Ah, Girls Aloud. My beautiful dark twisted pop obsession. I spent five years guiltily hiding my love for them from girlfriends, friends, work colleagues, parents. And then five years (once they'd been deemed to be officially "ok" by the indie community) continually raving about their brilliance. But for all of that, I'd only ever seen them live once. And that was from the back of a tent at V 2006, my view hidden by a SpongeBob Squarepants on a stick (I still see it, blotting out my Cheryl-Cam.).
So I had to be here tonight. Ah, who am I kidding - I've been waiting for this for years. And it all went so fast. What do I remember? I remember lots of glowsticks and flashy lightsabre things (you know, the ones you see people hawking outside any big concert venue). I remember lots of screaming (most of it from me). I remember being nervously aware of being the only bloke not in a couple in my block. I remember rum. The rest is a blur. But I made some notes. In some sort of logically considered order, expressed as a torrent of thought.
Sound of the Underground
Lights out! There's a gap in the curtain and the silhouette of a female figure is visible. It's got to be one of the girls, surely? If it's the lighting director, those heels are entirely inappropriate. And then there's a backwards rewind through their career in video, winding back down to their first video. AND THEN THEY'RE THERE! Balanced on a giant illuminated sign saying "Girls Aloud", taking turns to belt out their debut hit. Initially static, the sign slowly lowers to the floor where they're met by five supporting male dancers, who end up partnering them for the rest of the concert. Not a bad job that. Who do I see about applying? Tight corsets, flashing lights, screams from the crowd. This is pop heaven. The track - ten years old - has aged well too. The first sign that someone actually wanted to do something different with a pop band. So not a standard mawkish ballad, as it has been ever since? How did that work out then? Not rocket science. Ace start.
No Good Advice
Studded with dirty glitter and jaw-droppingly brilliant. The guitar twangs filthily around as they stride about like cats on the prowl. At this point, I'm actually back to being 14 again. Except I didn't follow girl bands when I was 14. I sat moodily in my room, ate too much and listened to Oasis. I basically ruled. Anyway. what was my point again? Oh yeah, it's awesome. Everyone is on their feet by now.
Life Got Cold
They never really could do ballads, could they? A somewhat odd choice, given the breadth of material they have to call upon. Still, they sprawl on the steps and belt it out with considerable aplomb. At this point, it's noticeable how well Sarah Harding is singing. Always could fire out a tune, that girl. Go Team Harding!
Continue reading: Girls Aloud - Manchester Evening News Arena: 5th March 2013 Live Review 2013