So, ‘Smoke Em If You Got Em Tour’ came to an end last night in London… Can you believe it? I still can’t. It did hit me a bit yesterday, but I still cannot fully grasp it. Yes, it was tiring, to catch up with everything, but it was also very rewarding… Because of many things…
However, the best reward I could ever get, I received yesterday, when I saw notification from LP herself who wrote to me (via Insta under my pic of rainbow): “Anna! Yes that is a beautiful rainbow! ?. Thank you so much for your blog. It’s so well done. What you and Concha (please thank her for me as well) wrote about Madrid was so beautiful it brought a tear to my eyes. I feel so blessed to bring any solace at all to some people in this world. Thank you for sharing it with me. ??”.
If I haven’t mentioned it before (though I doubt it), I will say here again. I love this woman. I do. Because she takes care of everything, she is humble and unique. She took the time, she found my Instagram and left a long and meaningful message even though I never expected it. So thank you LP, because it does mean a lot to me and to all those other people out there who have been touched by you and your music.
But now, let’s get back to London and KOKO. First, what a venue!! I was stunned and so was LP. KOKO began life as The Camden Theatre and was opened on Boxing Day 1900 by the famous actress Ellen Terry. In 1909 the theatre was renamed The Camden Hippodrome and was a variety theatre where Charlie Chaplin regularly performed. The venue became a proper cinema in 1913 and in 1933 the cinema was wired for sound.
The cinema closed in 1940 and for some 20 years from 1945 the building became a BBC Theatre. In 1970 the venue was reincarnated as The Music Machine where both the Sex Pistols and Iron Maiden performed live, and it was home to The Clash for a momentous 4 day residency in the summer of ’78. In 1982 the Camden Palace was born and The New Romantic scene had found its home. It closed in February 2004 in much need of some love, care and a refurbishment.Since opening in 2005, some true musical legends have graced KOKO’s stage. For full history of the place, please click here.
Now, for some quotes. First LP Fanclub UK: “Yesterday was just an exceptional evening. Words can’t convey the emotion and joy of seeing LP sing live. I’ve seen some of the greats live, Adele, George Michael, Beyonce, but sorry to these guys, last night LP blew them out of the water. She was that good. Last night a superstar was born in London”.
Polish duo who runs LP Pleasures: “Oh, @iamlpofficial, you just burned down this beautiful Koko club. What a show, wow, with absolutely stunning Tightrope / No Witness / Suspicion / When We’re High. But the list could go on and on, like that beautiful ornaments at the very end of Tokyo you did… Thank you, thank you. It was perfect. Vocally AND performance-wise”.
Jade Marie (@jadeycakes92): “My musical life was made last night. I got to see my current favourite singer live and she didn’t disappoint…By far the most talented vocalist I have heard live – unfortunately I didn’t capture some of the most amazing moments on video because I was too busy enjoying the concert- so you’ll just have to take my word on that and google videos of LP live”. ?
“But it was great to hear so many people who had turned up from all over the world loving her music as much as I do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… if I can implore you to give an artist you don’t know a try.. LP is the one. Lost On You is a good place to start”.
And I have left my favourite one for last. It was written after LP’s concert in Madrid, BUT it is too good to be missed. Trisha captured what many people feel, myself including: “There are songs that heal more than medicines, lyrics that heal your soul and save you. And that’s what you’ve done for me, thanks again @iamlpofficial for saving me, for healing me. Thanks for those emotional hugs, for that kiss on the cheek at the end of the concert, for your time listening and knowing my story. I’m so proud to be fan of a sweetheart like you. You are a beautiful human being. ❤️ Hope to see you very soon”.
Now, I will try to add here everything that poped out recently. First, review from LP’s concert at KOKO, Jivan Ward wrote: “With tracks that are at points evocative and introspective, and at others emphatic and electric, LP is an eclectic artist. Her performance is nothing short of flawless, and her effect is seen of the faces on the audience. They smile, they sing with her and they dance, all in awe of the prowess of LP’s style, stage presence, and powerful songs”. For full review and official pics click here.
LP will be staying in London (UK) for a week or so. Tonight at 10 pm UK time, she will play live on BBC Later. Then on Thursday night LP will hold a very special event at London’s YouTube Space. For a chance to join LP, sign up at http://smarturl.it/LPLaunchPartyUK.
When LP was in Amsterdam, she was photographed by Daniel Cohen for DeMorgen. Click here to see a stunning portrait, full article and 2 more pictures are availble to those who subscribe/pay for the issue. LP was also photographed for De Volkskrant, but it’s the same case as above, to access full article you have to pay for the issue. For preview and one great shot, click here.
Finally, when LP was in Madrid she was interviewed for Cadena 100, it was her second visit to that studio and again, interview was great. My favourite bit is when LP is describing one of her many interesting tattoos. I often wondered what it was and now I know. Prior to her death, LP’s mum gave LP a butterfly ring, which she tattooed on her middle finger. Thank you LP for sharing this story with us.
European tour is over, but of course I will continue to provide you all the latest about LP. After all, in less than a month LP hits the road once again, as she will tour her home country! It will be another busy month!
Anna from Poland. I have been a blogger for a long time, but more in a royal field. Since 'meeting' LP through her music and as a person, a lot has changed. If I'm not working on my blog, I work as a teacher. I love to travel, read & dance. I sing & play uke when no one listens. Music was always a big part of my life.
