Ruth

On 4/6/2024 at 6:00 AM, dcdeb said:

Fanny shared this hilarious "Billy Brown" from tonight in Wolverhampton. Apparently the gorgeous wing piano couldn't fit through the door of the venue, so Mika had to play "air piano".  Such a goofball! 

 

 

Wonderful! 

Mika off script is still the best xxx

10 hours ago, Kumazzz said:

SETLIST

• 1. SHOW INTRO + BOUGEZ
• 2. ORIGIN
• 3. TALK ABOUT YOU
• 4. LOLIPOP
• 5. FEELS LIKE FIRE
• 6. UNDERWATER
• 7. RELAX
• 8. YOYO
• 9. BIG GIRL
• 10. ELLE ME DIT 11. GOOD GUYS
• 12. BILLY BROWN
• 13. POPULAR
• 14. GRACE KELLY
• 15. HAPPY ENDING
• 16. LOVE TODAY
• 17. ANY OTHER WORLD
• 18. WE ARE GOLDEN

Oooh, Bougez and Popular! 

Lucky London ❤

11 hours ago, ACG said:

def looks iffy to me - especially when Popular definitely wasn’t on the set list! He specifically asked the band to play it.

I think it's fake too...

14 hours ago, ACG said:

Unusually, I find myself agreeing word for word with a newspaper article! This is a very accurate description of the most sensational concert I have ever been to! 

 

I don't normally post but find myself compelled to write about my experience at this concert as it really was amazing!

 

On a cold dreary Sunday evening, with intermittent rain, a very excited crowd gathered (in an orderly fashion) for the most extraordinary concert I have ever been to.

 

There were 2 queues (one for the O2 priority customers and one for everyone else). With an advertised 7pm start, we got to the venue just after 6pm and walked halfway down the street to what was then the back of the queue.

 

The excitement in the queue was palpable. With Mika’s impeccable reputation as a high energy performer, there were understandably high expectations and just before 7pm our queue snaked its way into the venue.

 

This is the only concert where I had no idea where my seats were. I haven’t been in this venue before and couldn’t find a seating plan that made sense when I booked and just took ‘best available’, fingers crossed that they would be good – I wasn’t disappointed. Our seats were amazing! At the side of the circle with nobody in front of us, clear view of the stage.

 

There was a short DJ set at around 7.30pm, but it wasn’t until 8.55pm that the lights went out and the extravaganza began!

 

Having witnessed the spectacular Bougez opening in Grenoble and Lyon, I had been optimistic that we might get the French/English blend of this song, however, it was the intro to Origin of Love that got the concert underway. This was a good opener as it got the crowd going immediately and the noise was much louder than I had experienced at the other Mika concerts I’ve been to. This crowd were up for it and Mika knew this right from the start.

 

Immediately Mika acknowledged that it had ‘been a while’ since he was last at this venue, this further engaged the crowd. I could see a lot of the venue from my seat and Mika’s high energy was being matched from the outset. This continued into Talk About you and Lollipop where the engagement from the crowd was phenomenal.

 

Feels like fire was well received with great audience participation, particularly in the choruses. Underwater fully engaged the crowd with Mika picking up a stage light and shining it on various parts of the audience. The crowd didn’t let him down with their cues – Mika’s wee face, particularly when the people on the floor belted out Underwater so loudly and perfectly, was a picture – he loved it!

 

It didn’t feel possible but the energy in the room just kept getting higher from this point!

 

Relax had the audience singing along so loudly, it was amazing! There had been a technical hitch with this song in Lyon and the crowd didn't seem as enthusiastic in Grenoble so this was lovely to see and to be a part of.  Yo Yo kept the energy in the venue high and the noise loud.

 

This continued into the much anticipated Big Girl which was every bit as exciting as it has appeared in the other venues. Of course Mika bravely weaved his way through the crowd, as they belted out the lyrics, even making his way to the very back of the circle, before stopping at the front of the circle. From my seat (although I had long since given up on sitting!), I could see how excited everyone was that managed to get close to him. The whole song took around 10 minutes with at least 7 of those minutes in the crowd. Although seemingly impossible, the excitement levels in the audience had been raised again!

 

The high energy continued with Elle me dit which Mika did (unnecessarily imo) apologise for, and, like in other non-French gigs, he did spend much of the song explaining it.

