Article by Robert Littlemore
My first trip to London in 15 years and, for a concert! Took four hours to drive down there so, I was ready for some exercise when I got there. I changed at the Travel Inn I was staying at and, quickly as I had to cross London to get to Hammersmith. Got a little lost at the other end but, parked the car quite close to the venue. I was then stopped by two metallers who wanted to know where the Apollo was. It turned out they had travelled from Lowestoft to see Nightwish so; I fell in with them and found somewhere to eat and drink. This made me a little late getting to the Apollo and, by then the queue was a huge thing which snaked down the street. I soon found myself chatting again so no problem. Once inside and, with yet another t-shirt to my collection, I raced to see Paradise Lost who, I have always missed out on in the past so it was good to finally see them live. They even performed two or three from ‘Draconian Times' so I was able to sing along too!
The push and shove started early as soon as Paradise Lost had left the stage as people tried to push past me to get closer. Glad now that I left my jacket in the car, as the heat is building up already. The safety curtain descends on the stage for some unknown reason and, is jeered by the assembled crowd. I look around now and, see nothing but faces; it doesn't seem big enough (not been here before), can it hold 5000 + people? Suppose I am going to find out.
I also notice about now how low the stage is as finally that curtain is raised again, Tarja's mic is a long way back on the stage. As the time draws near the familiar clapping and, whistling starts as the anticipation builds. The lights go out and, here I go again!! A huge cheer goes up and the intro kicks in, the cheers come in waves then as, Jukka appears behind the drum kit and salutes the crowd, rapidly followed by Tuomas at his keyboards. Marco and, Emppu appear together as ‘Dark chest of wonders' starts the set. The crowd is absolutely crazy now; I struggle to keep my balance as the first of many (I suspect), mosh pits kicks off right behind me. I look at the stage again just as Tarja finally appears. It is now that I notice the stage really is low and, I haven't got the view I would have liked. Never mind have to make the most of it. The band really seems to be on fire tonight, as they obviously intend to rock the Apollo. It is a while since I have seen them indoors but this time they have a lot more space to move about on which they are soon putting to good use. The pyro's at the front of the stage are good to see but, this pushes the band further back on the stage than I would like.
After the first few songs the hysteria that gripped the crowd cools down a little so I start to manoeuvre for a better view of the stage. Tarja's head-banging quite lot, her wonderful voice soaring out over us all, Emppu and Marco seem to be everywhere playing with the energy I have come to expect from this band, occasionally venturing to front of the stage to stir us up some more. Tuomas is loving it; revelling in the vibe from the crowd, while I am paying most attention to Jukka for a change, (he is the only band member I can see well), bashing away like his life depends on it! (Probably it does!!) The heat by now is incredible, I am sweating freely but then so is everyone else!! The tunes are familiar now (‘The Siren', ‘Nemo', ‘Planet Hell',' Slaying the Dreamer'), but in amongst them they play ‘Ever Dream' which pleases me. My luck runs out as ‘Wishmaster' begins and, I get pushed backwards into the MASSIVE mosh pit that kicks off behind me. I decide to indulge a little; I push and throw a few people about then, spot my chance and rush for the front again. (This is not what I am here for. Want to watch band!) Great!! Best view yet. Things cool off again as Tarja takes the stage alone to sing ‘Koulema' and, is impressed by the cheers and clapping she receives for her efforts. Then she is off for yet another costume change! The other treat of the night is the first time I have heard the re-mix of ‘Sleeping Sun' which isn't much changed from the original to my relief; I am happy about this. They take their bows at the end and, leave the stage. The clapping and, cheering doesn't subside as we want Nightwish back on stage!!
We don't have to wait long and they return for more. ‘Wish I Had An Angel' finally brings the night's madness to a close. I now at last get some space and, start to cool down. “What a gig!” I think as I finally make my way outside. The crowds soon disperse and, it's all over again. This band is getting addictive; wonder if I could have Nightwish on prescription?? All I see is a Galaxy whisking Tarja away into the night, then to my dismay find out that the entire band is gone! Back at the Travel Inn I throw my t-shirt in the sink. It needs a good rinse. It was soaked! Another memorable Nightwish gig over.
