After the masterpiece of an album The Suburbs which rapidly sold out two nights at the O2 in December, Arcade Fire carefully arranged a festival-like day in Hyde Park with an interesting combination of their favourite things.
Luckily the weather remained pleasant as the evening progressed, and didn’t drench the eager crowds, which allowed for some exploration of the grounds. Entertainment was ranging from an arcade (fancy that!) with retro video games, to a cinema tent.
The line up included: Owen Pallet, The Vaccines, Beirut and Mumford and Sons with Arcade Fire, of course, headlining. Four years ago Owen Pallet left Arcade Fire to do his own solo stuff, and he says rather than envying their huge success he looks upon it: “like a proud parent”.
The Arcade Fire set list perfectly satisfied all generations of fans, as it was constantly jumping from one album to another. Hearing the more reflective, mournful sounds of Crown of Love (2004) followed by the vibrant and upbeat sounds of The Suburbs (2010), may seem too big a shift alongside one another, but it sounded right, and kept us entirely engrossed.
Win Butler himself told the crowds that although they usually play Wake Up towards the end of their set, he wanted to play it second tonight, before it gets dark, assumedly so they can see the crowd sing along during this unifying anthem; and we certainly didn’t let them down!
For the first time ever, Arcade Fire chose to play Speaking in Tongues, which was written for The Suburbs but failed to make it to the final cut. This live debut was a sort of experiment, featuring where they would usually play a cover. This decision seems to display a new found confidence with their own sound. Speaking in Tongues was curiously different to the rest of the album, stripped-down, simple and guitar-driven, with hypnotic lyrics.
The stage itself featured a backdrop of an aerial view of suburban houses and streets accompanied by entrancing lighting, such as the pulsating flashes of red during the vivacious track Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out). But regardless of these dazzling features, what stood out to me most of all, was the bands unbelievably down to earth approach and image. Win Butler combined some charmingly goofy comments and his modern hippy image with an incredible performance. Finally there is an innovative and carefree band, incapable of ‘selling out’.
Most importantly, the day was in support of Haiti. Arcade Fire have been hugely vocal in their support for the cause, having promised to donate $1 million, if the public do the same. It is a subject which is most emotionally significant to band member Régine Chassagne and her Haitian roots, her parents having fled the island under Papa Doc’s regime. Not only did they write the song Haiti with its poetically stirring lyrics, but the event itself was providing charitable support towards those suffering after its traumatic earthquake.
Our University’s very own Bedford library had similarly simple yet effective ideas to raise money in aid of Haiti. The library raised more than £1200 in one day, by encouraging students to pay off their library fines, all of which was donated to the cause. John Tuck, Director of Library Services, said: “Many students gave generously in addition to donating their library fines on the day. Our thoughts are with all those who suffered in Haiti.” Arcade Fire’s fervent commitment to this charity should inspire our Student Union to do more in aid of their quest to donate $1 million.
