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Dream Theater => Concerts and Set Lists => Topic started by: geeeemo on December 04, 2019, 05:06:37 PM

Title: London
Post by: geeeemo on December 04, 2019, 05:06:37 PM
I am fortunate enough to be able to travel to London to see the show in Feb. I am super excited about going to London, but I have no idea about where should we stay and how to manage anything. Is is similar to a concert experience in the states? Is public transportation good? (although I would love to try my hand at driving on the other side  :biggrin:) Any other must sees while we are there?

Thanks!
Title: Re: London
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 06, 2019, 01:43:16 AM
I traveled to London on holiday some time ago (2012), and while I didn't attend any concerts there, I can tell you that public transportation is extremely good there (although it's expensive, but that's London for you I'm afraid). Great sights to see too (British Museum is actually free to visit btw)
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on December 06, 2019, 11:24:26 AM
thanks!
Title: Re: London
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 06, 2019, 02:06:03 PM
Forgot to mention: In case you're into art, you'll have fun in both Tate galleries (Tate and Tate Modern), and don't forget to take that famous crosswalk too :D
Title: Re: London
Post by: The Curious Orange on December 13, 2019, 05:41:53 AM
I would really recommend that you DO NOT drive in London. Do not even think about driving in London. Not only is the traffic a nightmare, it's all but impossible to get around, even with a satnav, as many junctions are impossible unless you know exactly what you're doing. The Underground is very good, and there are stations just about everywhere, especially in the centre of the city, so you shouldn't need to drive anywhere.

There is so much to do in London I wouldn't know where to start advising you. See the sights, visit the museums and galleries, however long you're staying for it won't be enough to see a fraction of it.

Hotels are really expensive, mind. If you're on a budget, consider a "pod" type hotel - there's a few of them springing up around the city. Budget hotels tend to be further out, and quite some distance from the city centre.

As for the concert - Hammersmith Apollo is a nice theatre, but it's on a main road, and there's no car parking or anything at the venue itself. The underground station is across the street, so it's easy to get to. See you there!
Title: Re: London
Post by: Podaar on December 13, 2019, 06:24:20 AM
London is my favorite city in the world, and as The Curious Orange says, don't even think about driving. When you get off the plane at Heathrow buy a one week Oyster Card at the Underground ticket booth and ride it into town, schlep your bags to the hotel and unpack. From there you can get all over the city on the tube.

My must sees are the Tate Modern, The British Museum (two days is best), The Tower of London (get some fish and chips at the little stand near the entrance to the left), Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, ride the Eye of London, get dinner and go shopping in Covent Garden.

If you have time, there's the V&A Museum, Science Museum, Harrod's, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, Portrait Museum and Trafalgar Square, and taking a train from Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle (which will take most of a day but is very cool).

Between the Underground and walking all of this stuff is within easy reach. Take someone else's checkbook though... shit is expensive there.  ;)

Have fun!

Edit: As for where to stay; pretty much anywhere you can get a decent deal. We've stayed in numerous places all over the city but probably enjoyed our stay in Kensington the most (across the street from the Gloucester Road tube station).  There's a little church nearby that frequently has free concerts in the evenings. Lots of good places to eat are nearby as well.
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on December 13, 2019, 12:19:44 PM
thank you so much for the info!! We definitely will have some great options!

One other thing. Is it cooold? If I need a coat, will it be a pain at the venue?
thanks!
Title: Re: London
Post by: Max Kuehnau on December 13, 2019, 02:16:16 PM
Quote from: Podaar on December 13, 2019, 06:24:20 AM
London is my favorite city in the world, and as The Curious Orange says, don't even think about driving. When you get off the plane at Heathrow buy a one week Oyster Card at the Underground ticket booth and ride it into town, schlep your bags to the hotel and unpack. From there you can get all over the city on the tube.

My must sees are the Tate Modern, The British Museum (two days is best), The Tower of London (get some fish and chips at the little stand near the entrance to the left), Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, ride the Eye of London, get dinner and go shopping in Covent Garden.

If you have time, there's the V&A Museum, Science Museum, Harrod's, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, Portrait Museum and Trafalgar Square, and taking a train from Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle (which will take most of a day but is very cool).

Between the Underground and walking all of this stuff is within easy reach. Take someone else's checkbook though... shit is expensive there.  ;)

Have fun!

Edit: As for where to stay; pretty much anywhere you can get a decent deal. We've stayed in numerous places all over the city but probably enjoyed our stay in Kensington the most (across the street from the Gloucester Road tube station).  There's a little church nearby that frequently has free concerts in the evenings. Lots of good places to eat are nearby as well.
especially Thai and Indian restaurants (my favourite cuisines in the world), the ones in London are really really good, some of the best ones in Europe I went to. And I agree, London (and probably New York City as well) is my favourite city in the world as well. I was there for five days and I would have needed 50 to see everything I would have wanted.
Title: Re: London
Post by: Podaar on December 13, 2019, 02:55:44 PM
Quote from: geeeemo on December 13, 2019, 12:19:44 PM
thank you so much for the info!! We definitely will have some great options!

