PHOENIX live in concert

By: Luciana Villalba

Last week, more exactly on October 27th, I was lucky enough to buy a ticket (it was a sold out event)  to see Phoenix live at the Fillmore in Miami Beach.

If you don’t know who Phoenix is, (not the city by the way if you’re still wondering) I’m going to tell you their awesomeness:
They’re an alternative rock Grammy award winning band from France. You’ve probably heard their hit song “1901” on a TV commercial or “Lisztomania” in the “Valentine’s Day” movie trailer. Their sound is unique and if by know  you still don’t know who they are, I STRONGLY suggest you to go on youtube and look up their songs, NOW!

Anyways, the concert was one of the best shows I’ve been to in my life, if not the best one ever. And I’m not exaggerating. Ask anyone who has ever been to a Phoenix concert and they would tell  you the same.

They sound UNBELIEVABLY good live. It felt as if I was blasting my iPod in my room! The light show was amazing, the whole set list was perfect, hyped up songs mixed up with slow ones gave the perfect balance for the night. They were awesome and interacted with the crowd and they were not scared of the fans, unlike other performers out there. Of course, “Lisztomania” opened the show and got everyone pumped up for what was next. Thomas, the lead singer said “Miami! Finally!” and the crowd went crazy. This was their last stop of their tour in the US.

I just want to point out that even though I love each and every single one of their songs and know them by heart, “Rome” was the one that still has me in shock of how it was a catalyst to the whole show with its instrumental solos and heartfelt lyrics. If before this was my favorite song, now no one can take it away. Here’s a video for  you guys (sorry about my voice! lol)

They also did “Funky Squaredance” in some kind of an electro-sound? I don’t remember well, but it was cool that they were trying different rythms with their songs. Like for example, “Countdown” was performed a Capella and Thomas was literally sitting in between the crowd singing along with them while Christian, Laurent and Deck were doing their guitar magic. They also performed a song in French, “La Fille Aux Cheveux Claires” that melted most of the girls in the crowd. Mind you, Phoenix they don’t usually sing in French, they do it in English.

“1901” was of course the song they chose to end the show with. And right when they were about to leave Thomas goes through the crowd with his microphone and starts performing at the middle of the venue while fans scream the verse “Fold it! Fold it! Fold it” from the song while he’s thanking everyone for coming to the show. Then he crowdsurfed to the stage and asks the audience to come on up on stage with them. Guess who got on stage?

You know it.
At this point my life was complete. Literally. How many people get on stage with their favorite band??
And it wasn’t over here.
Me and my friend we went to the back of the Fillmore to see if we could get a peek of the band. Little did we know that Thomas comes out to the parking lot to meet with fans. I can’t begin to tell you how NICE and KIND this guy is. He signed everyone’s stuff, took pictures with everyone, even though there was a fence in the middle. And guess what he signed for me? My iPod and my ticket. Oh and also took a picture with me. Life = complete.

It’s unbelievable to find a band that has as much success as they do and still do anything for their fans to make them happy.

So young folks, you already know it: When Phoenix arrives to your hometown, you shall go if you’re down to enjoy one of the best ensemble concerts ever.

PS: Phoenix whenever you come back to Miami, I will be there. And this time 1st row. Thank you.