How Michael Buble could teach Gerard Way a thing or two
This entry was posted on December 7, 2007
In November I saw My Chemical Romance (MCR) at a show in London, and then on Tuesday I saw Michael Buble at a show, also in London (though at a different venue). I massively enjoyed both shows, but for two very different reasons. Michael Buble and MCR are about as different as you can get, but they do have the same goal: to entertain the audience to which they are performing.
MCR were two members (out of five) down when I saw them. The drummer was sick, and one of the guitarists had a family emergency. However, in true showman style, “the show must go on”, which it did. They belted through each of their songs with the same enthusiasm, barely stopping to take a breath. As Gerard Way (the lead singer and band frontman) described it, they played “fast and hard”, partly because they were two members down. Talking to the crowd was minimal, and the focus was all on performing the songs the best they could, given the circumstances.
The Michael Buble show was the last of his UK tour, and as he described it, “if you came to one of the earlier shows, you were ripped off. I wasn’t even trying. Tonight I’m gonna try really hard.” He belted the songs out in the inimitable style he has, and there was a much more relaxed feel to the show.
So what could Gerard Way learn from Michael Buble?
He could learn how to better interact with his audience. Michael jumped off stage and headed into the crowd, making time for hugs and kisses and pictures. However, there’s one very important reason why Gerard wouldn’t be able to do this : MCR crowds are crazy. If Gerard came into the crowd, there would be bloodshed.
However, just like there is more than one way to skin a cat, there is more than one way to work a crowd. Not only did Michael get up close and personal with his audience, he interacted with them a lot from his stage. He told jokes, and mocked himself (”oh that Michael’s such a good boy… no I’m not - I’m badass”), introduced each member of his 12-piece band and had banter with them, and much more.
That’s why, even though I’m a massive MCR fan, I preferred Michael’s live show. To me, a live show shouldn’t just be about the music. After all, I own the CD’s, I have them on my iPod, I’ve seen the music videos - I know the music! I go to live shows for a “complete experience”, and for me that involves more than just hearing / seeing the music played live. It’s about the complete package of the band, which involves banter as well as music.
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Confession time
This entry was posted on November 24, 2007
When it comes to music and music fans, I’m generally called “emo”. I don’t consider myself to be emo, though, but I’m not going to go off on my high horse and list all the reasons why I’m not emo. Many of the bands I listen to can be found in the “metal” section of the music stores, but here are some exceptions…
I love this guy. I’m taking my Aunty to see him on the 4th of December and I can’t wait! Like many of my favourite musicians, he’s Canadian, and he’s been known to describe himself as a “gangster crooner” because when he was in school, all his friends were listening to Dr Dre whereas he preferred the Rat Pack. He’s gorgeous, funny, and talented. I love him.
I only know one song (”Potential Breakup Song”) by these two sisters, but it’s so incredibly catchy that I find myself listening to it on repeat. They’re about as harmless an un-emo as you can get, and they sit quite happily on my iPod next to Avenged Sevenfold. As far as I’m aware, Aly & AJ haven’t toured the UK yet, but when they do, you can bet anything I’ll be going.
Justin was always my second favourite one from *NSync, the first being JC Chasez. However, JC seems to have disappeared, which leaves us with dear old Justin. Like Michael Buble, he’s gorgeous, funny, and talented. I saw him live in July and he puts on an amazing show. He sang, he danced, he played at least two different instruments, and he managed to work a crowd of seventeen thousand people from a circular revolving stage. If that’s not talent, I don’t know what is.
Six gorgeous ladies who sing, dance, and do more for female empowerment than the Spice Girls ever did. Well, that’s my opinion at least. The Pussycat Dolls dress completely inappropriately for their younger fans, but fortunately I’m too old to be in that group. I like them more for their songs and dance ability rather than their outfits anyway. And I’ve seen them live!
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