2016-02-18 & 19 - Palladium, London UK

[The Curious Orange]

Great Show - my 12th DT gig!

Listen, anyone going to see this is in for a real treat. The lightshow, screens, etc are a real step up from anything DT have done before - this is like going from VHS to Blu-Ray. There was a LOT of thought and effort gone into this - even tiny touches like the venue staff handing out playbills really added to the experience.

Yes, the animation on the screens was a bit of a wasted opportunity. I got a bit fed up of the illustrations of the characters floating in like one of those shoe-box theaters where you cut the characters out of cardboard and glued them to straws (one bit actually had me howling with laughter), and the iPod advert silhouttes got kind of tiresome after a while too. It worked best when doing something different - the "dancing squares" at the start of A Life Left Behind were very impressive, as was the swimming girl during Losing Faythe. But as others have said, the film was there as a backdrop - it wasn't supposed to be a Hollywood Blockbuster CGI-fest.

The band - as ever - were on top form. The sound was pretty good, but I have heard better. Mangini was all over that drumkit like a cheap suit, and it was nice to see JP use a proper acoustic guitar again (he's got rid of those big show cabinets and was just using the Mesa-Boogies). Man of the Match this time round goes to JLB. He came across as slightly jet-lagged during the M&G, but you'd never have known it. He all but carried this single-handed.

Highlights? Well, some of the "lesser songs" (IMO at least) had a bit more punch to them that really made me appreciate them more, especially Ravenskill, The X Aspect and The Walking Shadow (even if JLB fucked up his cue on the last verse). Chosen was a real highlight - It really shone. The song still needs a longer guitar solo. Highlight of the night however was JP's solo on A New Begining. It seemed like the band had turned off the click-track for this bit - they certainly seemed to be looking to each other for visual cues - it was the only moment we got a taste of the improv vituoso DT of old.

Criticisms? Well, the show is only as strong as the album, and as a result shares it's weakenesses. It's just too long. The band really need to lose the click-track and get back to doing what they do best. And while it was great to see this in a proper theater (it would have been awful at Wembley), the choice of all-seater venues remains baffling to me. It totally sucks the atmosphere out of the show.

Beg, steal or borrow tickets to this.

PS - there was a big NOMAC machine in the downstairs bar area. The idea was that it had facial recognition software in it and would insert audience members into the show animation. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to work!

[Shooters1221]

It seems to me that Mangini sonuds much better on these youtube videos than on the album itself (the cymbals in particular).

I'm not sure if anyone else shares this opinion.

I don't know about sounding "better", but I noticed the cymbals immediately. That part in the middle of DO was AWESOME!!

[Billzo]

[genome]

I got a bit fed up of the illustrations of the characters floating in like one of those shoe-box theaters where you cut the characters out of cardboard and glued them to straws (one bit actually had me howling with laughter)

Was that the bit where they cutout the album sleeve image of Faythe and photoshopped her into a bed? That was a little naff... 

[the keyboard wizard]

even tiny touches like the venue staff handing out playbills really added to the experience.
PS - there was a big NOMAC machine in the downstairs bar area. The idea was that it had facial recognition software in it and would insert audience members into the show animation. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to work!

We need pictures!!!! (I hope the playbills will be translated)

[TK1234]

Does anyone know if you can get this t-shirt online anywhere?




They were selling them outside the front of the theatre as people were leaving. I asked for a small one and i got a medium and didnt realise until it was too late. I dont know why i didnt double check that i received a small before i left! I dont think its an official DT one as its not on their store, but i really like the print on the back as it shows all the dates and venues. So pissed off that i got the wrong size (sort of my fault for not checking).

[Billzo]

Does anyone know if you can get this t-shirt online anywhere?

Have fun after three washes when the artwork starts to come off. That crap on the floor outside the doors is cheap shit and their trade should never be supported.

[Jinx]

What I will say - if they ever manage to do this beast in its entirety with all the orchestra, choir, bells and whistles and all it will be the greatest thing ever.

Side note - the poles at the side of the stage have banners of the GNE and Ravenskill. During a Savior in the Square the stage was darker and I realised those poles were actually old streetlights that were lit up - was pretty cool!

[genome]

Myung's finger work in the intro to A Life Left Behind was a sight to behold, by the way.

