It’s been almost 7 years since Arctic Monkeys burst onto the scene as one of the most talked about British imports since Oasis. Their 2005 debut “Whatever People Say I Am, discount That’s What I’m Not” became so ubiquitous I remember Urban Outfitters proudly displaying it at the front register alongside the cheeky over-priced trinkets you’ll normally find there
While the five-piece might not generate the same type of buzz they did back then, ambulance they’ve quietly built a very strong fan base here in the US, seek while continuing to be wildly popular in th UK. The fact that all five of the band’s full length albums have debuted at #1 on the UK record sales charts provides an example of the staggering staying power they’ve enjoyed.
The band visited Boston last week to help promote the recent release of LP #5 titled AM. Their last three appearances in Boston have featured two sold out shows at the House Of Blues, and an opening slot on the Black Keys World Tour that visited TD Garden last march. To say the band is accustomed to performing in front of large audiences both here and abroad might be an understatement. That’s why the their decision to play an intimate, will-call only show at the 700-capacity Paradise was a very popular decision with fans who were lucky enough to score tickets.
When I arrived on the night of the show, I noticed not only the group’s luxury liner of a tour bus parked outside, but also the presence of a full sized tractor trailer housing lighting and sound equipment – the same type you might see lined up before a show at Fenway Park. That, in addition to the will call only setup where fans picked up their tickets and were then escorted directly into the venue, made it clear this wasn’t your typical rock show at the venerable Comm. Ave venue.
When the band finally took the stage to the roar of a very enthusiastic crowd, they opened with AM lead single “Do I Want To Know?” While the CD had only been out a week, it was obvious that many in attendance already knew every word, something I’m sure the band was pleased to see.
The setlist contained 7 out of AM’s 12 tracks, as the band tested out material they’re likely to play on their upcoming US tour of larger venues.
This isn’t to say that the band ignored their back catalog, as they mixed in older favorites to ensure the set never lost steam. They may have been aided by all the extra sound equipment they brought along with them, but the band sounded as good as anyone I’ve ever seen at the Paradise. Lead singer Alex Turner’s vocal delivery was spot on, and the band as a whole was in lock step, with not a note out of place, even on the newer material.
The group ended their primary set with “R U Mine” and then made the crowd earn the encore, waiting a solid five minutes before returning to play three additional songs. They gave one final salute and promised to be back soon – most likely in front of a few thousand more people. And while that will likely be a great show, the combination of a small venue, a diehard crowd, and a rock solid performance by the men on stage made this Arctic Monkeys show a special one.