One other thing. Is it cooold? If I need a coat, will it be a pain at the venue?
thanks!

Not frigid, like say Minnesota in February (there are ocean currents that moderate England's temperatures some) but with the humidity, what cold there is, can cut right through you. It depends on your tolerance for cold, but yes, a coat would be wise. I have no idea about at the venue.
Title: Re: London
Post by: Blokhut on December 16, 2019, 03:23:56 PM
I'm attending the 2nd London show, just a quick visit, arriving saturday (22/2), leaving sunday. I've been to London several times. The National Gallery is really worth a visit, especially Hans Holbeins' The Ambassadors (if you're into 16th century painting). Public transport is good. A pint of lager is a bit pricy though ;D
Title: Re: London
Post by: Tim van Duijn14 on January 16, 2020, 11:30:58 AM
I'm also going to the 2nd show! First time going to London and first time travelling alone!
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on January 16, 2020, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Tim van Duijn14 on January 16, 2020, 11:30:58 AM
I'm also going to the 2nd show! First time going to London and first time travelling alone!

Where from?? How exciting!!! :metal
Title: Re: London
Post by: jbrum77634 on January 17, 2020, 04:58:35 AM
Any newbies to London and Hammersmith shouldn't be too concerned about getting back after the show using the underground - 5 lines run 24hrs now on Friday and Saturday nights including the Piccadilly Line which is at Hammersmith.

You can actually park easily around the area after 6-6.30pm for free but wouldn't advise it for first time visitors.
Title: Re: London
Post by: Tim van Duijn14 on January 18, 2020, 06:52:27 AM
Quote from: geeeemo on January 16, 2020, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Tim van Duijn14 on January 16, 2020, 11:30:58 AM
I'm also going to the 2nd show! First time going to London and first time travelling alone!

Where from?? How exciting!!! :metal

From Katwijk, The Netherlands
Title: Re: London
Post by: |KirK| on January 18, 2020, 07:37:13 PM
I'm going to the 2nd show (from Italy). I booked everything, but I'm still waiting for my ticket... I bought it on gigsandtours.com, have you already received it?!
Title: Re: London
Post by: gzarruk on January 18, 2020, 08:25:02 PM
It probably won't happen, but part of me still expects them to pull a couple surprises on the setlist for these two shows (they'll most likely just play the same setlist lol)
Title: Re: London
Post by: jonny108 on January 20, 2020, 04:35:02 AM
Also going to the second show, on my own.  Who's up for a DTF meetup?
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on January 20, 2020, 12:28:32 PM
Quote from: jonny108 on January 20, 2020, 04:35:02 AM
Also going to the second show, on my own.  Who's up for a DTF meetup?

I'm in..
Title: Re: London
Post by: Tim van Duijn14 on January 23, 2020, 07:02:19 AM
Due to circumstances i have a ticket for sale for the show on the 22nd of february. It's a Row B ticket (2nd row!). I don't need to remind you that the show is being recorded for a DVD release. DM me if you're interested.
Title: Re: London
Post by: catedradiaz on February 12, 2020, 01:52:32 PM
hey hello, I have 2 tickets to sell for the 22th!!!
my email is catedradiaz@gmail.com
phone 07762598912
circle block 3 Row Y seat 44 and 45

thank you!
Title: Re: London
Post by: jonny108 on February 18, 2020, 04:25:41 PM
Anyone know of any decent pubs nearby?
Title: Re: London
Post by: hacko on February 19, 2020, 05:04:41 AM
There's a semi-new craft beer pub in the shopping centre ( as soon as you exit the tube district/piccadilly lines ) kinda pricey, there's also Duke of Cornwall behind the apollo, but nothing that stands out.
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 19, 2020, 02:56:28 PM
We are going several hours early to pick up our tickets for the Saturday show. Afterward, we will probably go hit a pub, maybe the first one mentioned above. If anyone else wants to show up, that would be fun!!
Title: Re: London
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 20, 2020, 07:28:42 AM
Yay! Seeing DT again tomorrow night!

Now, if only the trains can get me there...
Title: Re: London
Post by: twanky on February 20, 2020, 02:05:03 PM
Thinking the exact same thing....Train from Leeds

Quote from: The Curious Orange on February 20, 2020, 07:28:42 AM
Yay! Seeing DT again tomorrow night!

Now, if only the trains can get me there...
Title: Re: London
Post by: Blokhut on February 21, 2020, 12:22:09 AM
Quote from: geeeemo on February 19, 2020, 02:56:28 PM
We are going several hours early to pick up our tickets for the Saturday show. Afterward, we will probably go hit a pub, maybe the first one mentioned above. If anyone else wants to show up, that would be fun!!