I think JP's wife and daughter were sat in the royal box? He was looking up to them occasionally. He got distracted at one point and played a wrong chord and laughed.  Also DT's manager was walking around a lot just before the show. He's smaller than I had imagined! I recognised him from the Chaos in Motion documentary.

[Jinx]

Yeah saw him and I think their tour manager too talking at the side? We had an American lady sat behind us who asked Frank (Solomon) if Rena was there and he said he hadn't seen her. No idea who she was though.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

PS - there was a big NOMAC machine in the downstairs bar area. The idea was that it had facial recognition software in it and would insert audience members into the show animation. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to work!

Wait, what?  That sounds epic, pretty funny they couldn't get it to work though but usually tech stuff have a tendency to not work when you wan't them to even though you tried it a million times before, I know from experience. 

[TK1234]

Does anyone know if you can get this t-shirt online anywhere?

Have fun after three washes when the artwork starts to come off. That crap on the floor outside the doors is cheap shit and their trade should never be supported.

I agree with all you say tbh. Buying the official one with the tour dates on the back today. Didnt have enough to get it there

[ariich]

Great Show - my 12th DT gig!

Listen, anyone going to see this is in for a real treat. The lightshow, screens, etc are a real step up from anything DT have done before - this is like going from VHS to Blu-Ray. There was a LOT of thought and effort gone into this - even tiny touches like the venue staff handing out playbills really added to the experience.

Yes, the animation on the screens was a bit of a wasted opportunity. I got a bit fed up of the illustrations of the characters floating in like one of those shoe-box theaters where you cut the characters out of cardboard and glued them to straws (one bit actually had me howling with laughter), and the iPod advert silhouttes got kind of tiresome after a while too. It worked best when doing something different - the "dancing squares" at the start of A Life Left Behind were very impressive, as was the swimming girl during Losing Faythe. But as others have said, the film was there as a backdrop - it wasn't supposed to be a Hollywood Blockbuster CGI-fest.

The band - as ever - were on top form. The sound was pretty good, but I have heard better. Mangini was all over that drumkit like a cheap suit, and it was nice to see JP use a proper acoustic guitar again (he's got rid of those big show cabinets and was just using the Mesa-Boogies). Man of the Match this time round goes to JLB. He came across as slightly jet-lagged during the M&G, but you'd never have known it. He all but carried this single-handed.

Highlights? Well, some of the "lesser songs" (IMO at least) had a bit more punch to them that really made me appreciate them more, especially Ravenskill, The X Aspect and The Walking Shadow (even if JLB fucked up his cue on the last verse). Chosen was a real highlight - It really shone. The song still needs a longer guitar solo. Highlight of the night however was JP's solo on A New Begining. It seemed like the band had turned off the click-track for this bit - they certainly seemed to be looking to each other for visual cues - it was the only moment we got a taste of the improv vituoso DT of old.

Criticisms? Well, the show is only as strong as the album, and as a result shares it's weakenesses. It's just too long. The band really need to lose the click-track and get back to doing what they do best. And while it was great to see this in a proper theater (it would have been awful at Wembley), the choice of all-seater venues remains baffling to me. It totally sucks the atmosphere out of the show.

Beg, steal or borrow tickets to this.

PS - there was a big NOMAC machine in the downstairs bar area. The idea was that it had facial recognition software in it and would insert audience members into the show animation. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to work!

Great review, thanks - most thorough and balanced feedback I've seen. Looking forward to tonight!

[TK1234]

Myung's finger work in the intro to A Life Left Behind was a sight to behold, by the way.

I think JP's wife and daughter were sat in the royal box? He was looking up to them occasionally. He got distracted at one point and played a wrong chord and laughed.  Also DT's manager was walking around a lot just before the show. He's smaller than I had imagined! I recognised him from the Chaos in Motion documentary.

Haha managed to catch that too, also didnt James mess up the bit just before Fathye got stabbed? He started a bit early. I dont think he did that on purpose!

[genome]

Yeah saw him and I think their tour manager too talking at the side? We had an American lady sat behind us who asked Frank (Solomon) if Rena was there and he said he hadn't seen her. No idea who she was though.

Ah, right. I'm not sure who the two ladies were he kept looking at then! Maybe some other family?

