I’ve been a fan of Snow Patrol since 2001 after first getting turned onto them by a friend of mine who swore they were “AMAZING!” Taking her advice I went out and picked up a copy of their CD “When It’s All Over We Still Have to Clear Up” and from the first song I was hooked. Since then I have followed the band faithfully and watched as they continued to evolve as not only songwriters, but also as a band that went from a small indie band that barely got support from their original label to a band that found itself opening up for Coldplay and U2. These days Snow Patrol is a band that doesn’t show any sign of slowing down and a band that is here to stay for a long time. Like I said, I’m a fan from way back so when I heard that Snow Patrol would be coming to NYC as part of their “Taking Back the Cities” Tour to play at the legendary Beacon Theater I knew that I had to be there.
The Beacon was packed to the rafters on the 2nd of two sold out nights and as the fans anxiously awaited the start of the show you could feel the energy building. When the lights dimmed and the band took the stage they were greeted with a roar that literally shook the walls. The band commanded the stage from the opening notes of “Chocolate” to the closing notes of “You’re All I Have”. The band was here to thank their loyal fans and provide them with a night that would leave no one disappointed. Lead singer Gary Lightbody was a humble and gracious host and he addressed the audience as if he was simply sitting at the pub having a few beers with his mates. And the rest of the band rounded out by drummer Jonny Quinn, bassist Paul Wilson, guitarist Nathan Connolly and keyboardist Tom Simpson were right there along for the ride as they assisted Lightbody weave an intricate web of songs filled with the catchy choruses and guitar hooks that Snow Patrol has become known for. And while I would have enjoyed hearing some of their older stuff, the crowd had no problem with the set list which focused on their last 3 albums. At times the crowd drowned out Gary Lightbody as they sang along to some of the band’s biggest hits. For a moment the balcony was shaking so much from the crowd along to “Open Your Eyes” that I was convinced the balcony was going to collapse.
The “Taking Back the Cities” tour is scheduled to continue through December 2009 with the final date scheduled for December 9th in Belfast, Ireland at Waterfront Hall. The band will also release a 2-CD collection on November 9th entitled “Up to Now” which will cover the band’s 15 year history while also including 3 new songs.
For more information on Snow Patrol visit:Â http://www.snowpatrol.com/
SET LIST
Chocolate
Hands Open
How to Be Dead
The Golden Floor
You Could Be Happy
Make This Go On Forever
Run
Shut Your Eyes (Audience Participation)
Take Back the City
Crack the Shutters
Chasing Cars
Open Your Eyes
Encore:
The Lightning Strike
You’re All I Have
