Arcade Fire O2

A momentous day. Alison and I have hoped to see Arcade Fire for years and had decided that no matter where or how much, the next tour they did, we were going to go. Then came the news about the lead singer, accused of sexual attacks which he claimed were consensual encounters. He is supported by his wife who is very much a huge part of the band and we were therefore very conflicted in whether to go ahead or not. We took the easy option in many ways, having already bought train tickets, booked a hotel room for the night and having paid for the tickets at the O2. I'm not sure that having done so, that warrants our decision which owes more to wanting to see them still, despite the accusations. Where does that leave us in respect of those making the claims and our feelings of support toward them? I am afraid I chose to do what I wanted, not necessarily what was right. The fact that thousands of others have done the same  doesn't make it right.

We were greeted by plenty of rain but were impressed with London, the ease of using the tube, the work done in and around the O2 to provide a fantastic neighbourhood in which to grow up and the sense of space. 

However, we quickly picked pu on the news about the Queen being unwell and the statement released at lunchtime which essentially, reading between the lines, indicated she had already passed away or was about to do so. That kind of news is never shared as simply an update. So we headed to the hotel and checked in so we could watch the coverage and rest ahead of the gig. By the time of the announcement we were in a pub at the O2 and saw it online first. The people around us were oblivious but the music was then turned down and the TV news turned up, the national anthem being played brought people to the realisation of what was happening. There was an immediate sense of something dramatic taking place, history in front of our eyes. What surprised me was how quickly the moment passed. There was barely a pause before the noise and excitement of the evening was centre stage once more.

Arcade Fire played a jazz funeral song, akin to the start of the James Bind film, Live and Let Die, before a period of silence in memory of the Queen. They then played a great set which we both loved. The atmosphere was incredible, the venue really great, huge but not so much that it felt distant. The events of the day and the misgivings were forgotten for that period of time.