Arctic Monkeys playing the first European gig of "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" tour
Credit: Annett Bonkowski
The controversy on the sixth Arctic Monkeys album "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" was big. And while everyone is sharing their opinion on it, Alex Turner becomes the conférencier at the smoky hall with dim lights.
Anyone who has been following the band in recent years should find this creative path less surprising. In addition, Turner has already shown his vision in his other projects such as The Last Shadow Puppets or working with Alexandra Savior on her debut album. Anyway, why should you do what you've always done?
Arctic Monkeys began their long-awaited European tour on 22 May 2018 at Columbiahalle in Berlin (Germany). The return to the old continent was epic as expected. For this tour Arctic Monkeys have prepared a minimalist stage design represented by the new retro-cut logo. They also have expanded their merch set with items representing the new era.
From the first second of the show the room went wild and felt like a sauna. The band now fills stadiums, but the atmosphere of a club gig fits much better to the new album’s aesthetics. Alex Turner led the show with his usual expressive gestures, all of it accompanied by his brilliant band.
The rock Gods from Sheffield executed a setlist which was very similar to their recent US tour. 20 songs, among which only 4 were from the new album "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino". Neither Star Treatment, nor Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino appeared on the setlist. However, we got an inseparable duo - One Point Perspective and American Sports, followed by She Looks Like Fun and Four Out Of Five. This last piece served to rocket a night filled with classics: Brianstorm, Don't Sit Down Cause I've Moved Your Chair, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and Cornerstone. For the encore Arctic Monkeys delivered hits like Crying Lightning, Snap Out Of It, and R U Mine?
At the sold-out show the room was packed. It undoubtedly explains the moshpits during almost the whole gig that lasted 75 minutes. Even after so many years the fans remain excited and true to their heroes, which confirms that Arctic Monkeys have not lost their brilliance.
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