[Billzo]

What can I say,

Everything I expected from a live performance of TA and more.

I arrived at the Argyll and met up with a few DTF guys and we had fun times drinking and anticipating the gig. It was so great as always to see so many people in DT shirts from times gone by.

When we entered the Palladium I was really happy to see that it was being treated like a true musical. The running order leaflets being handed out was a really nice touch and is a nice souvenir that you don't have to spend half of your salary on before taking out a mortgage for the ticket 

The stage looks fantastic. I LOVED the streetlights with the flags on them. They even had flickering candle bulbs in the lanterns 

It was immediately apparent that the venue staff was being very strict with cameras. This was to be expected. It's venue policy and is standard for theatres like this one. I'm glad that we managed to get a few pics and videos none the less. To be honest they can only really enforce before/interval/after because once the show starts, unless you are on an aisle they can't really get to you 

The screens/visuals were great and not overdone. I think it was nice to be able to glance back now and then and be reminded of the story that's being portrayed. Also at times it does get a little bit IMAX!! During some of the NOMAC tracks I found myself feeling dizzy but I love crap like that 

James came out strong and remained so throughout most of the show although there were times where you could tell he was really struggling, with staying in tune or hearing the monitors I don't know.. but either way his tuning did fluctuate at some of the softer moments. Luckily none of which went as far as being cringeworthy. There were a few times I thought stuff was going wrong.. I can't remember the song but JP's acoustic was really quiet and was leading the song while JLB was singing and I could see JR looking concerned and looking off stage over to the monitor desk. Also at the start of another track which starts with piano.. JR kinda stepped up to his keys and acted like he wasn't too sure about something and then hit the lowest key on the keyboard (by accident/or to check the patch??) and it just let out a loud low piano note before he then immediately began to play the intro  Not sure what that was about. James also came in way too early at the end of TWS which has been mentioned. It was certainly noticeable but didn't f**k up the song or anything.

Needless to say the rest of the band were fantastic as always. The sound was a little weak at the very start, after the booming NOMAC intro track, the first note of the Overture didn't quite have the impact I was hoping for as the band almost seemed quieter than Decent. But throughout the show came more and more power and by the second act everything was pretty much perfect. It's to be expected anyway. It's completely different soundchecking in an empty room and then having a theatre FULL of bodies so I think the soundy did a great job at firefighting the mix.

Some of the audience were absolute ****s. This really let me down a little and distracted me from the show. In the complete silence just before "Losing Faythe" (Pretty much the saddest moment of the show).. Somebody thought it'd be HILARIOUS to shout out "METROPOLIIIIISSSSSS"........ and then another genius thought he could out do this comedian by adding "PART 2!!!!!".... There was lots of cringing from the rest of the crowd and I heard a few people telling them to shut up.

But what got me was the whole encore situation. DT made it perfectly clear that there would not be one, but there will always be the ignorant idiots who still expect too much. After TA, when the band did their final bow and had a picture taken with the crowd, this should have also been confirmation that it was the end of the show. DT have only ever done their bow AFTER any encore. When the lights remained down for the credits, there was some cheering for an encore, which I joined in with. Even though I knew it wouldn't happen there was a small part of me that though maybe just maybe but I wasn't going to be disappointed if the house lights came up, which they did.. and were met with a huge boo from a large portion of the crowd. It didn't even sound like it was in jest. I even heard someone say "They are having a laugh ain't they...?". Everything is never enough I guess.

There was also a lot of awkwardness in terms of standing up during the final tracks. A few people stood during ANB and this seemed to annoy people sitting further back lol... Some people were even shouting "sit down" during power down, and even though I remained seated 7 rows from the front.. it did make me feel VERY awkward. This was relieved however as at the start of TA everyone in the stalls stood up and the atmosphere was great for the end of the show.

Anyway all in all an awesome almost album perfect performance and any TA fan will not be disappointed in the slightest. It was what it was. TA live.

I posted a pic of the merch stand for anyone that wanted to see it. PLEASE don't support the bootleg trade that you are met with lined up outside the venue. It's cheap crap and the designs begin to come off after just a few washes. Spend the extra and support the band and you'll end up with a much better quality item.

Enjoy tonight. I wish I was going again but my bank manager said no.