Well, i'm in! So it's gonna be the Duke of Cornwall or another pub?  :tup

Btw, how, in general, are the payment possibilities in London pubs? Preferably cash or card?
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 21, 2020, 10:16:07 AM
We will go to the Duke of Cornwall. Not sure of the time. Want to get in the line to get into the venue by 7 when it opens. So maybe 5 and eat something also...As far as money. We are from the US. Card seems to be the best.
Title: Re: London
Post by: bosk1 on February 21, 2020, 10:22:51 AM
Have fun, guys! 

@geeeemo:  Are you doing aftershow?  If so, say hi to JP and James for me (use my real name--I'm not even sure they would know who you were talking about if you used my forum name).  And if you remember and have an opportunity, tell James that, upon Chloe's insistence, I checked out Switchfoot and think they are pretty cool.
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 21, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
I wish!! I got my one opportunity I think. No VIP either. Cant afford it every time, and my hubby is just “Along for the Ride”. But, if somehow I get lucky, I will for sure! :heart :heart
Title: Re: London
Post by: Blokhut on February 21, 2020, 12:56:53 PM
Duke of Cornwall it is. Probably afterwards ::)
Title: Re: London
Post by: bosk1 on February 21, 2020, 02:11:11 PM
Quote from: geeeemo on February 21, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
I wish!! I got my one opportunity I think. No VIP either. Cant afford it every time, and my hubby is just “Along for the Ride”. But, if somehow I get lucky, I will for sure! :heart :heart

Just go up to Maddi and pretend you know him, and he'll get you in.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: London
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 21, 2020, 05:14:55 PM
Wow, that was pretty stunning, wasn't it? And some of us get to do it again tomorrow night too! Yippee!

Seriously, between the last tour and this one it's starting to look like the band are pulling themselves out of the doldrums...
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 22, 2020, 08:23:42 AM
Quote from: bosk1 on February 21, 2020, 02:11:11 PM
Quote from: geeeemo on February 21, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
I wish!! I got my one opportunity I think. No VIP either. Cant afford it every time, and my hubby is just “Along for the Ride”. But, if somehow I get lucky, I will for sure! :heart :heart

Just go up to Maddi and pretend you know him, and he'll get you in.  :biggrin:

Lol!! I thought of bringing my sticker from the last time!
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 22, 2020, 08:25:18 AM
I think we are heading to the distillers before. My hubby and I aren't much for Thai.
Title: Re: London
Post by: jonny108 on February 22, 2020, 10:39:48 AM
Quote from: geeeemo on February 22, 2020, 08:25:18 AM
I think we are heading to the distillers before. My hubby and I aren't much for Thai.

I’m just having a quick beer in that craft beer place, will be heading there or Duke next. Looking forward to the show.
Title: Re: London
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 24, 2020, 02:29:54 AM
OK, I'm firmly in the "they're not as good as they used to be" camp, but these were the best DT shows I've seen in many a year.

The sound was perfectly acceptable on Friday night, but it was much clearer and sharper on  Saturday - I guess there may have been some spots in the venue where it was less clear, there always is, but I've no complaints. James, on the other hand - well, he's fantastic 90% of the time, but when he reaches for those big notes and fails to hit them, it's painful to listen to. It really is about time he changed some of the vocal melodies so he's singing notes he can actually hit.

Otherwise - fantastic. The DOT songs worked well live, especially Fall Into The Light, which should have been played every night IMO. Still not sure about including ANTR, though. ITPOE and PBD worked like a one-two punch that Tyson Fury would be proud of.

The presentation of SFAM was damn near perfect (James' vocal on Beyond This Life on Saturday notwithstanding - ouch!), and I loved the visuals, they missed a trick in not selling a t-shirt with that drawing of Victoria on it! Through Her Eyes brought tears to mine, I can finally tick Home of the list of songs I've not seen live (The Killing Hand for the next tour?) and the phones on Spirit Carries On was a lovely end to a lovely evening. I really liked Mangini's drum thing on Finally Free - it was supposed to be funny! Even At Wit's End was a better encore than I thought it would be.

Man of the Match trophy goes to Mike Mangini for Friday - he's a real powerhouse, and he's having so much fun up there, and to John Petrucci for Saturday - that was some sh1t-hot guitar playing, some beautifully intuitive solos across both nights.