However, with the dancing across the audience as well as the loud singing of ‘Pourquoi tu gâches ta vie?’ I hope he realised that the audience embraced this song (and probably would have been receptive to some tracks from his new album too). The story he told towards the end of the song was sweet and kept the audience engaged (not that they needed persuading).

 

Good guys brought the tempo down a notch but not the enthusiasm from the crowd. The energy remained high and the singing was just as loud. The excitement got louder as the piano made an appearance towards the end of the song. For me, my favourite parts of the concert are when Mika plays the piano.

 

Billy Brown got the piano section underway, sung word perfect by the audience and so loudly. When the lights were down, Mika spoke to the band and delighted the crowd by performing an impromptu Popular. The crowd knew this was a bonus song and enjoyed the moment, eagerly singing along word for word.

 

The much anticipated Grace Kelly (with the twinkle twinkle preamble) was really special. Seeing Mika at the piano is so incredible. Any gap in the introductory dialogue was filled with warm supportive comments, which he modestly acknowledged. With this being his best known song, I’m used to hearing the audience go wild. But this audience was on a whole different level. The crowd were so loud, singing every word. Although I had already been delighted by the rainbow surprise, seeing it appear with the colour changing lightbulbs on the piano, while the noise level was so high was very special.

 

It was the aftermath of this song that prompted the Mika chant. It went on for over a minute and Mika acknowledged the band during this moment as well. He was really overcome with how warmly he was being received and it was touching to see. I really think Mika underestimated how loved he is.

 

This was a lovely moment to segue into Happy ending but the emotion clearly carried through. He delivered the song well, with every note accompanied by the crowd. It was towards the end of the song that seemed to get to him. The whole audience singing ‘a little bit of love’ so loudly it was really moving. It was here that the high notes started to prove more elusive for him but it didn’t matter as we were with him every step of the way. This whole song was around 10 minutes and watching it back it’s difficult not to get teary, especially the bit where Mika tells the crowd how emotional we had made him and that we’d reduced him to a ‘giant softie’. He carried on with the song fully embraced by a loving crowd, that now loved him even more (again, something I thought was impossible). The Mika chants continued at the end of the song too, further fuelling the emotion. It was a truly beautiful moment.

 

It was then time to increase the energy with Love today. The intro was long enough for another costume change (an outfit that hadn’t made an appearance in Grenoble or Lyon). There was no stopping the crowd that were delirious, enjoying the 10 minute version of the song. The curtain closed leaving the audience wanting more.

 

And more wasn’t long to come around as the encore of Any other world brought a calming influence but kept emotions running high. The strobe lighting added to the performance. The finale of We are golden was belted out with gusto by the crowd from the first lyric. Mika was bouncing round the stage and the crowd were jumping up and down. This was just what was needed to send the audience away on a Mika high.

 

There was a fleeting appearance of Mika after the curtain closed but, as has been said in other posts, there must have been a time restriction preventing him from staying out and receiving more applause.

 

Mika always gives everything to his shows but this is the first concert I’ve been to where his energy and enthusiasm was so closely matched by the audience! This was a magical experience and Mika created wonderful memories for everyone there, especially those he gave personal attention too. Not only that, from his comments during the show and his social media posts after the concert, it’s clear that Mika was moved by this show. It’s a shame it had to come to an end. I’m already looking forward to the next show!

 

As an aside, there was a very strong Scottish contingent in the audience so Mika should know he will have no problem selling out venues in Scotland!

That's an excellent review, I completely agree. 

He was very funny, asking the audience if it was 2 years since he was there? 

Four...? and so on.

I thought the crowd were great, we were roaring along to everything and I was massively surprised how many of us knew every word. It's great to hear that your experience was so like mine.

3 hours ago, Fleeples said:

 

My pet theory is that his voice broke the first time in Happy Ending just because it was tired/he made a mistake, but then he couldn’t hit it again because he was so emotional from the crowd chanting his name in response and singing it for him.

I agree, and talking about being emotional, whether strictly true or not, gave him the time to get his voice back under control.

3 hours ago, Fleeples said:

I think it was the last time he was at the Apollo, he did mention being at this very venue.

