Concert Review

The queues were creeping around the corner and as I joined, there were circus freaks on stilts handing out elaborate party masks. Instantly, I knew instantly it was gonna be a good show. The venue had an operatic style layout, but seemed more dark and dirty than chandeliers and plush red velvet. In every crevice there were punks and emos alike awaiting Panic!.

As the techies finished their last minute checks, the crowd began to swell and the house lights faded to black. Screams errupted as the young men of Panic! At The Disco took to the stage dressed in 20's themed suits to carry the theme of the album "A Fever You Cant Sweat Out".

The guys began the show with "The Difference Between Martrrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage". And straight away, Brendan Urie's voice sounded amazing over the screams and the applause. Managing to get into the spirit of things very quickly.

Up next was "London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines", and the crowd went nuts! In every corner, I could see guys and girls skanking and virtually bouncing off the walls to the beats, singing word for word.

"Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks" was next and Brendan became more animated as the show progressed - dancing and jumping, switching with ease from piano to guitar and back. He kinda reminded me of Billie Joe - the way he commanded the stage.

Spencer Smith showed his unbelievable drumming skills as they launched into an energetic performance of "Camisado". People in the crowd began to surge forward and theose who were brave enough to surf over the sea of hands made some pretty good attempts. Those fortunate enough not to get dropped on their heads, were met at the stage by big bald men in white shirts, susipiciously calling themselves security when they actually looked like unemployed wrestlers. And were dragged to safety.

While Brent Wilson showed some nifty moves up there though, similar to that of Joey Trohman of FallOut Boy, slinging the bass over his shoulder like it weighed nothing.

It was here that they slowed things down a touch by playing a song by one of their favourite bands (I can't remember the song or who it was by - it's not important). It gave us a chance to see another side to Panic!, as most of thier album is up-tempo electro pop rock.

It wasn't long before they had the crowd moving again to the sounds of "I Constantly Thank God For Esteban." It had a new and fast arragement of the piano introduction. Brendan had the crowd eating form the palm of his hand as he called to the audience and they responded. The lights were doused and it became clear that although relatively new to the music industry, they had the kind of longevity and appeal that Green Day have right now.

"Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off" kicked in and Brendan got all sinister and sexy Even throwing in a 'fuck you!'. I had to watch between my fingers because he was soo hot and I felt a perv - he is only 18 afterall. It was here that Ryan showed his voice was as good as Brendan's too.

When he had done posing for the cameras and dangerously throwing water bottles at people, Brendan sat down at the piano (the others didn't really do much!) and played the opening bars of the new single "But It's Better If You Do". Kids were skanking, women were taking their tops off and guys were screaming how much they fucking loved Panic!. All I wanted to do was cover the girls up with a blanket and tell the lads to stop swearing as there were ladies present!

A familiar sounding violin began to play and it was time for what the crowd ahad all been waiting for: "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies". The screams increased to decibles that only dogs could hear and Brendan chekkily waved the microphone into the crowd so we could all shout "WHORE!"

The rest of the band then sloped off stage for a break and Brendan eantertained us with another cover. The lights dimmed and turned blue, causing everyone to take out their lighters and wave 'em high. He thanked the crowd being the best, (I bet he says that to every crowd! Cheek!) and that we were managing to tire him out which was hard 'cause he's hyeractive.

As the rest of the guys returned, they started movements for the finish of the show. It was here that Ryan sat at the piano and Brendan played lead guitar taking us to dizzy heights as Ryan played the tinkling of "There's A Good Reason Why These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought Of It Yet" (Now that's a kick-ass title).

And to end the show was "Build God Then We'll Talk", which had every man, woman and their scabby dog singing and moving about as though they were at choir practice.

Then they put down the instruments , the lights darkened and they were gone!

Although the show wasn't very long, they gave it their all and rocked the shite out of the Astoria. They have found a niche where they can combine different genres of music to produce a fucking excellent album and have the ability to connect with the crowd, keeping them hyped and engaged throughout.

So thanks to Kerrang! for giving me the opportunity to see the show! It was one the best I've seen and I'd definately do it again tomorrow.

Las Vegas has a lot to be proud of

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