Well, what can I say? I knew it was going to be epic and it certainly was! I mean, just the line waiting to get in the door alone was about thrice around the block! Damian Wilson was walking along the waiting shaking hands, chatting to people, hugging them and taking pics with them. What a nice guy.
When the show started the visuals were stunning and we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. Also, the pyrotechnics and smoke were so impressive, I was halfway down the venue and could feel the heat from where we were standing. The guys in front must have had their eyebrows singed! The band, as to be expected was tight and the vocalists were really one highlight after another. Mike Mills proved the perfect narrator and what a character he is. Edward Reekers sounds exactly the same as he did thirty years ago. Floor Jansen, ever impressive, so were Tommy Karevik, Anneke van Giersbergen, Jonas Renske, John Jaycee Cuypers (the guy replacing Russel Allen) and Magali Luyten, to name but a few. Wilson did an amazing version of The Druids Turned To Stone. Even Ed Warby had a little surprise part towards the end! Arjen came out and played on two songs with a little (about ten minutes worth) speech, very funny. The atmosphere thoughout was incredibly positive. I was surrounded by foreigners, from the enthousiastic little group of Mexicans (with one guy who kept sweeping his long hair in my face, thanks) to some Belgians next to me and some Norwegians behind me. There was said to be about 54 nationalities at the concerts. Already looking forward to the Bluray release! What a Show! Behold! We can hope for more of this in the future.