Wednesday, November 2, 2011
‘Metallica Loves Abu Dhabi'
This Article on Gulf News voices our experience of the Metallica concert and hence I have copied it here. Abhi, Aditi, Satya and I went for this once in a lifetime experience on the 25th Oct 2011 and had a blast.
Gulf News:
Abu Dhabi: We went, we saw, we were conquered. Patricia from the Philippines simply said it was "the most awesome concert" she has ever seen. Aaron from Dubai, in one word, said it was "epic". As for me, I still haven't got back from Yas Island where on Tuesday night I witnessed Metallica rock our socks off.
Playing to an audience of nearly 30,000, the world's biggest rock band delivered a performance that must rank as the best rock act so far in the region's rock history. Despite being on the World Magnetic Tour since October 2008 the band were far from sounding tour-weary. In fact, they were in for a surprise: they found inspiration in Abu Dhabi, in the chanting of passionate metalheads from countries across the Middle East.
Following the customary The Ecstasy of God intro, the act kicked off, rather exploded, with Creeping Death. The force of it grabbed the audience by the throat and set the night on lava. Then came For Whom The Bell Tolls, Fuel, and Ride The Lightning in a row.
James Hetfield was so moved by fans' response he repeatedly thanked the "Metallica family" for the support and minced no words in declaring "Metallica loves Abu Dhabi".
'During Fade to Black, the fifth song of the set, the band came to a pause, just before the heavy-riff-driven chorus section. Hetfield, standing right atop the stage prop, his right-hand fist thumping his chest, shouted: "Do you feel it? Do you feel what I feel inside?"
A deafening roar greeted the call. And the band continued from where they left off - with one of the most loved riffs from Metallica's repertoire.
The act touched its most explosive moment during the back-to-back rendition of One and Master of Puppets. That is not to say other tracks were less awesome, but this was the part that took the audience to a level akin to musical orgasm through the band's sheer energy, breathtaking speed, loudness and masterfully accurate playing, amply supported by hysterical fan participation in singing.
Other high points were Sad But True, The Memory Remains, Nothing Else Matters, and Enter Sandman where the audience nearly took over the vocals duty. Hetfield was so impressed he simply exclaimed, "Good singing." And yes, the audience screamed back in jubilation.
Talking of audience, we were packed like the rush-hour crowd on the Dubai Metro. Bodies pressed against me from all sides. You could see cameras falling off hands. It got a bit worrisome when a bunch of shirtless youths got extra aggressive as they headbanged and jostled around. My friends left the spot and took shelter in a calmer area. I held on as I couldn't give up my vantage point - my eyes were fixed on the four men on stage.
Bassist Robert Trujillo was a unique figure. Looking more like a long-haired basketball player, he was sheer athleticism. I wonder if any other bassist slings the guitar lower than he does - it almost touches the ground. And to play it, he bends, he tilts, he squat-walks, and goes through a complex range of postures, with his right hand reaching down below knee level as his fingers ram the strings.
Blistering shredding
As for lead guitarist Kirk, I have been waiting to see the former Joe Satriani student play those lightning lead solos live. On Tuesday night he gave us ample evidence why he is one of the finest shredders on the planet as he ran through his repertoire of riffs, licks and solos. I was a bit disappointed as his revered solo on One didn't strike me in the face as I expected it to (blame it on the sound guys), but he made up for it in Motorbreath during the encore section where he played like a possessed artist.
Meanwhile, frontman and vocalist Hetfield was in complete control, not only of the proceedings on stage, but also of the entire venue. He was the one in the driver's seat, taking us on a metal trip towards a dimension only Metallica know exists. As for his playing, nobody has struck the power chords heavier than Hetfield and he is one rhythm guitarist who commands respect even from soloists and last night was another proof of this fact.
And lying hidden among the maze of tom-toms and cymbals and yet whose part hit the audience the most was Lars Ulrich. His bashing of the skin, from steady to breakneck-speed pounding, was what held together the metal rituals - and he never lost a moment to raise his head, or stand up and stick his tongue out to greet the fans or to receive their adulation.
