Ah, Amsterdam, what an incredible city. I was enchanted from the second I left the bus. As we’ve arrived very early, on a day before the concert, and since our room wasn’t ready yet, we decided (despite being very tired), to go and explore the city as much as possible. Finding a place to eat was a lot easier this time, we’ve decided very quickly.
photo by Sandra – thank you
After walking and taking a boat ride along Amsterdam’s canals, we went back to our hotel. After resting, and preparing our faces (you know, make-up and such), off we went again. If you’ll ever visit this city, you don’t need to buy any enhancements, just take a stroll along its tiny streets, and you will be relaxed like you’ve never been before. The smell of weed is literally everywhere!
photo by Sandra – thank you
I believe we walked till like 23 at night! And we enjoyed every minute of it. On the next day, I didn’t feel like going out, sadly the weather was horrid, I was tired, I needed to catch up a bit with the blog and to prepare myself mentally for the concert, that was about to take place later that day. For this concert I’ve also had a VIP pass.
photo by Sandra – thank you
I didn’t buy it myself, it was a gift from a dear friend of mine, who was aware of my mental state, and knew this would be the best medicine. We arrived at the venue sometime after 4pm. I was surprised not to see the line of people, but only few of those with VIP passes. At about 5.30 we entered the venue, we could hide our coats, we were put into line, got our passes and waited for the meeting.
During our wait a bunch of people talked to me, asking why am I always so nervous, or serious around LP. Even Talayeh asked me that, she said she should give me drink next time. What can I say, it’s just my stupid nature, I do relax eventually, but it’s usually after everything already had happened. The one time I could truly relax and enjoy my time with LP was in Ostrava…
photo by Bekki – thank you!
Only because there was enough time, and the sound of LP’s voice, and its soothing affect on my soul. Anyway, back to Amsterdam, we entered this small bar at the venue, everything was ready for our meeting. Few of my friends went ahead of me. I didn’t want to go first, I would prefer to go last, but some other people had the meeting at the very end.
photo by Talayeh – thank you!
So I decided to come up to LP early, because that way I knew that later I will be able to score better places at the concert (close to stage). When I walked towards her, she said something like ‘Hey beauty, it’s you!’ And I’ve answered, yeah, it’s me, again! We’ve talked for a bit (which will remaine private) and then we took few photos.
photo by Talayeh – thank you!
When LP felt that I was shaking, she held me very tightly with both her hands, and at that very moment I simply laid my head on her arm. It all came out so naturally and freely, and I felt so safe, that I immediately relaxed. It was an amazing experience. Afterwards, I’ve left that room and went to the doors leading up to the stage. We waited there for a bit.
photo by Bekki – thank you!
Shortly before 7 pm, the doors were opened and we could take our places next to the stage. I stood a bit on the left. There were no barriers, but because of my short height and the level of the stage, I knew I will have to hold my head very high, for the duration of the concert. Afterwards my neck was killing me, but it was totally worth it!
First, Powers duo, they totally brought their magic again, and the room was really enjoying the music, especially Hot. At one point Mike saw me in the crowd, and waved at me and I felt like a totally cool person. So again, if you have like an eclectic taste in music, do check them out, and make sure to see them live opening for LP, they are so worth it!
Again, after a bit of wait, the stage was ready to be set on fire by the Queen herself. I forgot to mention that Paradiso, was the first place on my list of the venues that I wanted to see LP at. I saw photos from her first concert at Paradiso back in 2017 and I knew I had to be there next time. The venue was simply stunning insight! And added something extra to the concert.
When the concert started, the speakers were a bit too loud, everything was vibrating, but thankfully it didn’t bother me that much. Because once LP was on that stage, it was like nothing else mattered to me, I was in my special place. Place that only LP’s voice and her music bring to life. Dreamcatcher proved to be such a special opening song.
It just sets the tone of what to expect next, even though what comes next is totally different in vibe. But Dreamcatcher prepares you for the unexpected, it is such a magical tune. Plus a wink flew to me, so you know, it made it even more incredible. During When We’re High at ‘she’s so fine’, LP pointed at me, and again I was in heaven.
