Mika @ London KOKO 22 Feb 2007

[Sunny Monkey]

See Mika perform live at KOKO on 22 Feb 2007 :punk:

[Stephane]

I'll be there and can't wait :)

[royalmadman007]

Yep I am going there, and I am dragging my mum, and sister along aswell! :punk:

[Sunny Monkey]

I can't believe anyone needs "dragging" to see Mika ;)

[royalmadman007]

shes 66 :cool: (my mum that is)

[meimei88]

Anyone getting excited yet?? It only just dawned on me that its NEXT THURSDAY!!!!! OMG!!! :shocked:

Am wondering what time to get there.... never really been to proper gig before... should I get in, find a good spot and plant myself there??! I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself!!

Any more people here going?!! See you at the front hopefully!!! :naughty:

[Lollipop]

I'm so excited I can't wait!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[jemmalee]

6 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!!!!:thumb_yello:

[meimei88]

:toot: :woot_jump: :woot_jump: :toot:

I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!

[andi]

Hope you guys all have a great night at Koko!
Remember those cameras:thumb_yello:

Only 3 days you lucky people:woot_jump:

lv, andi xxx

[jengafer]

Have a fab night with Mika, hope he is back to his usual self. Looking forward to hearing all about it and pics of Mika and you lot too! :biggrin2:

[meimei88]

Can't wait!!.. I hope he's feeling 100% tomorrow!!! :)

[hotdlp]

u ppl are lucky u got the tickets in time. Its my bday 2moz :( and sadly they were sold out before i could buy them. Would of been such a nice bday pressie, but i seem 2 have bad luck following me around lol.

[Lollipop]

Is there a meet tomorrow? if your going what time do you plan to que up? Thanks XXXX

[meimei88]

I hope to be in the area around 6ish.. grab a bite.. Tickets say doors open at 7pm, but Mika's last MySpace blog said doors open at 7:30pm.. so will see!.. I couldn't sleep!!!! When I did get to sleep I was dreaming I was at the gig!!! :)

[jemmalee]

MIKA DAY!!!!!!!!
I'm going to get there about 6.30 ish pm me if you wanna meet up. I am nice and not a weirdo or anything ( well my friends think I am when I start talking about Mika though, but i am assuming you guy's are the same!)
Everybody's gonna love today! Shock shock me!
Love Jemmalee x

[Max]

Hope you all have a great time. Can't wait to hear all about it ...

[pompeyben]

For anybody going to Koko tonight I've just called them and got the following show times:

8pm - Kitty, Daisy and Lewis (http://www.myspace.com/kittydaisylewis)
9pm - Mika

Show will be over by 11pm.

Cheers!

Ben

[meimei88]

Cool, thanks for posting that! This day seems to be dragging on and on!!

[Jude]

So it's not been cancelled yet then?

[meimei88]

:thumb_yello: According to Mika's MySpace.. all is good... the tour kicks off TONIGHT at KOKO :)

Yay!

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Ohhh is tonight the first night sunshine ? , I was thinking it was last night

[meimei88]

Yep yep! Would have been Tuesday in Brighton if not for nasty flu! I hope he's going to be bouncing with energy after a well deserved rest!!! Getting butterflies just thinking about it.... less then an hour to go and I am off to get changed.. put my going out face on (currently have pretend to be working face on) and head on up to Camden!! woooohooooo!

[jemmalee]

Tonights the night! and I'm leaving in 50 minutes i'd better get ready! I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO Excited!!!!!!!!!

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT , CANT WAIT TO HERE ABOUT IT ALL :thumb_yello:

[helen]

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT , CANT WAIT TO HERE ABOUT IT ALL :thumb_yello:

Me too -I'm going to MAnchester next Tues so want ALL the inside info before I go. I'm SO excited for you all.:mf_lustslow:

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

They will be all there now , drinking beer , having fun :thumb_yello:

[andi]

just think, in a few minutes the doors will be opening:toot:
how exciting! I can't wait to hear all about the gig:punk:

lv,andi xxx

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

me too me too me too me too!!!!

I hope you can by goodies before we can go in , T shirts and the like !! :thumb_yello:

[white queen]

I know...it may seem a stupid question...but what's KoKo??I see that this place is very important...what is?a plece for concert?or a club??
because i know that it's one of the most important places, where Mika plays...

[andi]

I hope so too! I have never seen any 'official merch' yet.

we shal find out from the Koko lucky duckies later I'm sure:thumb_yello:

lv, andi xxx

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Yeh I want to buy "things" ! , hopefully they will log on later :thumb_yello:

[andi]

Yeh I want to buy "things" ! , hopefully they will log on later :thumb_yello:

"things".... so your not fussy then:naughty:

lv, andi xxx

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Well you never know , might be programmes , t shirts lollipops !!!! :wink2:

[andi]

I can't help sitting here thinking about tonights gig and wondering what it's like. And I can't wait to hear all about it.

l, andi xxx

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

ME TOO!! :wink2:

[hotdlp]

so how exactly did it go then?

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

dont think anyone is home yet ! :thumb_yello:

[titania]

It should be going until 11 or so someone said earlier. I wonder how soon we'll here back.

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Soon I hope !! excited!!! :thumb_yello:

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

I cant wait any longer need sleep!!!

[Max]

Still no news ... :sweatdrop:

[Strudel]

Awwww, we want info ! :D

[Stephane]

10 songs, 40 minutes...Sound crap! Mika was fine but my journey on the tube was longer than the concert... pathetic...

all the album songs including Over My shoulder & Ring Ring but no happy Ending (one my favourites pfff)

[plucker]

OMG, that gig was fcukin' ACE. Amazing, packed crowd, confetti, giant balloons, lollipops, monkeys, lollipop girls and PEREZ HILTON (*vomits*)!

[Lollipop]

On word AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Flawless XXXX

[titania]

I hope Perez couldn't get too close to him. How was Over my shoulder? Did he sing it alone?

