Arctic Monkeys headline Staples Center in Los Angeles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj4I8zMwEk0

Last Thursday the Arctic Monkeys played their biggest headlining Los Angeles show to date, selling out the Staples Center.

The show brought out many young fans, many seeming like it was their first concert experience. As soon as the four gentleman from Sheffield, England hit the stage, fans erupted with cheers in unison to their presence. As the band broke into their chart-topping hit, “Do I Wanna Know?” for their first song, fans kept that lively energy going throughout the evening.

It’s more than obvious that the band has gained a massive following with their recent album, “AM,” being released nearly one year prior. The band knows the success of their latest album and played 10 songs from that album to help attract and retain the newer fans at the show.

Behind the band was an oversized lit-up display of the wavelengths featured on their latest album cover. The display lit up for nearly every song with different rhythms and colors in sync with the band’s songs.

Unfortunately, the band did not seem very into the show. The members did not smile very often, as to show they were having a good time like many artists do while on stage. They seemed very held back and did not interact with the audience much. That took away from the show.

Lead singer, Alex Turner, was the only member to even speak to the crowd, and even when he did, all females in the audience barely let him get a word out because they were all screaming their lungs out.

Had the band been a little more interactive with the crowd, it would have added to the show. The show was good, but not great.

Arctic Monkeys seem like a band more appreciated and well-received in a smaller venue. Staples Center may have been too much for them.

The quartet played for 90 minutes, ending 20 minutes to 11 p.m., sending folks home early, but happy.

The band’s previous affairs with Los Angeles were at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas last December and headlining the Wiltern for three consecutive sold-out shows a few months prior.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club opened the evening. Their performance was very impressive and they played for exactly one hour. It was a shame people in the audience spent more time on their phone or chatting with others while BRMC was playing because they did put on a good show in their allotted time.