Arctic Monkeys played their first UK gig in almost 4 years last night with a stunning set at London’s Royal Albert Hall. It comes after a month of touring their new album, ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino‘ throughout select US cities and large parts of Europe. Now, it was our turn to get a look at the latest, lounging phase of the nation’s biggest band. Here’s what went down.
The band opened with ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ cut ‘Four Out of Five’, before launching into a frantic stretch of songs which included ‘Brianstrorm’, ‘Crying Lightning’ and ‘Do I Wanna Know?’
In fact, their fifth album ‘AM’ had the greatest representation on the night, as they played five tracks from the record, like the slinking ‘Arabella’ and groovy ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?’
‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ cuts pleased the hardcore fans that had manage to squeeze into the iconic venue, with ‘One Point Perspective’ proving to be one of the biggest sing-a-long moments of the night.
Appearing with extra musicians, the band largely performed as a seven-piece – allowing frontman Alex Turner to stalk the stage in true crooner style.
Of course, the old material teased a big response out of the crowd – with ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ being introduced by Turner with the now-famous line, “don’t believe the hype”.
Support act Cameron Avery – who also played on the record – was on hand to join the band on piano ‘She Looks Like Fun’.
‘Humbug’ cuts, ‘Cornerstone’, ‘Crying Lightning’ and ‘Pretty Visitors’ were revamped and effortlessly slipped into the storming set.
The band returned for a three-song encore, which included the first ever live performance of new album opener, ‘Star Treatment’
‘View From The Afternoon’ followed, with ‘R U Mine?’ rounding out the chaotic 90-minute set.
The band are now set to play TRNSMT Festival in Scotland next month, before a full UK tour in September kicks off.