[Max]

Excellent news ... so glad you all had a fabulous time. I can go to sleep happy now. :sleep_1:

Only one sleep to go now ... I'm sooooooooooo excited:woot_jump:

[plucker]

I hope Perez couldn't get too close to him. How was Over my shoulder? Did he sing it alone?

I saw Perez walk backstage with a whole crowd of people...not sure who they were, but they did not look like the average casual fan.

"Over My Shoulder" was sung with the same arrangement as at the Big Top gig at Berkeley Square. He was accompanied by two of his high school friends -- a female cellist and a male singer. A LOT of people were talking during this song...it's a quiet song, and you could here a roar of chatter in the crowd when Mika was performing it. I found that very rude of the crowd.

[plucker]

He played "Ring Ring" too! Here is the setlist:

Relax Intro
Relax
Love Today
My Interpretation
Big Girl
Billy Brown
Over My Shoulder
Ring Ring
(Everybody's Talkin') -- it's on the setlist, but I don't remember him performing it...can someone confirm?
Stuck In The Middle
Grace Kelly

Encore:
Lollipop

[doodle]

Did he seem fully recovered then?

[Max]

Bit disappointing that the two from the album that are missing are my favs:(

Thank you plucker for posting the setlist

[titania]

Oh wow thanks. That does seem a bit rude and it's such a special song. The night sounds amazing ( I have butterflies in my tummy now).

[esperia75]

...Any photos or video by mobile phone? :wink2:

[Stephane]

No he only sang ten songs

Relax
Love Today
My Interpretation
Big Girl
Billy Brown
Over My Shoulder
Ring Ring
Stuck In The Middle
Grace Kelly

Lolipop


I can't believe you don't complain that it only lasted for 40 minutes!!! I know he only has one album but still you can do lots of covers (and he already did in radio shows) My impression was that it was a bit more for "appearance/universe" than for the music itself...

[plucker]

I can't believe you don't complain that it only lasted for 40 minutes!!! My impression was that it was a bit more for "appearance/universe" than for the music itself...


Okay, so yeah he really didn't play "Everybody's Talkin'" like I had thought.

Well, to be fair, he only has one album from which to perform songs from, so it's going to be a little on the short side, but I did not feel it was short at all...it's quality that counts, not quantity! I was so thoroughly absorbed for the duration of his set that I did not even notice that it was only 40 mins (was it really only 40 mins? It seemed longer?). Plus he prolly cut out "Everybody's Talkin'" because he was still recovering. I think we should cut Mika a bit of slack.

[Cautionary Wife]

Well I'm 'travelling' for Birmingham tomorrow, with a stopover. Hmm... were the supports on longer than Mika?

I feel for the people who spent Megabucks on eBay for Koko tix.

CW.

[Max]

No he only sang ten songs

Relax
Love Today
My Interpretation
Big Girl
Billy Brown
Over My Shoulder
Ring Ring
Stuck In The Middle
Grace Kelly

Lolipop


I can't believe you don't complain that it only lasted for 40 minutes!!! My impression was that it was a bit more for "appearance/universe" than for the music itself...

Ten songs is not bad for an artist playing this sort of venue. Although Mika has number 1 album and single, you should remember that this has happened very quickly. When I bought my ticket for the Barfly Mika was still relatively unknown. This was certainly a longer setlist than I expected. I would expect the gigs in May to be bigger and better and have a few more songs.

That is all, imho, of course!

[titania]

This is probably stupid but as I haven't been to a concert I'm just wondering how long could Mika' concert be if the album itself isn't so long? I mean including covers and all.

[Max]

I feel for the people who spent Megabucks on eBay for Koko tix.

CW.

Why???

If people choose to pay touts more than £50 for a ticket that originally cost less than a tenner they can't suddenly expect that they should get more for their money.

I've been to gigs at the Barfly where the main act only plays 5 songs. I really think people's expectations were too high, if they thought they would get more than the album. He's a new artist, he doesn't have the material yet to play longer sets than this.

[Max]

This is probably stupid but as I haven't been to a concert I'm just wondering how long could Mika' concert be if the album itself isn't so long? I mean including covers and all.

Not at all stupid Titania ... I quite agree with you.

[titania]

thanks Max :original:

[Stephane]

Well honestly what do you prefer ? a rescheduled concert because of sickness or a 40min long concert ?! I, by far prefer the 1st possibility ...

And I edited my message for the "only one album" argument... He could have done plenty of covers... I m not saying i want a 2h long concert but at least one hour...
I heard at the end some people briefly booing, and people were disappointed around me lol

[Dazzle]

Who the hell is moaning? The face value of the ticket is £10 - what do you expect? On his next tour he'll probably do a longer set!

Anyway, tonight was amazing. Me and Jemma were the life and soul of the party!

[Stephane]

I've been to gigs at the Barfly where the main act only plays 5 songs. I really think people's expectations were too high, if they thought they would get more than the album. He's a new artist, he doesn't have the material yet to play longer sets than this.

Usually when you record an album, you have more than 10 songs, last example, dolores O'Riordan for her solo album wrote more than 40 songs, only ten will be selected!
Then you cannot compare Mika before and after the release of his N°1 album! I didn't have high expectations, I was just asking for a regular concert which is for a new artist at least 1h! I went to thousands of gigs and that one is the shortest (Nelly Furtado in 2001 was N°1 lol)

I think Mika was great tonight though, lots of energy etcccc don't get me wrong ;) but next time keep the big girls, the lollipop girls, the love letters , the balloons and the confettis and pay for backing vocals so that we can have Happy Ending...That would be one additionnal song & 5 minutes more

Btw : i paid 12£25 for this concert, it's not the 55£ of Justin Timberlake of course, but since when a concert lenght is about the money ?!

[Max]

From what I can gather there was only one song cut from the set. I don't think this was a shortened concert due to illness. I think that this gig was only ever intended to be approx 45 mins.

Like I said in my earlier post, gigs of this size are generally shorter in length. Mika's situation is unusual in that he has become more well-known since the tickets for these gigs went on sale. Had he still been a relatively unknown artist, I think your opinion on the length of concert would be different.

