From Lana to Rihanna

My previous post was about the Lana Del Rey concert. This week I went to see Rihanna. I wanted her to see for many years, but it never happened. I knew what I was getting myself into, that she isn't a great live singer and such. Same thing was said about Lana, but look how that turned out to be one of the best shows I have ever seen (and I've seen quite a lot). 

Unfortunately Rihanna's show was everything I expected it to be. As my friend arrived quite early, we could later move to the front of what is the biggest Belgium venue, Sportpaleis. We chose not to stand trapped between people, but move to the side of the stage where was quite a lot of space. The show started 40 minutes too late, but the previous day it was an hour, so I felt optimistic. 

You know that feeling when you see a band or artist whom you love live for the first time, that unique excitement? Well, that was as good as absent this time. I was surprised... The song started with her sitting on her knees, singing 'Mother Mary', a beautiful moment of sentiment, but people were just snapping pictures the whole time. After that we got the dirty girl Riri, she came up, all fly and pretty, surrounded by a group of very cool lady dancers. I must acknowledge her dance moves and beauty, she has the tiniest waist. I was standing about 10 meteres when she was in the middle of the stage and about 6 when she came to our side. A bit surreal, but still, she couldn't have been further away. As she did her routine of dirty moves an outfit changes the one thing remained, the back track to every song. She talked or sang a few words when she felt like it. That way it looked like a bizarre karaoke show. She didn't have crazy dance routines à la Beyonce, she just did her relaxed swag thing, so singing could have been possible. She just didn't feel like it. A bit of a waste of 65 euros there. 

(source)

Another mistake was the set list set-up. I know all the songs, but most people didn't, so it remained relatively quite for 2/3 of the show in a giant, sold-out venue. She talked a bit to the audience, and repeated 'Antwerp' at least 25 times, but it didn't feel as sincere as with Lana or Gaga. All in all she felt distant and not approachable. Only during the slower songs her wall briefly dropped. She dedicated her tortured ballads to love 'That can be some fucked up shit', she said. In that moment we could see that vulnerable young woman, hurt one time too many. The last part of the show was better, the hits were banging, the audience was finally alive.

All in all, I still love her image and music, but I'm left with a feeling of discontent and bitterness. It could have been so much better, but the effort wasn't there. Maybe Paris or London shows have been better, who knows... Riri has a great time of producers behind her, making albums 'factory style', nice to listen to, but there's definitely some work to do for the 'live' shows. 

This is what I wore to the show. Personally love this look. Never thought I'd be sporting a bare midriff ever again. Now I'm kinda into it! And after years of being on my wishlist, I finally got me these Converse babies. Been wearing them non-stop ever since.

Wearing: Zara shirt, H&M New Icons skirt, H&M necklace, All Stars Converse sneakers, c/o Ray-Ban sunglasses, Fashionology friendship bracelets, Michael Kors watch.

Baby Jamie wanted to participate too.

And to close this, some news. I finally got myself a new smart phone, which I'm currently addicted to.
You can now follow me on instagram for the full experience

http://instagram.com/insomnia_heart