Admit it, you secretly like Keane. Oh, you'd never let that slip out to your friends, but I know your shame. I'm in the same boat. So I donned my baseball cap and large dark sunglasses and headed out to the show. A show that almost didn't happen.
(Photo credit: rodrigolab)
Originally, it was to take place at the Greek Theater, a gorgeous open-air amphitheater nestled in the hills above LA. But California always seems to be burning somewhere, and this past week, a wildfire sparked up the hills and almost took the place out. At the last minute, they had to relocate the show to the Gibson, an indoor theater at Universal Studios.
I had no idea Keane were so popular here. First time they played LA, most of the crowd was within 30 feet of the stage. This time around, they play a venue big enough to handle Radiohead or Oasis. And almost every seat had an arse in it.
I've seen Keane before and know that they put on a good show. Tonight is no different. They blew the roof off. For three lads with no guitars, they make a glorious racket. Pretty straight forward set, as you might expect. All the hits off 'Hopes and Fears' and 'Under the Iron Sea' get a good seeing to. But the fans, they were a site to behold. I don't know about other cities, but in LA, Keane fans are rabid and infectious. Two songs in and the sunglasses are off, the baseball cap is God-knows-where, and I'm jumping up and down like House of Pain are on stage. Incredible. And they never let up; the band coming back for three encores. At the end, Tom Chaplin exclaims that this is the best crowd they've ever played to. Everybody gets all warm and fuzzy, the show ends, and everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
And isn't that what it's really about? Just a night of fun and damn-fine entertainment? I can proudly say that I'm a Keane fan. Only a handful of bands consistently put on shows this good. Next time they stop off here, I'll be there. But let's just keep that between us, ok?
What next?More by Keane? More gigs? More indie?