[genome]

Some of the audience were absolute ****s. This really let me down a little and distracted me from the show. In the complete silence just before Act Of Faythe (Pretty much the saddest moment of the show).. Somebody thought it'd be HILARIOUS to shout out "METROPOLIIIIISSSSSS"........ and then another genius thought he could out do this comedian by adding "PART 2!!!!!".... There was lots of cringing from the rest of the crowd and I heard a few people telling them to shut up.

Yeah, that was near me. Morons.

[Billzo]

Some of the audience were absolute ****s. This really let me down a little and distracted me from the show. In the complete silence just before Act Of Faythe (Pretty much the saddest moment of the show).. Somebody thought it'd be HILARIOUS to shout out "METROPOLIIIIISSSSSS"........ and then another genius thought he could out do this comedian by adding "PART 2!!!!!".... There was lots of cringing from the rest of the crowd and I heard a few people telling them to shut up.

Yeah, that was near me. Morons.

*Losing Faythe* *fixed*

[genome]

Does anyone have a spare ticket for tonight?

[Billzo]

Does anyone have a spare ticket for tonight?

Take a look on the facebook event dude. Last time I checked there were a few going.

[ErHaO]

A New Beginning live audio (no vid)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-piPJypVxkk

Sounds awesome!

[TK1234]

Great review Billzo.

I was also annoyed at the crowd for shouting out random stuff. I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

And the announcements during the interval were SO quiet, and when the band came back on and played there were about 50 odd people still standing up, which is most likely due to the dodgy announcements.


This was my first time seeing DT, and i was stunned at how good they were, better than i expected, and i had big expectations. Many hair raising moments throughout the show. The lighting and background movie were excellent, i particularly liked the background movie during A Tempting Offer where you could see Arhys shouting.

I wont do a proper review as ill just be repeating what others have said so far but ill say something that hasnt been said yet.

Johns reaction at the end of the show was amazing in my opinion, you could just see how proud he was of the whole thing. You could almost tell that he was dreaming about that very moment for so long, the moment when he plays that final note at the first show. The point at which his (obviously not just his) masterpiece had made it all the way.

Ofcourse he is happy at the end of every show as anyone would be, but you could see the happiness and sense of achievement in his body language, that was quite something. Inspiring.


I still feel guilty for buying that t-shirt...

[genome]

Does anyone have a spare ticket for tonight?

Take a look on the facebook event dude. Last time I checked there were a few going.

I think they are mostly from a few days ago and they were expecting to post them - I'm trying to get a ticket for a friend that we can just pick up there. The only other option is try our luck outside the venue...

[Billzo]

Great review Billzo.

I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

And the announcements during the interval were SO quiet, and when the band came back on and played there were about 50 odd people still standing up, which is most likely due to the dodgy announcements.

I still feel guilty for buying that t-shirt...

We were clapping down the front dude Soon as Mangini started beating that drum with the soft beaters everyone around us started to clap.

Yeah it seemed as though they were doing the house calls through a prehistoric venue PA system that was at it's lowest volume, especially during the interval. In fact I didn't hear one call whilst I was in the bar.

Don't feel bad dude I know that official merch is pretty expensive. I couldn't justify it last night either and decided to save and buy some online afterwards. But the bootleggers position themselves so you can't not see it, and for your first DT show you may just act on impulse and just buy it. But the amount of profit those guys are making on the band is disgusting.

[Enigmachine]

Show was awesome. I think the only thing that annoyed me were the hecklers. Otherwise, this was probably the best of the three DT shows I've been to (and my dad says it may be the best concert he has ever been to, completely changing his opinion on the album ).

[IdoSC]

I was also annoyed at the crowd for shouting out random stuff. I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

I'm not one to judge usually, but the crowd at this show sounds absolutely terrible. I feel sorry for the people who just came to enjoy the show for what it is, and also for the band.

[TK1234]

Great review Billzo.

I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

And the announcements during the interval were SO quiet, and when the band came back on and played there were about 50 odd people still standing up, which is most likely due to the dodgy announcements.

I still feel guilty for buying that t-shirt...

We were clapping down the front dude Soon as Mangini started beating that drum with the soft beaters everyone around us started to clap.