Anyway that is my opinion. I certainly will not be disappointed to see Mika perform 10 songs in an intimate venue tomorrow evening. It will probably be the one and only time I get to see him perform in such a small venue, and I shall savour every one of the 40 minutes.

Actually, if you work it out - my ticket was £8.00 - if he plays 10 songs, that's 80p per song. Only 1p more than i-tunes for live music ... fantastic value!

[Stephane]

My opinion would have been the same if he didn't top the charts! I don't care if he's doing well in the charts as long as I like his music... But apparently this concert was important to him & his management because of all this mess on stage, maybe if he hadn't been well known, he would have played more LOL... (with the "if" we can rebuild the world!!)

Anyway i just hope that everybody is still realistic and not fanatic ;)
I love Mika s music but for me 40 min is by far too short!

[Max]

If it is a straight choice between more songs or extra dancers and balloons, then I'm with you Stephane ... give me the songs anyday!

See ... we do agree :roftl:

I bet we don't get so much of the 'mess' in Birmingham tomorrow. My guess was that this was done, like you say, for publicity. And the national press will have been at Koko tonight.

However, I am willing to bet that tomorrow night we get exactly the same length of concert, without the extras. I don't think the extra showy stuff was at the expense of more songs. I think Mika's standard set at the moment is those 10 songs. (Isn't the setlist exactly the same as the Berkley Square and Radio 2 gigs?)

[RAK1]

UMM! This is very interesting. I'm going to Dublin to see him and I was toying with the idea of flying back the same night, but thinking the gig wouldn't be over until about 10.30, I would miss the flight back, so I was looking at places to stay, but if it's only 40 minutes long, I could probably fly (pardon the pun) back to the airport in time for the last flight back, (I 've got a cousin who's a taxi driver so it shouldn't be a problem, hopefully).
I'm kind of disappointed Happy Ending isn't in the set, but if he does it at Glastonbury I'll forgive him (hell how can you get mad at the guy when he brings that smile on! :blush-anim-cl: ). Roll on next Thursday night!:woot_jump:

[plucker]

I think Mika's standard set at the moment is those 10 songs. (Isn't the setlist exactly the same as the Berkley Square and Radio 2 gigs?)

Tonight's setlist is essentially the same as the Berkeley Square gig, but the song order was shuffled, "Ring Ring" included and "Everybody's Talkin'" taken out.

Berkeley Square Setlist:
Relax
Love Today
Billy Brown
Everybody's Talkin'
Big Girl
My Interpretation
Over My Shoulder
Stuck In The Middle
Grace Kelly
Lollipop

Koko Setlist:
Relax Intro
Relax
Love Today
My Interpretation
Big Girl
Billy Brown
Over My Shoulder
Ring Ring
Stuck In The Middle
Grace Kelly
Lollipop

[meimei88]

OK - I have only just got home (only live 30 mins from Camden!) from what I can only describe as a freakin awesome night! I was at the front, stage left... and yes Mika only did 10 track, but they were brilliant.. what made the evenine even better.. (apart from meeting Jemmalee properly!!!) was..........

GETTING IN TO THE AFTER SHOW PARTY!!!!! There is just too much to write at this late hour.. and my midnight snack is getting cold!!

Will post more tomorrow.. but.. here is a teaser... Brian May was there!!!

I'll leave you with that for now... I have some amazing pics and videos which I will post sometime tomorrow...

Time for my snack... am ravenous!!
nite nite!! xxxx

[royalmadman007]

I have to admit I loved every single minute of it. It may have only been 40-50mins but it is Quality that counts not Qunatity. Sure it may have been a little bit shorter than your standard gig, but it was only £10 a ticket, so it was hardly surprising.

I also thought the talking in Over My Shouldar was very bad and dissapointing.

Quality wise this gig rocked, and the energy put into it was outstanding. I also managed to get Mika's setlist from his piano :cool: (thanks to the roadie guy).

[royalmadman007]

GETTING IN TO THE AFTER SHOW PARTY!!!!! There is just too much to write at this late hour.. and my midnight snack is getting cold!!

Will post more tomorrow.. but.. here is a teaser... Brian May was there!!!





Blast I got offered to go into that, but had to catch a train :crybaby:

[Kata]

aaaaaaaah so exciting even to read about it :yay: can't wait to hear all the details tomorrow (and I expect every single little detail here :D) :mf_rosetinted:

[Lookovermyshoulder]

So the talking really spoilt Over My Shoulder then? Or was it just annoying? Wish I'd been there! *note to self...must buy tickets to these gigs early!!* :)

Apparently Brian May was there! Legend!

[royalmadman007]

So the talking really spoilt Over My Shoulder then? Or was it just annoying? Wish I'd been there! *note to self...must buy tickets to these gigs early!!* :)

Apparently Brian May was there! Legend!

I wouldn't say spoilt as such, it was more of an annoyance. I was right at the front stage left though by the speaker so I couldn't really hear the talking so much- might have been worse further back. It was noticable though.

[Stephane]

Yes it was very annoying! I couldn't believe my ears! what a lack of respect... pfff i heard some "shhhhhhhhhhhhhh" lol but too late...

it is Quality that counts not Qunatity.

Sorry not an argument for me! If he brings the best musicians in the world, an orchestra or whatever and played PERFECTLY just ONE song, would you still think that quality counts more than quantity??!! :wink2:

Quality is very important of course but quantity too ;)

Glad to hear that the 2 free concerts were as long as the paying ones... :thumbdown:

[royalmadman007]

Sorry not an argument for me! If he brings the best musicians in the world, an orchestra or whatever and played PERFECTLY just ONE song, would you still think that quality counts more than quantity??!! :wink2:

Quality is very important of course but quantity too ;)

Glad to hear that the 2 free concerts were as long as the paying ones... :thumbdown:

You have a point BUT I personally had nothing to compare it to as In Mika playing live.

