Arriving at the Sydney Entertainment Centre I was feeling sick with the excitement of experiencing my first live concert at age 13 and the fact that I was going to be seeing my favourite band, Florence + The Machine only added to my nausea!! The crowded foyer was filled with eclectic fans moving around everywhere. There was a freaky, nervous atmosphere; a buzz which, combined with the intense electronica sounds of Blood Orange, could be heard from inside the venue. The energy was making me desperate to get to my seat. I hurried my Mum along and was overwhelmed when we settled down, centre-stage right behind the mosh pit. Blood Orange was so loud and the hysteria was growing and we knew it wasn’t long before Florence Welch and her “machine” would be coming on stage.
After much anticipation, finally the lights were out and then the dark shadows of Florence, Isabella and other members of the group appeared on stage. As they began to play “Only If for a Night” the screaming became deafening and I thought the roof was going to fall in on us. Florence’s powerful and unique voice was just incredible to hear live. The music was bouncing off the walls and together with the amazing lighting and projections on the Art Deco styled back-drop of the stage, it gave a truly ceremonial, unearthly feel. When the 3rd song “Between Two Lungs” came on, the stage turned deep purple and blue and large lung shapes were illuminated on the screen. Mum asked me if I was crying and I couldn’t deny that my eyes were watering as I was all choked up. The lights were flashing like crazy to the beat of the drums and I was just so overwhelmed.
As the first sustained note of “Shake it Out” was played, an eerie quiet washed through the audience. The stage had changed and then burst into an inferno of blazing colour as the crowd also erupted and joined in – totally awesome! Every song was just spectacular and Florence looked stunning. When she threw off her cape, she revealed what appeared to be a black body suit with gold trim that looked like armour. Her energy was infectious as she skipped back and forth across the stage and when she sang “Dog Days Are Over”, everyone was totally into it, clapping and jumping up and down in unison.
Florence is so creative and has an incredible voice. I feel so inspired by her music and my first concert will be a memory that remains with me for my whole life! I didn’t want it to end but I was lucky enough to have her squeeze my hand and sign my ticket as she left after the concert and we were making our way to the car-park.
Written by Charlotte Clare
(Main photo by Prudence Upton)
