Saturday 19 April 2014

Justin Timberlake 20/20 Experience Tour



I haven't posted here for aaaages. I guess I was just lazy. But yesterday I was fortunate enough to go to Justin Timberlake's gig in Arnhem and I really have the urge to share my thoughts with you.

I was 12 when I went to my first gig and well, it happened to be Justin Timberlake in the exact same venue. Back then I was seated in the back and I was just amazed at how huge the arena was. I can't really remember anything about the concert itself as it was too long ago, but when I read that JT was coming back 10 years later to the exact same venue, I just knew I had to go. Back then he was about 23 years old and now, I am that age. It's a funny thing.

 In the past ten years I have gotten quite a lot of concert experience, from small venues to huge arenas. I think every venue has a certain charm to it, but I like big shows when they have these great massive productions. I had heard I was not going to be disappointed when it came to that. The venue did not look as huge as it did when I was 12, but I am still amazed by the enormous amount of different people going to these shows. There were a large amount of wannabe hipsters, teenagers, fashionista's and everything in between. I did feel a little old when my cousin and I did our white girl dance moves and 14 year old were throwing us these "what the fuck do you think you're doing?" looks.


At exactly 20.30, the countdown started. It was the first time I went to a concert which started exactly at the time it was supposed to start. And for a moment I felt like this 12-year old girl again. We were in the back yet again but right in the middle so we could see the entire stage. We got up and danced and did not stop dancing until the very end of the show. It was just the right mix of old songs and new and some really great covers. Justin's voice was on top form and his dance moves smooth. And the band, oh my, the band were impeccable. I thought it was great that Justin introduced them as JT & The Tennessee Kids, instead of just taking the limelight for himself. But really. Wow. I have rarely seen such amazing musicians play live. 
I read a tweet saying that the show was just a little too well-rehearsed as if it was a negative thing. With smaller gigs I really like spontaneous moments, but with a huge production like this, if something goes wrong it can only be distracting which is confusing for everybody on stage. Yes, ever move was thought-out, but in the best way possible.

My personal highlight was my favourite song Mirrors, as the final song. The fact that an entire stadium sang along those words gave me goosebumps. I don't know why, I'm just a sucker for these moments.



Here's the moment. Note this is not my video.

I was sad that it ended. I could have gone another few hours and I am a bit sad that I can't make it to the Amsterdam show. Back when I was 12 I was a big JT fan but I kind of lost that when he decided to become an actor. After last night, that feeling is back again. Nothing can beat a great performance with amazing music.

If you have the chance, buy tickets to see one of his shows. I promise you won't regret it.