You can't please evryone with the Setlist, but normally this sort of thing is arranaged a couple of months before- illness or no illness. Yes you do have a right to feel a little short changed, but I would rather have a smashing 40 minute set with him at his best rather than and hour and half of filler or under-performance.

If people where booing at the end, that is more shocking than anything else IMHO.

As for the one song better than plenty, there are some bands and artists who reval in the short set-list. Just look at Queen at Live-Aid, 3 songs and they blew every one else off the stage.

[Stephane]

Live Aid is totally different, there were not the only artists and the 3 songs were quite long if I do remember well!
Anyway, I don't think it's shocking to hear people booing, it meant they wanted more... that's it... I didn't boo cause I was alone lol but I already did for Coldplay & Muse... because their show was way too short (both booed for 10 minutes lol in Paris ;))
Do you think, i mean REALLY (lol) that Mika would have under-performed if he had added like 3-4 songs ?

[Lookovermyshoulder]

Quite surprised by this idea that artists should have to pad out their set with covers of other people's work. I would have thought that if you went to a concert that you'd want to hear music by that artist not him/her doing covers of other people's songs...I remember going to the Feeling's concert and admittedly they did a cover of Radio Ga Ga - which was perhaps the best song that night...but mika's songs are going to be better than any covers...so what's the point?

Also the comment about the setlist being the same as the 'free' concerts is a bit misleading...they may have been 'free' but there wasn't guaranteed entry...in other words people paid tonight for the privilege of getting in to see what, from the looks of photos already on the web...was pretty spectacular!

I'm sure Mika must have tons more songs that didn't make it onto the album, for a start we know of 'satellite' which was on the Grace Kelly 7". But at the same time...I can just imagine the complaints people would make if he performed songs which weren't available on the album or in single format...it seems perfectly sensible that on what is ultimately his first proper UK tour he should do no more than just the songs on the album.

I went to the show he did in Brighton ages ago and we were ecstatic at the end of that...and it only had 6/7 songs! 10 songs is a luxury I'm yet to experience!

[titania]

where did you see photos from tonight? Would love to have a look if possible:original:

[doodle]

A few have been put up on flickr already -
http://flickr.com/search/?q=mika+gig+koko :thumb_yello:

[babspanky]

From what I can gather there was only one song cut from the set. I don't think this was a shortened concert due to illness. I think that this gig was only ever intended to be approx 45 mins.

Like I said in my earlier post, gigs of this size are generally shorter in length. Mika's situation is unusual in that he has become more well-known since the tickets for these gigs went on sale. Had he still been a relatively unknown artist, I think your opinion on the length of concert would be different.

Anyway that is my opinion. I certainly will not be disappointed to see Mika perform 10 songs in an intimate venue tomorrow evening. It will probably be the one and only time I get to see him perform in such a small venue, and I shall savour every one of the 40 minutes.

Actually, if you work it out - my ticket was £8.00 - if he plays 10 songs, that's 80p per song. Only 1p more than i-tunes for live music ... fantastic value!

This is true, and a big understatement, it's just a different ball game now, but these gigs were planned before it all blew up. I don't know of course, but I would expect May to be different, but God knows when he will get time to sort out a new set.
In case anyone influential ever reads this, I love all of the songs from the album, but please add Satellite to the set, Mika's voice is just divine on that track!

[babspanky]

Wondered where Koko was and just been and had a look - I knew it better as Camden Palace or The Music Machine - showing my age! :blush-anim-cl:

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

wow!!!

Hey I think 45 mins is fine , and Ive been to concerts that were upto 3 hours and I wa just bored!!!!

Mika was hardly known only a couple of months ago , when hes playing to thousands of poeple next year then we can say we say him wih only a few way less than a thousand! .. yeaaahhh , the lucky chosen few , I would hate him to pack out the show with lots of covers , hes not X Factor but a unique artsist .

Queen done 5 songs ish at live Aid ... ???

As for people buying tickets off ebay for a fortune , errr thats there call .mmm

Cant wait

Could you buy things at the show ????

:thumb_yello:

[meimei88]

Yea there was merchandise..... Hoodies, T shirts and rosettes... which I didnt get to buy as I got distracted at the after show party!!!!!! :roftl: Still don't know where to start with my amazing night..

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Right how did you get into the after show party ?? , lets start there!!! :wink2:

[meimei88]

Right.. here goes!

After the show.. my sister and I was loitering around waiting for the place to clear (cos my sis and I were right at the front!) Had a lovely chat with the lovely Jemmalee and was looking for the loos and making our way out (was very reluctant to leave and actually wanted another drink but they closed the bar!) I spotted Mikey Choi, Mika's Bass Guitarist and just went over to chat to him! He then invited us to the after party!!! Such a nice guy!!

My sis and I grabbed ourselves a drink were playing it cool, wondering what to do next.. where to stand.. who to talk to ..spotting all the band members :band: , Secret Society people and Mika's sister in the crowd. :cool:

We managed to find a spot and there was a lot of commotion... next thing I know.. Mika's just walked past.. heading towards the VIP area.. shortly followed by.. Brian May himself! :punk: .... I couldn't believe my eyes! I followed them all towards the VIP area and planted myself nearby. Trying to get a picture somehow whilst trying to maintain my cool and not look like a crazed stalker fan. :naughty:

We eventually had to find the loos.. and on the way back bumped into Martin Waugh, Mika's Guitarist and grabbed a photo op. Stuck around to take a couple of photos of Brian May leaving (though not very good ones) and Mika was also making an exit.

We stuck around a bit more and grabbed photos with Cherisse and Mikey (and thanked him again for getting us in!)

The party was winding down and we were on our last drinks when Mika’s Manager, Jerry, came over to us and offered us both a cocktail! :blush-anim-cl: Was brilliant! Had a lovely conversation with him – was introduced to Stars? Mika’s assistant and also their marketing guy (can’t remember his name) who was quite tipsy!

My sister and I were literally last to leave KOKO at 12:30am, with security bolting the doors as we left… after showing Jerry the best direction to stand to catch a cab back to Soho, my sis and I jumped on the night bus home with HUGE smiles on our faces!