A little over two hours later from the first song and 15 minutes from midnight, the band wrapped up the act with a three-song encore (Am I Evil, Motorbreath, and Seek And Destroy). The night came to a close with the band throwing guitar plectrums and drum sticks into the crowd and Lars declaring the band's desire to see the Middle East fans again soon. When will that happen no one knows, but in my mind I am still at Yas Island - I haven't quite got back.
Gulf News:
Abu Dhabi: We went, we saw, we were conquered. Patricia from the Philippines simply said it was "the most awesome concert" she has ever seen. Aaron from Dubai, in one word, said it was "epic". As for me, I still haven't got back from Yas Island where on Tuesday night I witnessed Metallica rock our socks off.
Playing to an audience of nearly 30,000, the world's biggest rock band delivered a performance that must rank as the best rock act so far in the region's rock history. Despite being on the World Magnetic Tour since October 2008 the band were far from sounding tour-weary. In fact, they were in for a surprise: they found inspiration in Abu Dhabi, in the chanting of passionate metalheads from countries across the Middle East.
Following the customary The Ecstasy of God intro, the act kicked off, rather exploded, with Creeping Death. The force of it grabbed the audience by the throat and set the night on lava. Then came For Whom The Bell Tolls, Fuel, and Ride The Lightning in a row.
James Hetfield was so moved by fans' response he repeatedly thanked the "Metallica family" for the support and minced no words in declaring "Metallica loves Abu Dhabi".
'During Fade to Black, the fifth song of the set, the band came to a pause, just before the heavy-riff-driven chorus section. Hetfield, standing right atop the stage prop, his right-hand fist thumping his chest, shouted: "Do you feel it? Do you feel what I feel inside?"
A deafening roar greeted the call. And the band continued from where they left off - with one of the most loved riffs from Metallica's repertoire.
The act touched its most explosive moment during the back-to-back rendition of One and Master of Puppets. That is not to say other tracks were less awesome, but this was the part that took the audience to a level akin to musical orgasm through the band's sheer energy, breathtaking speed, loudness and masterfully accurate playing, amply supported by hysterical fan participation in singing.
Other high points were Sad But True, The Memory Remains, Nothing Else Matters, and Enter Sandman where the audience nearly took over the vocals duty. Hetfield was so impressed he simply exclaimed, "Good singing." And yes, the audience screamed back in jubilation.
Talking of audience, we were packed like the rush-hour crowd on the Dubai Metro. Bodies pressed against me from all sides. You could see cameras falling off hands. It got a bit worrisome when a bunch of shirtless youths got extra aggressive as they headbanged and jostled around. My friends left the spot and took shelter in a calmer area. I held on as I couldn't give up my vantage point - my eyes were fixed on the four men on stage.
Bassist Robert Trujillo was a unique figure. Looking more like a long-haired basketball player, he was sheer athleticism. I wonder if any other bassist slings the guitar lower than he does - it almost touches the ground. And to play it, he bends, he tilts, he squat-walks, and goes through a complex range of postures, with his right hand reaching down below knee level as his fingers ram the strings.
Blistering shredding
As for lead guitarist Kirk, I have been waiting to see the former Joe Satriani student play those lightning lead solos live. On Tuesday night he gave us ample evidence why he is one of the finest shredders on the planet as he ran through his repertoire of riffs, licks and solos. I was a bit disappointed as his revered solo on One didn't strike me in the face as I expected it to (blame it on the sound guys), but he made up for it in Motorbreath during the encore section where he played like a possessed artist.
Meanwhile, frontman and vocalist Hetfield was in complete control, not only of the proceedings on stage, but also of the entire venue. He was the one in the driver's seat, taking us on a metal trip towards a dimension only Metallica know exists. As for his playing, nobody has struck the power chords heavier than Hetfield and he is one rhythm guitarist who commands respect even from soloists and last night was another proof of this fact.