I've not enjoyed recent DT tours as much as I used to, and the nightmare that is trying to get a train in and out of London has put me off seeing them again. I intended these to be my last DT shows. But they really pulled off something special here, and I can't wait to see them again!
Title: Re: London
Post by: CB on February 24, 2020, 05:55:17 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_ZodfvrgXU&list=UUZr_lxtg3VbdDg4Wt3sl9aQ&index=1

Nice video of Untethered Angel from Saturday. I 'm hoping for great footage from the camera moving in front of the stage :smiley:
Title: Re: London
Post by: jbrum77634 on February 24, 2020, 09:52:23 AM
Interesting the wide range of opinions over the two nights - I personally thought the first night was the best, to the point I didn't think the'd top it on the Saturday.  I thought James did a great job on the Friday but struggled a bit on the Saturday.     Sound was fine from row A of the circle, seemed like they turned it up after the first song or two but it wasn't as loud as Amsterdam.   
Title: Re: London
Post by: Blokhut on February 27, 2020, 08:58:44 AM
Had a great time saturday! The show was excellent (haven't been friday, so i can't say anything about that show), but i liked this one better than the Amsterdam show (which was great btw). The crowd was more enthousiastic (maybe because of the DVD recording) and the venue in London sure had a greater vibe.  Been to the Duke & Cornwall, before and afterwards. Maybe i drank one pint too many, considering the headache sunday morning.  ;D :angel:

Unfortunately, i had to stay one more day in London because of a cancelled Easyjet flight, due to heavy winds in Amsterdam. So, i went to Leicester square and Soho and grabbed a bite. A weekend to remember!  :metal
Title: Re: London
Post by: Max Kuehnau on February 27, 2020, 11:48:41 AM
Quote from: Blokhut on February 27, 2020, 08:58:44 AM
Had a great time saturday! The show was excellent (haven't been friday, so i can't say anything about that show), but i liked this one better than the Amsterdam show (which was great btw). The crowd was more enthousiastic (maybe because of the DVD recording) and the venue in London sure had a greater vibe.  Been to the Duke & Cornwall, before and afterwards. Maybe i drank one pint too many, considering the headache sunday morning.  ;D :angel:

Unfortunately, i had to stay one more day in London because of a cancelled Easyjet flight, due to heavy winds in Amsterdam. So, i went to Leicester square and Soho and grabbed a bite. A weekend to remember!  :metal
Doy after doy and noight after noight, reploying the event, once a disc sees a blue loight :D (seriously though, that's the consensus I read both here and elsewhere)
Title: Re: London
Post by: geeeemo on February 27, 2020, 03:18:24 PM
Quote from: Max Kuehnau on February 27, 2020, 11:48:41 AM
Quote from: Blokhut on February 27, 2020, 08:58:44 AM
Had a great time saturday! The show was excellent (haven't been friday, so i can't say anything about that show), but i liked this one better than the Amsterdam show (which was great btw). The crowd was more enthousiastic (maybe because of the DVD recording) and the venue in London sure had a greater vibe.  Been to the Duke & Cornwall, before and afterwards. Maybe i drank one pint too many, considering the headache sunday morning.  ;D :angel:

Unfortunately, i had to stay one more day in London because of a cancelled Easyjet flight, due to heavy winds in Amsterdam. So, i went to Leicester square and Soho and grabbed a bite. A weekend to remember!  :metal
Doy after doy and noight after noight, reploying the event, once a disc sees a blue loight :D (seriously though, that's the consensus I read both here and elsewhere)

Lol!

We went Saturday - it was great!  I went to 4 concerts this tour. My son asked, what has been your favorite DT concert? (I have also seen TA 3x - and that is all).  Honestly they all have a different aspect that is great! For London, it was the bands performance!! Spirit was very moving (and not usually the case for me) and the the build-up of emotion that climaxed at the end of the show was. SO. Good. 

A cool thing.  I was reading a review today  https://decibelreport.com/live-reviews/dream-theater-live-at-hammersmith-apollo?fbclid=IwAR0vl_WeZe0Roe8_jmJp7ii7YF9bfyBf0vyKYu4Ujzb2CW_XT12P9HS_Q_I - and they had a pic of the crowd and the band.  I went to see if I could see us (doubtful as we were about row 12), but then see that it is a pic from one of the LA shows. We are in the 4th row there and yep - there we are.   :metal
Title: Re: London
Post by: The Curious Orange on February 28, 2020, 01:49:18 AM
My God, that was a badly written review. "Musical molecules elided to create a controlled mass of sonic precision..." my arse.
Title: Re: London
Post by: Blokhut on February 28, 2020, 02:58:25 AM
Quote from: The Curious Orange on February 28, 2020, 01:49:18 AM
My God, that was a badly written review. "Musical molecules elided to create a controlled mass of sonic precision..." my arse.

reads like a medieval sound poem

"Mostly dipping their collective fingers into the darker end of the sonic spectrum

the palette of both ethereal and brimstone tones sizzled the ears

and super heightened the senses of an astonished audience"
Title: Re: London
Post by: Podaar on February 28, 2020, 03:30:48 AM
Yeah, I read that yesterday and had to laugh. Someone is mistakenly proud of their vocabulary or guilty of thesaurus abuse.