Freakin awesome night! :yay: I am still beaming today!! Can't wait for 14th May!!!!

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , your so lucky :thumb_yello: :thumb_yello:

[babspanky]

Sounds fabulous!
Did you see Luke?

[Lollipop]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvbFB5AqcKc&mode=related&search=

Mika and Relax, that I filmed yesterday

[babspanky]

Lots of fabulousness going on here this morning!!

[meimei88]

Sounds fabulous!
Did you see Luke?

Yea we saw Luke.. sooooo gorgeous. :wub2: but was always surrounded by girls!.. didn't want to interupt any conversations to take a photo.. so we just admired from a few feet away

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

Relax take itt easyyyyyyyyyyyyyy superb! :thumb_yello:

[jengafer]

I am so totally jealous i can believe it, you are sooo lucky. brian May too! I am sooo gutted i did not see him at brigton and cant wait til london in May! Good for you though am very pleased for you :thumb_yello:

[babspanky]

Yea we saw Luke.. sooooo gorgeous. :wub2: but was always surrounded by girls!.. didn't want to interupt any conversations to take a photo.. so we just admired from a few feet away

Who were these girls? How come they were in there instead of some more worthy members of this forum??

[Strudel]

What was the timescale for the night, when did mika come on etc...

[titania]

Sorry, who's Luke?

[meimei88]

Kitty, Daisy and Lewis were on around 7:50pm - 8:30pm
Mika was on 9pm - 10pm :)

[jengafer]

Just read the whole thread rather than focusing on the after show party bit!!!!!! I would have paid ebay prices to see Mika for 30 mins. Like everyone had said the original price was around £10 a ticket........ Mei Mei and Jem PLEASE can i gate crash the after show party with you guys in London in May. The best I have had so far is dreaming about mika last nght...Oh My God I just cant get over it Mika and Brian.:mf_lustslow: You lucky lucky people...

[meimei88]

I got my tickets on eBay (and at a cheaper price then the touts) and they were so totally worth it!!.. As for crashing the after party.. was just a case of luck and being in the right place at the right time and using stellar networking!!! Not sure I would be that lucky again :)

[meimei88]

Sorry, who's Luke?

Luke Juby is Mika's Keyboard/Pianist - so totally gorgeous!

[jengafer]

We can try..:original:

[nicole]

Right.. here goes!

After the show.. my sister and I was loitering around waiting for the place to clear (cos my sis and I were right at the front!) Had a lovely chat with the lovely Jemmalee and was looking for the loos and making our way out (was very reluctant to leave and actually wanted another drink but they closed the bar!) I spotted Mikey Choi, Mika's Bass Guitarist and just went over to chat to him! He then invited us to the after party!!! Such a nice guy!!

My sis and I grabbed ourselves a drink were playing it cool, wondering what to do next.. where to stand.. who to talk to ..spotting all the band members :band: , Secret Society people and Mika's sister in the crowd. :cool:

We managed to find a spot and there was a lot of commotion... next thing I know.. Mika's just walked past.. heading towards the VIP area.. shortly followed by.. Brian May himself! :punk: .... I couldn't believe my eyes! I followed them all towards the VIP area and planted myself nearby. Trying to get a picture somehow whilst trying to maintain my cool and not look like a crazed stalker fan. :naughty:

We eventually had to find the loos.. and on the way back bumped into Martin Waugh, Mika's Guitarist and grabbed a photo op. Stuck around to take a couple of photos of Brian May leaving (though not very good ones) and Mika was also making an exit.

We stuck around a bit more and grabbed photos with Cherisse and Mikey (and thanked him again for getting us in!)

The party was winding down and we were on our last drinks when Mika’s Manager, Jerry, came over to us and offered us both a cocktail! :blush-anim-cl: Was brilliant! Had a lovely conversation with him – was introduced to Stars? Mika’s assistant and also their marketing guy (can’t remember his name) who was quite tipsy!

My sister and I were literally last to leave KOKO at 12:30am, with security bolting the doors as we left… after showing Jerry the best direction to stand to catch a cab back to Soho, my sis and I jumped on the night bus home with HUGE smiles on our faces!

Freakin awesome night! :yay: I am still beaming today!! Can't wait for 14th May!!!!

For some minutes I was living a marvellous life. But then I finished reading and realized that this was YOUR life. Lucky you:mf_rosetinted:

[jemmalee]

I am only just recovering ( I had 6 double vodka's, don't drink kids!!)
It was amazing! (and that was just meeting you guy's). I had such a good time! I must apoligise that I may of talked during over my shoulder (Please don't hate me! I was only expressing that I want it played at my funeral!).
I will let you know more when I have recovered! I woke up this morning in a pile of glitter and next to the biggest balloon you have ever seen!
MIKA ROCKS!

[royalmadman007]

I am only just recovering ( I had 6 double vodka's, don't drink kids!!)
It was amazing! (and that was just meeting you guy's). I had such a good time! I must apoligise that I may of talked during over my shoulder (Please don't hate me! I was only expressing that I want it played at my funeral!).
I will let you know more when I have recovered! I woke up this morning in a pile of glitter and next to the biggest balloon you have ever seen!
MIKA ROCKS!


:roftl:

I heard you say that lol, was one of the quotes of the evening!

I was the guy with glasses standing at the front to your left :thumb_yello:

[Stephane]

Quite surprised by this idea that artists should have to pad out their set with covers of other people's work. I would have thought that if you went to a concert that you'd want to hear music by that artist not him/her doing covers of other people's songs...I remember going to the Feeling's concert and admittedly they did a cover of Radio Ga Ga - which was perhaps the best song that night...but mika's songs are going to be better than any covers...so what's the point?

The point is that usually when you have just one album out, you sing B-sides or covers just to make the concert longer so that people can enjoy it longer... Moreover he already did some covers so why not... And it's kinda challenging to perform a cover in ur own style... Tori Amos on her last tour did 2 covers per night for example and I was just amazed by how she managed to sing the song in her own way... And what's wrong with doing covers, you get to see the artist more and you usually enjoy them... There is no point in saying that covers are pointless... But yes Mika song would have been better, so he could have tried some new ones...


