The Wombats at the O2 Arena
The O2 Arena in Greenwich is one of the world’s most daunting venues, but the Wombats treat its stage like home away from home. This is not their first time performing for thousands of screaming fans – in fact, they did so in Nottingham the night before. However, through witty banter, a profound stage presence and musical expertise, the trio ensured that this epic show of their greatest hits, as well as moments from their recent record Oh! The Ocean, was remarkable.
The night began with the opener for their latest album, Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come, and it set the scene excellently. Although the studio version of the track is nonchalant, lead singer Matthew Murphy’s unassailable vocals gave this live experience a new life, especially considering his masterful multi-tasking between singing, playing the keys and playing the guitar with swift transitions. From the start, bandmates Tord Øverland Knudsen and Dan Haggis supported Murphy with full force, their voices blending perfectly and their effortless talent booming through the venue for the entire show.
As fan favourites like Moving to New York, Cheetah Tongue and Techno Fan ignited the crowd, the suave Kate Moss mystified the arena and made room for a contrasting mood, showcasing the band’s versatility. Ready for the High was a major highlight of the evening, however, as the Wombats began showing signs towards their unique showmanship – their mascot, a wombat, came on stage to dance and mock-perform the trombone, and for added humour, the mysterious marsupial was their very own tour manager. The electrifying beats led to an astounding climax and were met with immense appreciation from the audience. And so, the mosh pits began.
Mosh pits at concerts typically have a negative connotation, but the Wombats’s London fans knew exactly how to put on a show of their own. Although those throughout the floor took it upon themselves to cause the O2 to shake fiercely, especially during Kill the Director and Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves), when Murphy briefly mentioned the necessity for a mosh pit for Method to the Madness, multiple holes formed in the crowd in preparation for the inevitable explosion of drums, guitar and bass. They delivered just as Murphy had hoped, and because of his positive affirmations, the multiple moshes never dispersed, even as Let’s Dance to Joy Division rounded out the main set. As the band returned with an encore of Can’t Say No, Turn and the beloved Greek Tragedy, the energy mirrored that of Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come from nearly two hours prior. The added confetti cannons, streamers and balloons added to the grand finale, enforcing the idea for all that the Wombats at the O2 is surely a show for the books.
Overall, tonight proved that a Wombats gig is a right of passage for any Brit. Between mentions of football, appreciation for conversational sarcasm and an excellent display of musical talent, the Wombats have it all, and their following tour dates will be unmissable.
Taryn Crowley
Photos: Miguel de Melo
For further information and future events visit The Wombats’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come here:
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