 

It's the 4th time he's been at the Apollo 🙂

2 hours ago, mellody said:

Some videos filmed by Leila for mikafanclubtoo:

 

Wonderful. 

My view was pretty bad until we stood up. 

(I couldn't see the DJ but I didn't care, the people in front loved her but

I. am. old.

Someone playing records is all)

Anyway, they were less enamoured with Mika and left half way through. By then we were standing and jumping the whole time. 

So these videos are a perfect accompaniment to my memories.

btw what and where is mfctoo? 

What a wonderful view and a wonderful video x

As I said the gig was

fab-u-lousand I should have gone away but, no, I waited...

...

...

...

Eventually, Mika made a very brief appearance at the stage door. 

No photos, no gifts, no signing, no chats which was a pity.

But, as I waited for a taxi and everybody else had gone, the musicians came out and I recognised Max (thankyou Karin, telling me he was blond) and he was happy to talk about Munich, when I last saw him. So not an entirely wasted time and I did draw in the dirt on one of the gig vans 😁

Set list

1 Origin of Love
2 Talk About You  personalised - Manchester
3 Lollipop wrong cue
4 Feels Like Fire
5 Underwater

It was very dark on stage so we couldn't see him
6 Relax (Take It Easy) jump
7 Yo Yo 
8 Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) (In the crowd) yes, even up with the angels)
9 Elle me dit

He got us to dance with each other
10 Good Guys
11 Billy Brown - piano
12 Popular
Twinkle twinkle as an intro to
13. Grace Kelly
14. Happy Ending

He missed a note - because he was emotional he said.
15. Love Today    
Encore:
16. Any Other World
17. We Are Golden

All wonderful xxx

It's been brilliant. So noisy! So much fun.

Encore now xxx

He just sang Popular! 

 Priority entrance was fun because I'm with Virgin Media which is 02  and the Apollo is 02.

Sadly, because I couldn't find anyone who is going here there's not much atmosphere yet.

Ah! 

The rain has stopped so I hope I'll arrive at the Apollo in the dry. The wind seems less and I found a bus straight to my hotel, so that's a good start. 

Less good was that I've brought a dress to wear and forgot tights. This is not a night for bare legs!  Hurrah for a weird Morrison's called Morrison's Kitchen - a meal deal and tights 😁

4 hours ago, mellody said:

 

Munich 2012, yes, his bassist Max Taylor already was in the band back then. He has blond hair now. 

Drums: Wouter van Tornhout

Guitar: Clément de Witt

Keys: Alban Claudin

Thanks Karin, I knew you'd be quick to help xxx

The weather is looking absolutely horrible! 

Wind, rain and a train strike...

1 minute ago, Calycats said:

Does anyone know around how long Mikas shows are on this tour please? Just so I know when to arrange my pick up for after tonight’s show in Manchester!! 
 

Also, how long after doors open does he usually come on stage? Thanks! 

Sorry I don't know. 

He used to have support bands

❤ ah, Pull Tiger Tail ❤

But I'd guess 8.30 ish.

I don't even know the names of his musicians any more.

Are any of them the same as Munich - 2011?

I'm a bad fan....

On 4/6/2024 at 12:12 PM, Lilibet said:

First song was Origin of Love. 
Think the setlist was the same but just without Bougez. 

I'm imagine that's going to be it for tonight in Manchester, too.

What a pity as I was hoping for an English/French blend. It's certainly bringing a message we need to hear.

I guess we will have to wait until the 4th before we know of there will be much, or anything, in French.

I'm not standing so I don't need to queue this time. It's been 12 years and it just feels too much!  😜

I'm going to the Manchester gig, which although sold out, isn't attracting much chatter on MFC. 

I have some of the flashing hearts from the very early days 😁

Is the coloured light idea just to put coloured paper over our phone light? 

Ha! I'd forgotten my avatar was also taken in Manchester. 

But my arty signature seems to have gone. 

And in my effort to put a picture behind my old avatar, I seem to have lost it! 

Oh well, this one is in Edinburgh.

Well, I'm very much a stranger here, but I had to find my way back because I've got a ticket! 😄

I couldn't go to his last Manchester gig 12 years ago because we were in the city for Andre Rieu with family 😩

In the UK, "family flowers only" is a very common request. I'll see how well my PayPal account behaves.

(Edit - great, easy, phew!)