Yeah it seemed as though they were doing the house calls through a prehistoric venue PA system that was at it's lowest volume, especially during the interval. In fact I didn't hear one call whilst I was in the bar.

Don't feel bad dude I know that official merch is pretty expensive. I couldn't justify it last night either and decided to save and buy some online afterwards. But the bootleggers position themselves so you can't not see it, and for your first DT show you may just act on impulse and just buy it. But the amount of profit those guys are making on the band is disgusting.

It almost seemed like i was the only person wanting to join in back where i was!

Cheers bud. It was literally an impulse buy as you say. At least i wont be making that mistake again 

[Prog Snob]

A New Beginning live audio (no vid)!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-piPJypVxkk

Sounds awesome!

It sounds great. The vocals are a bit off in a few spots, but otherwise perfect.

[genome]

I was also annoyed at the crowd for shouting out random stuff. I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

I'm not one to judge usually, but the crowd at this show sounds absolutely terrible. I feel sorry for the people who just came to enjoy the show for what it is, and also for the band.

I think because it was in a theater and it was presented as a theater show it was tough to judge how to respond. It was definitely a different kind of atmosphere to a regular DT gig and you could sense it as soon as you walked into the venue. The chap next to me was desperate to stand up the whole gig and got frustrated but it was quite similar to a regular West End show.

After we stood up during Our New World the crowd let loose and was great. In fact I don't think I've seen the kind of ovation they got at the end at a UK show before.

[CharlesPL]

Palladium London - Upper Circle view

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUnJEXIyvEs

[genome]

A very short but very high quality video of the end of Act of Faythe

https://twitter.com/joshgauton/status/700652943142363139

[Logain Ablar]

I was also annoyed at the crowd for shouting out random stuff. I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

I'm not one to judge usually, but the crowd at this show sounds absolutely terrible. I feel sorry for the people who just came to enjoy the show for what it is, and also for the band.

I think because it was in a theater and it was presented as a theater show it was tough to judge how to respond. It was definitely a different kind of atmosphere to a regular DT gig and you could sense it as soon as you walked into the venue. The chap next to me was desperate to stand up the whole gig and got frustrated but it was quite similar to a regular West End show.

After we stood up during Our New World the crowd let loose and was great. In fact I don't think I've seen the kind of ovation they got at the end at a UK show before.

Genome keeps stealing what I want to say , but I think the reason the crowd were subdued was a combination of the newness of the album, and the theatre presentation. I think people weren't sure how they were meant to react, and with the over strictness of the venue staff probably didn't want to get moaned at.

I was singing along for parts (sorry ariich ) and I was really happy when everyone was on their feet for the last song, to give the band the ovation they deserved.

It was a privilege to see these guys live.

[Chino]

I was also annoyed at the crowd for shouting out random stuff. I was surprised that no one clapped in time with the clap in the Hymn of A Thousand Voices. Mangini pointed at us to clap and we all left him hanging!

I'm not one to judge usually, but the crowd at this show sounds absolutely terrible. I feel sorry for the people who just came to enjoy the show for what it is, and also for the band.

I think because it was in a theater and it was presented as a theater show it was tough to judge how to respond. It was definitely a different kind of atmosphere to a regular DT gig and you could sense it as soon as you walked into the venue. The chap next to me was desperate to stand up the whole gig and got frustrated but it was quite similar to a regular West End show.

After we stood up during Our New World the crowd let loose and was great. In fact I don't think I've seen the kind of ovation they got at the end at a UK show before.

Genome keeps stealing what I want to say , but I think the reason the crowd were subdued was a combination of the newness of the album, and the theatre presentation. I think people weren't sure how they were meant to react, and with the over strictness of the venue staff probably didn't want to get moaned at.

I was singing along for parts (sorry ariich ) and I was really happy when everyone was on their feet for the last song, to give the band the ovation they deserved.

It was a privilege to see these guys live.

I know a lot of fans (not just DT, all bands) hate people like me. I absolutely love sitting at concerts. I don't want to be shoulder to shoulder with people or see a million fists in the air blocking the stage. I don't want to rattle my brain around. I want to sit and stare at the stage while taking in everything the band has to offer.

[Lloyd]

Never mind

[genome]

Thanks mate - just gave you a PM to take it off the thread