Biffy Clyro - The O2 Dublin, 28th March 2013

The impossible became possible when Scottish band Biffy Clyro took to the mainstream, and whether or not that was down to the success of previous X Factor winner Matt Cardle (who?) releasing their song 'Many Of Horror' doesn't matter, but let's hope it's not. Playing arenas such as the O2 came naturally to them, while most of their songs seem to be made solely to be played in such huge arenas. People may have thought that their link to the X Factor would lose them some credibility - in fact it was much the opposite. Their two hour set, with half of it coming from their latest offering 'Opposites', shows they have come back bigger and even better. After 18 years of being together, it's as if the three-piece - Simon Neil and brothers James and Ben Johnston - knew they would get to the bigtime eventually. 

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The thousands of fans pack in to the venue chanting 'mon the Biff', but before this, City and Colour, Canadian frontman Dallas Green and his band take to the stage. In any other setting, he can be brilliant. But providing support for these rockers, it is less than that. There's no doubt that the songs and the band are good, very good in fact, and Green continues to thank the audience for seeing them on their trip to Ireland, but it seems more like background noise for most as they wait for the main attraction.

After what feels like a lifetime, the band arrive onstage in their usual attire - trousers and their instrument - with an impressive backdrop of the nervous system, and launch straight into 'Different People', the first song from their new album 'Opposites'. It only takes a few seconds for the song and the audience to come to life. Their excitement at finally seeing the band is shown. Playing old songs, including 'Justboy' from their debut album, as well as newer ones and some anthems from their most popular albums Puzzle and Only Revolutions, with their infectious grunge and often old-school rock songs, the band show they're not ready to go completely into the mainstream yet.

'Bubbles', 'Who's Got A Match?' and 'Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies' are the songs to provide entertainment and much excitement from the band and the crowd alike. They move quickly from these 'heavier' songs, into softer ballads such as the aforementioned 'Many Of Horror' and 'Mountains'. It's things like this that set Biffy Clyro apart from other bands and one can easily tell why they have earned their right to headline arenas. 'God and Satan' is one of the most anticipated songs of the night, and we see Neil alone with a guitar in the spotlight with a tricolor flag draped around him. They continue with their set, barely stopping to take a breath, and eventually come to an end with 'The Captain'.

The audience certainly don't let themselves down, as straight away the classic 'olé, olé, olé' begins, and even more of 'mon the Biff', when the band come back with an encore of three more songs, 'Skylight', 'Stingin' Belle', and finally finishing the stunning 26 song set with 'Mountains'. With a brilliant atmosphere, one of the best that this onlooker has ever seen, and incredibly energetic show, by the end the crowd were sweating as much or possibly even more than the band were. The men thanked the audience for coming out to see them, said how great of a crowd they were, and hoped to be back soon, but they mostly let their songs do all the talking. If the audience's reaction is anything to go by, Biffy are only going to get bigger and better. And well deserved.

My Chemical Romance split up

New Jersey band My Chemical Romance have split up.
The band posted this short message on their website:

Being in this band for the past 12 years has been a true blessing. We've gotten to go places we never knew we would. We've been able to see and experience things we never imagined possible. We've shared the stage with people we admire, people we look up to, and best of all, our friends. And now, like all great things, it has come time for it to end. Thanks for all of your support, and for being part of the adventure.
My Chemical Romance

Front man Gerard Way later took to his Twitter account to write down his feelings, in the way an excellent show man would. The full post can be read here: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rjdh4f

My Chemical Romance is done. But it can never die. 
It is alive in me, in the guys, and it is alive inside all of you. 
I always knew that, and I think you did too.

Because it is not a band- 
it is an idea.

Now for the personal posting. However clichéd it may sound, they are the band that shaped my music taste, and overall my life. And thousands of other people's lives. I'm not sure it has quite sunk in yet that they've split up. It'll definitely be strange that they're not there anymore, but their music will be. I would love the chance to say 'thank you' to mcr. xo

Two Door Cinema Club @ the 02, 19th Jan 2013

Less than four years ago, few had heard the name Two Door Cinema Club. Back then the band hailing from Bangor played small venues but were tipped for big things, and before even releasing their hugely successful debut album, Tourist History, which won them the Choice Music Award for best album, had topped the BBC Sounds of 2010 poll.

Now, the Northern Irish trio are selling out arenas all over the world, and played their first ever headline show in Dublin's O2 on then 19th of January, four months after the release of Beacon, their highly anticipated second album which went straight to number one in the Irish charts.

The band recruited two of Ireland's finest acts to support them on their largest headliner to date, Jape and rapidly up-and-coming The Cast of Cheers. First up were Dublin quartet The Cast of Cheers who began their energetic set with 'Human Elevator', 'Animals' which gathered the best response, and playing it live for the first time, 'Trucks At Night'. They finish off their fast paced seven song set with 'Family', the title track of latest album which was nominated for best album in the Choice Music Awards this year. Front man Conor Adams leaves overwhelmed at the size of the venue and the crowd, and says this was their first time playing the O2. Judging by the rising stars' energy and charisma, it shouldn't be long before they're playing other big venues and headline shows like this.

Next up were Jape who give a good performance, but perhaps it is the wrong idea to place the  on directly before the headliners, when it was only two members on stage, in a huge venue in almost darkness. The better penultimate act instead may have been The Cast of Cheers. Nevertheless they kept their set upbeat with their tracks, including 'Floating', (best known from that Bulmers advert), while the audience waited for the main band.

Finally Two Door Cinema Club take to the stage to the screams and delight of fans, and launch right into action with debut single 'Sleep Alone'. Their new material from Beacon leaves an impact on the audience, but it is the songs from Tourist History that receive the most attention and applause, and the ones that will be best known for. 'Undercover Martyn', 'I Can Talk' and 'Costume Party' are flawless and energetic, while the reaction to them is something else. Lead singer and guitarist Alex Trimble plays the piano for second single 'Sun', and it is obvious to everyone how much more confident he is in himself and the band, unlike the front man who kept away from any sort of attention the band had little over a year ago. There seems to be quite a sentimental mood with 'Next Year' and 'The World Is Watching', but 'Something Good Can Work' quickly brings the band back to their full potential. Guitarist Sam Halliday and bassist Kevin Baird also thank the audience for coming, which shows they are truly grateful for any support. (Aw, shucks.)

The indie-pop group begin 'Eat That Up, It's Good For You' as large white balls drop from the ceiling, and this drags away attention to the band for many people. It is a distraction again when they come back for their mandatory encore, 'Someday' and 'Come Back Home'. Thankfully, most of the balls are gone by the time the opening chords to 'What You Know' are played, and the audience can enjoy watching the band again. Trimble closes the show and leaves the stage with the words "I will remember this night for the rest of my life." And, upon hearing this, all of the fans will too.