Also the comment about the setlist being the same as the 'free' concerts is a bit misleading...they may have been 'free' but there wasn't guaranteed entry...in other words people paid tonight for the privilege of getting in to see what, from the looks of photos already on the web...was pretty spectacular!

I meant, nobody paid to get a ticket and they had the same concert, don't think it's fair ;) I think we should have had some more... but confettis or fat dancers, this is not what i call more ;)

I can just imagine the complaints people would make if he performed songs which weren't available on the album or in single format...it seems perfectly sensible that on what is ultimately his first proper UK tour he should do no more than just the songs on the album.

He can, but then he also can expect critics such as mine... I think you took it too far when you say that people would complain if he sang new songs (or not on the album) as far as i know, thousands of artists did that already... Moreover it's just a good opportunity to see how the public reacts to those songs!


I went to the show he did in Brighton ages ago and we were ecstatic at the end of that...and it only had 6/7 songs! 10 songs is a luxury I'm yet to experience!

As you say, "ages ago"... the album was not out... not N°1...no buzz around you can't compare...

I wrote a review on a French forum and my friends don't want to pay 25€ for 40 minutes so they didn't book tickets, I told them it was good though and that he would perform longer maybe but it's not worth the risk for them! It's way too short for a concert! He could get booed in Paris if he performed 40min

[Kata]

wow what a story meimei :yay: I'd never dare to even go in there :o

[jemmalee]

i HAVE JUST POSTED MY NEW BLOG ON MY SPACE http://blog.myspace.com/jemmamoorey GO SEE!

[plucker]

I wouldn't say spoilt as such, it was more of an annoyance. I was right at the front stage left though by the speaker so I couldn't really hear the talking so much- might have been worse further back. It was noticable though.

Hey hey, who were you? I was right at the front, stage left as well!

[plucker]

Blast I got offered to go into that, but had to catch a train :crybaby:

Hey I know who you are now! You were standing to my left and beside my friend! Who was it that offered you into the after party??? I wanted to get into that! :(

[jemmalee]

He was right next to you! Meimei went to party, I went home (boo!) I was the loud one behind you!:punk:

[royalmadman007]

Hey I know who you are now! You were standing to my left and beside my friend! Who was it that offered you into the after party??? I wanted to get into that! :(

Yeah that was me, your friend being the cute flirty american lady then lol, and Sam right? Remember you aswell, standing to my right.

It was the big security guy standing guard at the foot of the stairs. I think he took pity on my mum, but unfortunatly we had to disapeer. I only just found out today that when i left my mum she met Brian May and smiled at him but didn't know who he was, but he was on his way into the aftershow.

Man i wish we didn't have to leave so soon.

[royalmadman007]

He was right next to you! Meimei went to party, I went home (boo!) I was the loud one behind you!:punk:

Did you really like the support or where you just humoring them?

[meimei88]

Kitty Daisy and Lewis .. were interesting :original: they are only young bless em! 15, 16 and 18! Apparently they have been supporting gigs for a few years!! Quite entertaining, perhaps a bit of an acquired taste, but they are very talented nonetheless!

[royalmadman007]

Kitty Daisy and Lewis .. were interesting :original: they are only young bless em! 15, 16 and 18! Apparently they have been supporting gigs for a few years!! Quite entertaining, perhaps a bit of an acquired taste, but they are very talented nonetheless!


Yeah I'm not doubting their talent one bit. I have to admit i don't think i have ever seen a band swap or play as many instruments as them.

Just wasn't to my liking, or taste. They where all british right? I found it highly amusing them singing in an american accent lol.

[meimei88]

Just wasn't to my liking, or taste. They where all british right? I found it highly amusing them singing in an american accent lol.

Yea, they are all British... you can find them easily on MySpace...they certainly are a niche act! They were good, but could be better... connect with the audience maybe...look out to them, instead of at the floor. I really liked the eldest girl (in the black dress), she seemed to have more energy then the other 2... I was enjoying it but I'll admit that I was itching for them to get off so Mika could come on :naughty:

[Jamakkronic]

I really appreciate the way you put things into reflection, I'm sure we could be good friends.
I have to say I don't agree with everything you said.
I know I'm answering an old message but it may be interesting to talk about it now.
Now that we can enjoy the covers, it's obvious nobody complains. But it may have been different at the beginning as everything was new for everyone. Things are changing so quickly !!
Then I'll mention one more thing: I'm not sure the songs we can hear in a concert really need to appear in any album. Most musiciens try their songs in concerts before they chose to keep them, and to record them or not. It may be a wonderful proof of faith and trust to put the judgement in the public hands. Don't you think so?

Sophie :Update:

Quite surprised by this idea that artists should have to pad out their set with covers of other people's work. I would have thought that if you went to a concert that you'd want to hear music by that artist not him/her doing covers of other people's songs...I remember going to the Feeling's concert and admittedly they did a cover of Radio Ga Ga - which was perhaps the best song that night...but mika's songs are going to be better than any covers...so what's the point?

Also the comment about the setlist being the same as the 'free' concerts is a bit misleading...they may have been 'free' but there wasn't guaranteed entry...in other words people paid tonight for the privilege of getting in to see what, from the looks of photos already on the web...was pretty spectacular!

I'm sure Mika must have tons more songs that didn't make it onto the album, for a start we know of 'satellite' which was on the Grace Kelly 7". But at the same time...I can just imagine the complaints people would make if he performed songs which weren't available on the album or in single format...it seems perfectly sensible that on what is ultimately his first proper UK tour he should do no more than just the songs on the album.

I went to the show he did in Brighton ages ago and we were ecstatic at the end of that...and it only had 6/7 songs! 10 songs is a luxury I'm yet to experience!

[pinkunicorn123]

Sorry, who's Luke?

