how to get backstage passes to a tokio hotel concert? please email me at mtz3373@yahoo.com
Posted on August 20, 2008 4:54 AM
Post a comment
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.seatwaveblogs.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/962