She always tries to acknowledge everyone in the crowd. This was truly unbelieveable concert, because she was in such a close proximity to us! Because she was able to touch us, to be near us. She made sure to go to both ends of stage as often as possible, to notice everyone, including those up high on the balconies. Video below by @_magbro_ shared via Instagram.
She took phones, she signed stuff, she did all she could so that everyone would felt important. Next songs, When We’re High, Dreamer and When I’m Over You. LP is playful and engaging. Literally all the time, she jumps, twirls, dances and enjoying the show as much as we. With No Witness the crowd is maddening. I’m taking the time to look around and I feel like I’m part of something bigger.
I feel like a part of a community, community that was created by the love for LP. And it is an awesome feeling. It’s like a revalation. When I was starting with this blog, I had no idea where it will take me, but now I know. Now I feel like I finally belong somewhere, and it is the coolest feeling ever. I’m sure you can all relate.
During The Power, I feel stronger than ever, I feel like I’m finally getting back to myself, to the person that I used to be. With “Die For Your Love”, another one of my favourite songs on the latest album, LP makes sure to catch and hold my hand, she literally takes a bow singing the very same words, “let’s take a bow”, and it makes me feel extra special…
Then comes Tightrope, there’s a funny moment, when LP is playing with a red ribbon, only to throw it seconds later back to the crowd. With One Night In The Sun, my mind wanders and I feel like I’m in some totally different place and time, it’s such a beautiful song… I could hear it over and over again. There’s both dark and light to it, just like in every one of us….
Afterwards LP sings Girls Go Wild, and the crowd is truly wild, jumping, singing and clapping. For Recovery most of the room goes quiet, though some people sing along the entire song (like myself), others join in only during choruses. It’s a wonderful moment in time. When the times comes for medley House on Fire-Paint It Black-Other People, I found myself scared.
But this time the power stays, and we are in heaven! Paint It Black is one of THE best covers I’ve ever heard, I only wish that LP would play it in its fullness one day! She definitely has the swagger this song requires, even Mick Jagger would be proud, right Bekki?! 🙂 Then comes Shaken and something incredible happens.
At one point of the song, I’m reaching my hand towards LP, but it hits me, she already touched me, there are other people, I should give them a chance too, so I’m taking my hand back, and at the same time LP decides to sit exactly next to me. It’s like she feels safe, she knows we won’t be grabbing her and pushing, and it remains one of my favourite moments from this concert.
To be able to sing those words, right next to LP, does it get any better than this?! When the time comes for Special, I was almost on fire. I am seeing LP with an electric guitar (in person) for the very first time. And let me tell you, it fucking suits her! She has so much rock’n’roll in her soul. It’s such a beautiful image engraved in my memory.
And this song, truly is Special, as special as the love LP has for her friends and fans. It’s one of a kind… And those last chords, with only LP voice, it’s out of this world for sure! For the encore LP comes with Muddy Waters – this song, no matter how many times I will hear it live, it will always have a huge impact on my soul and my being. Such a powerful tune…
But then I’m hearing familiar sounds of Strange, and I am jumping from joy! This song is such a hymn for ull of us, with broken souls and dreams. But this song makes us feel united, it feels like we belong, like we were found, you know what I mean? Like we’re home in our hearts, and we don’t need any other explanations or confirmations.
We simply are strange, but our strangness makes us unique in this weird, angry, and often so hateful world. But we persevere and keep on going no matter what! PS LP’s harmonica solo is simply perfection. LP ends her concert with Lost On You, the whole room is singing. I am both happy and sad. Happy because of this magical experience, and sad because I know it’s the end of it.
But then I remember I still have two shows in Prague, so I cheer up a bit, and decide not to sweat over an upcoming early fligh home. Which btw was one of the smoothest flights I have ever taken, I almost relaxed at few points, almost! Tomorrow, I’m heading to Prague, I don’t know what will happen, but I do now, that I want to take in as much from this experiences as I humanly can!
photo me.
I need this so much. Also, I wanted to thank to all those people who come up to me before or after both shows in Brussels and Amsterdam, and for your incredible words and love that you showed me. It meant and means a lot to me – thank you! Also, thank you to all the friends, for awesome chats, and this amazing time I’ve got to spend. Thank you all!