Took me forever to find that exact quote. I saw a copy on this on Luke's myspace and felt compleled to join this forum and reply to it in that vaguely stalkerish fan way ;)
I actually only found Luke's myspace today - a friend of mine had recommend i went and checked out his music because it is the kind i like - and i loved his sound in both an instrumental and a vocal sense, so i was browsing his myspace whilst listening and found lots of mica vids and thought he was just a fan till i spotted him on stage.
Up until then i had actually though 'mika's keyboardist/pianist' was pretty cute but i could never find i what he was called. So the internet has made one girl very happy today :P

[DANI56]

Koko pics


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3492&l=9c979&id=1022105307

:mf_lustslow::wub2::mf_lustslow:

[greta]

By Ludovic Hunter-Tilney
Published: March 1 2007 18:13 | Last updated: March 1 2007 18:13


Mika’s rise has been rapid. The Beirut-born singer – real name Mica Penniman – has scored UK number ones with his first single, “Grace Kelly”, and his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion. His music is as bubbly, gaudy and saucy as a hen party, and it zeroes in with hidden ruthlessness on the British public’s insatiable appetite for camp.
Announcing himself tonight with a falsetto yelp reminiscent of The Darkness, he played a short set whose songs veered often within the space of a single beat between being catchy and irritating. They were unashamedly derivative – a sprinkling of Elton John, a helping of Robbie Williams, a lot of Scissor Sisters and Queen – as if distilled from some flamboyant pop formula. Not since Williams bellowed “Let me entertain you” has a performer been so blatantly eager to please.
I went harbouring deep misgivings, having found the album exhaustingly hyperactive, but was partially won round. The high vocals and disco abandon of “Relax, Take It Easy” were indisputably entertaining, “Billy Brown” with its jaunty horns and Britpop chorus came across like a sugar-coated Sgt Pepper, and I even found myself enjoying his inane ode to voluptuous women, “Big Girls”, which was illustrated by two plump dancers in cowboy hats. Never accuse Mika of subtlety.
In person, the singer looked like a cross between Rupert Everett circa Another Country and a children’s television presenter. Floppy-haired, beaming, bouncing up and down, he only faltered when he tried to slow the tempo and show off his lesser-seen sensitive side.
“My Interpretation” was a terrible power-ballad, and a moody number oddly reminiscent of Radiohead featuring a cellist and counter tenor (Mika briefly attended the Royal College of Music) was all but drowned out by audience chatter. In contrast, “Lollipop” – a song so sugary and childishly upbeat as to verge on imbecility – was greeted with fervour. Resistance was useless.

Tel 0870 4325527
Copyright (http://www.ft.com/servicestools/help/copyright) The Financial Times Limited 2008
































I can't wait for the British new album rewiews to come :meow:

[natmika]

I can't wait for the British new album rewiews to come :meow:

Yeah, I hope they are all as good as this was:mf_rosetinted:




:roftl::roftl:

[lindemfc]

By Ludovic Hunter-Tilney
Published: March 1 2007 18:13 | Last updated: March 1 2007 18:13


Mika’s rise has been rapid. The Beirut-born singer – real name Mica Penniman – has scored UK number ones with his first single, “Grace Kelly”, and his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion. His music is as bubbly, gaudy and saucy as a hen party, and it zeroes in with hidden ruthlessness on the British public’s insatiable appetite for camp.
Announcing himself tonight with a falsetto yelp reminiscent of The Darkness, he played a short set whose songs veered often within the space of a single beat between being catchy and irritating. They were unashamedly derivative – a sprinkling of Elton John, a helping of Robbie Williams, a lot of Scissor Sisters and Queen – as if distilled from some flamboyant pop formula. Not since Williams bellowed “Let me entertain you” has a performer been so blatantly eager to please.
I went harbouring deep misgivings, having found the album exhaustingly hyperactive, but was partially won round. The high vocals and disco abandon of “Relax, Take It Easy” were indisputably entertaining, “Billy Brown” with its jaunty horns and Britpop chorus came across like a sugar-coated Sgt Pepper, and I even found myself enjoying his inane ode to voluptuous women, “Big Girls”, which was illustrated by two plump dancers in cowboy hats. Never accuse Mika of subtlety.
In person, the singer looked like a cross between Rupert Everett circa Another Country and a children’s television presenter. Floppy-haired, beaming, bouncing up and down, he only faltered when he tried to slow the tempo and show off his lesser-seen sensitive side.
“My Interpretation” was a terrible power-ballad, and a moody number oddly reminiscent of Radiohead featuring a cellist and counter tenor (Mika briefly attended the Royal College of Music) was all but drowned out by audience chatter. In contrast, “Lollipop” – a song so sugary and childishly upbeat as to verge on imbecility – was greeted with fervour. Resistance was useless.

Tel 0870 4325527
Copyright (http://www.ft.com/servicestools/help/copyright) The Financial Times Limited 2008
































I can't wait for the British new album rewiews to come :meow:



:blink:
I have it on dvd and I thought it was a great gig :thumb_yello:
his clothes were terrible though:naughty:

[Mika4Life13]

Yea we saw Luke.. sooooo gorgeous. :wub2: but was always surrounded by girls!.. didn't want to interupt any conversations to take a photo.. so we just admired from a few feet away

Who were these girls? How come they were in there instead of some more worthy members of this forum??

Sorry, who's Luke?
http://a685.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/43/l_9b91ddb684d5f3e6efddd4f409ff5244.jpg (http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=55691804&albumID=348054&imageID=4573633#a=348054&i=4573821)

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=55691804&albumID=348054&imageID=4573633


Y'all are famous!

