Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *
The hum of expectation vibrating about Liverpool’s waterfront was telling of the growing sense of anticipation that surrounded the return of the country’s most prevalent rock band to the city’s Echo Arena. Arctic Monkeys’ latest offering AM has garnished praise as possibly the band’s best collection of songs to date and fans were not left disappointed as the Sheffield act treated their followers to a gig as tempestuous and pulsating as the stormy autumn weather that preceded it.
It was The Strypes who were charged with the daunting task of initiating the proceedings and the fresh faced Irish rockers delivered with riff-driven rock and roll that was as frenzied and as good-natured as those they played before. The vibrant Blue Collar Jane was amongst the highlights, with the crowd emanating an energy telling of the excitement building for the night’s main event.
Duly, Arctic Monkeys have consistently proved themselves as a band for the big occasion and from the opening drum-beat of the anthem-like Do I Wanna Know?, their devoted fans were sent into a rapture that endured the evening as the virtuoso Alex Turner orchestrated a set that underlined further both the band’s swagger and sheer power as a live act.
The set was comprised of a host of firm fan-favourites of records previous combined with a number of equally impressive songs from AM, all of which were greeted with a warmth that exemplified the importance of the band’s music to their followers.
Particular focus was on a number of tracks from 2007’s Favourite Worst Nightmare, with the likes of Old Yellow Bricks, Teddy Picker and Fluorescent Adolescent electrifying the panorama of the stadium. Unsurprisingly however it was I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and Mardy Bum from the band’s debut album that principally satisfied the crowd’s unreserved attention.
The action was amplified further by the enigmatic presence of legendary guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones, who joined the band on a number of songs throughout the night. Bill Ryder-Jones’ greatest contribution was to come during the fitting tribute to the late Lou Reed, with his guitar work on a solemnly tranquil cover of Walk On The Wild Side elevating the occasion to a level befitting of the icon the band paid homage to.
Ultimately however, the most lasting impression of the night will be the affection bestowed upon the host of songs played from AM, with the reception that greeted set highlights such as Snap Out Of It, No.1 Party Anthem and I Wanna Be Yours affirming their status as instant Arctic Monkeys classics in a tour that cemented their reputation as the most important rock band of their generation and one of the greatest British acts of all time.
Mark Bradford