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In Pictures: Snow Patrol take back the city
Friday, 20 March 2009
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Snow Patrol took back the city of Belfast last night as they kicked off the first of four shows at the Oydssey Arena.
The Northern Ireland chart-topping band were given a rapturous welcome by their loyal local fans, who came out in their thousands to support them on their latest tour.
>>Click More Pictures to launch gallery
Last October, up to 400 fans were lucky enough to see them play a taster show at the Empire as part of a mini Take Back The City tour. Those who had been left disappointed when they were unable to snap up tickets for the intimate show were delighted to welcome them back to Belfast last night.
Snow Patrol make no secret about their love for Belfast — three of the band hail from Northern Ireland and spent their younger years socialising in the city.
After opening last night’s concert with If There’s a Rocket Tie Me to It from their last album A Hundred Million Suns, frontman Gary Lightbody sent the crowd wild when he said: “Belfast, finally we’re home.”
He added that although the band had had a great tour, nothing compared to home.
With the group’s love of Belfast it was no surprise that Lightbody penned the hit single Take Back The City in homage to the place they grew up in. The song was also greeted with loud cheers from the concert-goers, as were favourites Chocolate, How to be Dead, Crack the Shutters, Open Your Eyes and another favourite, Chasing Cars, which had everybody on their feet.
As usual, crowd-pleaser Run — the band’s hit single which was covered by X Factor winner Leona Lewis — was a highlight of the night, with the fans singing along.
Gary Lightbody dedicated the song to his two-year-old niece Honey, playing an acoustic version of the anthem before the rest of the band joined in towards the end.
Support acts at last night’s gig included The Lowly Knights and ‘Run’ co-writer Iain Archer, who both worked hard to get the already expectant crowd into the mood for the main act.
Speaking ahead of the concert Snow Patrol drummer Jonny Quinn said that the band was thrilled to be playing four shows in Belfast.
“When I heard we were putting on three shows at the Odyssey Arena, I must admit I thought that was quite ambitious. But to sell four is amazing,” he said.
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Saw SP on their Eyes Open tour a couple of years ago in Manchester and have been a dedicated follower ever since so couldn't wait to see them live again at their Liverpool gig on 6th March - I was blown away. Yet to hear a mediocre SP song - they just get right to my heart every time Gary sings. Would have loved to have seen them play Belfast, I knew it would be something special.
Posted by Paula | 24.03.09, 14:36 GMT
Ian Archer - gifted. Duke Special - sublime. Snow Patrol - simply outstanding. I can't recall being at a better gig.
Posted by Andrew | 24.03.09, 09:33 GMT
Who were the supporting acts?
Posted by Robert | 21.03.09, 11:23 GMT
Awesome gig last night. One of the best bands to play live. Seriously brilliant.
Posted by Laura | 20.03.09, 19:20 GMT
go on coldplay
Posted by indianrocker | 20.03.09, 15:06 GMT
Looking forward too seeing the boys tonite :) Bring it on!
Posted by Andy | 20.03.09, 14:43 GMT
I don't get the appeal to be honest. I think they're pretty bland.
Posted by Barry | 20.03.09, 14:15 GMT
Liam - give over! I was hoping this was one article where all that nonsense wouldnt start. Stop ruining it.
Posted by Snow | 20.03.09, 14:14 GMT
Great gig, enjoyed it but was interesting to compare this gig to Coldplay and the Killers also recently at the Odyssey. These bands have moved on to the big boy world stage and along with Kings of Leon have left Snow Patrol and Keane a little behind. Snow Patrol's last album was poor as evidenced by the fact that they only played 3/4 songs from it. Come on boys, you need more great tunes to take you to the next level. Selling out 4 nights at the Odyssey is only because you are the main attraction in N.Ireland.
Posted by john craig | 20.03.09, 14:12 GMT
Mickey - Are you going to the U2 gig too? Or are you boycotting that because they are Irish??
Posted by Liam | 20.03.09, 13:34 GMT
Great show & felt like watching your mates do a gig, the time really flew & excellent set was enjoyed by all ages which was good to see.
Posted by Stephen | 20.03.09, 13:21 GMT
There myself on Saturday. Cheers big lad for sorting out those tix. Hope Bronagh Gallagher is backstage again - god help her if I've been at the liquor!
Posted by mickey | 20.03.09, 12:43 GMT
Snowpatrol Fan #1: Snowpatrol rule, arrggg!
Snowpatrol Fan #2: Great excuse for a drink.
Snowpatrol Fan #3: Whoo Coldplay!!
Posted by Sam Murray | 20.03.09, 12:11 GMT
Was there for the opening night last night, amazing. I have saw them a few times now and they def haven't lost their spark. Glad they done old material as well as new. "Run" What can i say, goosebumps all round. Some cool effects too. And as far as support acts go The Lowly Knights and Iain Archer were pretty good. Snow Patrol are the new and improved U2. Thanks guys for some belter tunes!!
Posted by Alex | 20.03.09, 11:13 GMT
I'll be at the gig tonight too, can't wait!! Plus, I bought my U2 tickets for Croke Park on 25th July so thats another massive gig to look forward too!!!!
Posted by Liam | 20.03.09, 10:50 GMT
Love the boys! And I'll be there cheering them on tonight. Cant wait.
Posted by Moonpie | 20.03.09, 10:12 GMT
I am even more excited about seeing Snow Patrol in Sydney on 30th March after reading this review. Great band and immensely proud that they hail from NI - just like me!!!
J Burrows, Sydney, Australia.
Posted by Jackie Burrows | 20.03.09, 07:45 GMT