[mari62]

By Ludovic Hunter-Tilney
Published: March 1 2007 18:13 | Last updated: March 1 2007 18:13


Mika’s rise has been rapid. The Beirut-born singer – real name Mica Penniman – has scored UK number ones with his first single, “Grace Kelly”, and his debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion. His music is as bubbly, gaudy and saucy as a hen party, and it zeroes in with hidden ruthlessness on the British public’s insatiable appetite for camp.
Announcing himself tonight with a falsetto yelp reminiscent of The Darkness, he played a short set whose songs veered often within the space of a single beat between being catchy and irritating. They were unashamedly derivative – a sprinkling of Elton John, a helping of Robbie Williams, a lot of Scissor Sisters and Queen – as if distilled from some flamboyant pop formula. Not since Williams bellowed “Let me entertain you” has a performer been so blatantly eager to please.
I went harbouring deep misgivings, having found the album exhaustingly hyperactive, but was partially won round. The high vocals and disco abandon of “Relax, Take It Easy” were indisputably entertaining, “Billy Brown” with its jaunty horns and Britpop chorus came across like a sugar-coated Sgt Pepper, and I even found myself enjoying his inane ode to voluptuous women, “Big Girls”, which was illustrated by two plump dancers in cowboy hats. Never accuse Mika of subtlety.
In person, the singer looked like a cross between Rupert Everett circa Another Country and a children’s television presenter. Floppy-haired, beaming, bouncing up and down, he only faltered when he tried to slow the tempo and show off his lesser-seen sensitive side.
“My Interpretation” was a terrible power-ballad, and a moody number oddly reminiscent of Radiohead featuring a cellist and counter tenor (Mika briefly attended the Royal College of Music) was all but drowned out by audience chatter. In contrast, “Lollipop” – a song so sugary and childishly upbeat as to verge on imbecility – was greeted with fervour. Resistance was useless.

Tel 0870 4325527
Copyright (http://www.ft.com/servicestools/help/copyright) The Financial Times Limited 2008
:roftl::roftl:
One of my fave gigs.... sorry Ludovic .. you should listen to his acoustic versions as well
and I also like his outfit here :wub2:

[Louiza]

:roftl::roftl:
One of my fave gigs.... sorry Ludovic .. you should listen to his acoustic versions as well
and I also like his outfit here :wub2:

the acoustic versions of the songs are amazing! especially the acoustic version of relax:wub2:
koko is one of my fave gigs too! one of the reasons why i like it so much is that he played over my shoulder there. how much i'd love to listen to this song live:wub2:

[mari62]

the acoustic versions of the songs are amazing! especially the acoustic version of relax:wub2:
koko is one of my fave gigs too! one of the reasons why i like it so much is that he played over my shoulder there. how much i'd love to listen to this song live:wub2::wub2: IMO he'll hardly play OMS live again.... what do you think Netina?

[mari62]

http://www.peterhill.net/photos/main-archive/mika/london-koko-feb-2007

[guylainem123]

http://www.peterhill.net/photos/main-archive/mika/london-koko-feb-2007

i can't help but notice that on picture 40 (of 47)
there is soooooo many men in the audience...
where are all those fans?

[mari62]

i can't help but notice that on picture 40 (of 47)
there is soooooo many men in the audience...
where are all those fans?
You mean this pic, don't you? hadn't noticed there were so many men.. maybe its because it's usually frequented by many men ;)

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh227/mari62_album/mikashows/uploads-main-archive-mika-london-ko.jpg

KOKO is a nightclub in Camden Town, London, England, at the bottom of Camden High Street close to Mornington Crescent tube station. Until 2004 it was called the Camden Palace

The Camden Theatre, opened on Boxing Day 1900, with a capacity of 2,434 it was one of the largest theatres in London outside the West End.

In 2004 it was redeveloped and renamed once again as KOKO, with a capacity of 1,410. The previous industrial fittings of the Camden Palace were removed and it was repainted in a dark red colour and fitted with brand new sound equipment.

Since then it has hosted concerts for bands including Coldplay, Madonna, Prince, The Polyphonic Spree, My Chemical Romance, Paradise Lost, Miley Cyrus and Babyshambles and has regular weekly club nights. The video for the Placebo's Because I Want You single was shot at the venue. Hannah Montana performed a concert in March 2007 at the venue, broadcast globally on Disney Channel under the title "Hannah Montana: Live in London" Additionally, Testament's Live in London CD/DVD release was recorded and filmed on 8 May 2005 at KOKO. The American Rock band My Chemical Romance played an exclusive private gig here, hosted by Radio 1 on 2 April 2007. The Channel 4 programme The Album Chart Show is recorded at KOKO.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KOKO_(venue)

Camden Town is the name of an area within the London Borough of Camden, situated in London, England. It is occasionally shortened to Camden.
Camden Town is an inner-city district located in North London. It is well-known for its markets, liberal attitude and associations with popular culture. Since the 1960s the The Roundhouse theatre and music venue has been a centre of alternative culture, and later associated with punk and Goth subcultures

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camden_Townsubcultures.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh227/mari62_album/mikashows/800px-Kokomornington.jpg

[FREDDIESDOUBLE]

i can't help but notice that on picture 40 (of 47)
there is soooooo many men in the audience...
where are all those fans?

Scared of you lot!! :roftl:

[Louiza]

Scared of you lot!! :roftl:

:roftl::roftl:

[mari62]

Full gig audio (mp3) http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Z13LI7I2

[Louiza]

Full gig audio (mp3) http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Z13LI7I2

that's amazing! thanks:thumb_yello:

[clara85]

Full gig audio (mp3) http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Z13LI7I2

thank's Marina:thumb_yello:
la sto ascoltando ora:naughty: (come si dice in inglese? I'm listening now...è giusto?:shocked:)

[mari62]

that's amazing! thanks:thumb_yello:

thank's Marina:thumb_yello:
la sto ascoltando ora:naughty: (come si dice in inglese? I'm listening now...è giusto?:shocked:)

You're very welcome :)

Clara, the correct sentence in English is:" Thanks Marina, I'm listening to it now" , so it was almost perfect :thumb_yello:

[clara85]

You're very welcome :)

Clara, the correct sentence in English is:" Thanks Marina, I'm listening to it now" , so it was almost perfect :thumb_yello:

thanks Marina:thumb_yello: (dicono sbagliando si impara....mi sa che io sono ancora molto lontana dall'imparare:naughty:)