And lying hidden among the maze of tom-toms and cymbals and yet whose part hit the audience the most was Lars Ulrich. His bashing of the skin, from steady to breakneck-speed pounding, was what held together the metal rituals - and he never lost a moment to raise his head, or stand up and stick his tongue out to greet the fans or to receive their adulation.
A little over two hours later from the first song and 15 minutes from midnight, the band wrapped up the act with a three-song encore (Am I Evil, Motorbreath, and Seek And Destroy). The night came to a close with the band throwing guitar plectrums and drum sticks into the crowd and Lars declaring the band's desire to see the Middle East fans again soon. When will that happen no one knows, but in my mind I am still at Yas Island - I haven't quite got back.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Surprise farewell to Salman and Shaheen
Farewell Dubai!
With hesitant steps but ambition to reach the sky
You set foot on the land of Dubai!
Working hard thru the years, up the ladder you went,
Never letting go of your family and friends.
Several breakfasts, lunches and dinners we’ve enjoyed
These are the moments of our life to be rejoiced.
Although apart, Agent M and Yoyo will continue to bond
Just like us, they will learn to cherish this love and grow fond
A most generous heart, you have, my little brother!
I cannot imagine us, living without each other.
I wish you good luck and pray for your success
Work hard, and continue to perform with finesse!
Love you
Didi
28 Oct 2011 (celebrating 5 years of togetherness)
We gathered at our new home to wish Salman, Shaheen and Inaya a farewell on the 28th Oct 2011. We will miss them here in Dubai!
With hesitant steps but ambition to reach the sky
You set foot on the land of Dubai!
Working hard thru the years, up the ladder you went,
Never letting go of your family and friends.
Several breakfasts, lunches and dinners we’ve enjoyed
These are the moments of our life to be rejoiced.
Although apart, Agent M and Yoyo will continue to bond
Just like us, they will learn to cherish this love and grow fond
A most generous heart, you have, my little brother!
I cannot imagine us, living without each other.
I wish you good luck and pray for your success
Work hard, and continue to perform with finesse!
Love you
Didi
28 Oct 2011 (celebrating 5 years of togetherness)
We gathered at our new home to wish Salman, Shaheen and Inaya a farewell on the 28th Oct 2011. We will miss them here in Dubai!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Yoyo's charm
Aai-baba have come over from London this week and we all took Yoyo down to the play area in front of our building 113 in DG. There were twin Lebanese girls about 4 yrs old and their younger sister who was about the same age as Yoyo (2.4 years) playing with their Nanny. As soon as they saw Yohaan, they all ran to him and kept catching him and kissing him. He would run fast out of their reach and then stop, if they could catch him again they would kiss him. It was like he was being attacked by pretty girls! Axe Effect!! Guess it had to do with Yoyo's charming look.. starting young eh! Very cute and memorable sight!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Yoyo, where are you?!
23rd Sept 2011
This is a day, both Satyajit and I will never forget. On this day, yoyo was lost in the Mall for 20 minutes!!
I've realised that I did not know what it felt like to lose a loved one until this very day. We ran from pillar to post all over the Ibn Battuta Mall. Made annoucements to alert people to watch out for a little boy in a green t-shirt and blue jeans, who cannot even say his own name! Finally, we found him playing at the security desk of Geant, nervous and aware he had done wrong by running away but not a tear in his eyes but with both of our eyes welling up with a mixture of emotions of anxiety and relief.
With parched throats we all hugged each other and made a silent vow never to let go again. Thank you Allah for bringing my boy safely back to me.
This is a day, both Satyajit and I will never forget. On this day, yoyo was lost in the Mall for 20 minutes!!
I've realised that I did not know what it felt like to lose a loved one until this very day. We ran from pillar to post all over the Ibn Battuta Mall. Made annoucements to alert people to watch out for a little boy in a green t-shirt and blue jeans, who cannot even say his own name! Finally, we found him playing at the security desk of Geant, nervous and aware he had done wrong by running away but not a tear in his eyes but with both of our eyes welling up with a mixture of emotions of anxiety and relief.
With parched throats we all hugged each other and made a silent vow never to let go again. Thank you Allah for bringing my boy safely back to me.
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