After almost a year of no concerts for the public due to corona-crisis that hit entire world so hard, yesterday LP was finally able to perform live for her fans! Prior to the event LP said: “playing this drive-in concert is the closest thing we can all get to a normal show for now! Check ‘going to a drive-in’ off the ol’ bucket list finally!! Am I right?? It’s also being live-streamed for all of you who can’t join us in person!”
LP’s two Los Angeles-area concerts at Drive-In OC’s “88FIVE LIVE at Drive-In OC with LP” at the City National Grove of Anaheim, were livestreamed worldwide. And I was watching first show from my bed (still dealing with the corona virus and I’m not in my best form yet), second one (as it was in the very early morning hours), I saved for after I woke up. Also, I wanted to do two separate posts, but I’ve decided to put everything into one.
First concert started at about 11 pm at night my time. Opener was Nick Leng, it was first time for me listening to his music. The first few songs were not my cup of tea, perhaps for someone with more eclectic taste, and when I thought I won’t be checking him again later, he did play some interesting tunes, especially the last two or three songs. And I loved the piano in those, so all in all I will be looking into his body of work.
print screen from the showLP started at around midnight my time – it was a very early show for LP (3 pm PT time). Compared to the night one I think LP sounded much better at the second one. Though from the first show, still most of the songs stood our for me. If it was up to me I would change a set-list a bit & put some of the songs we haven’t heard live as often. BUT, LP was playing fan favourites for the audience that’s perhaps not as familiar with her live repertoire.
From first show I absolutely loved “No Witness”, “Muddy Waters”, “Into The Wild” (this song NEVER gets old), “Shaken”, “Switchblade” (extra-ordinary cuts to my soul), “Strange” and “Special”. AND I loved, loved, loved the new – new LP song titled “How Low Can You Go”!! It’s such a cute little, bluesy number. I think it was written recently, but it’s definitely about LP memories from her “past” life.
I wonder HOW do you like it?? I’m attaching a video from the second concert (not from the live stream, but recorded by a person in the audience). Love the mood of the song and its lyrics. While the music is happy, the lyrics are quite in opposite to the mood of the song. But it’s like my friend – Bunny said, LP can fit a very intricate story into a very few words, she has a real gift for that. And that’s definitely what is happening with this song.
video courtesy of @mylpobsessionAlso, from the first show I do want to mention that LP acknowledged all her fans not just in the audience but also those behind the screens all over the world, by shouting “LPeople” – it really warmed my heart. The story is, Donna – @mylpobsession did a huge sign that said: ‘LPeople from around the world send their love!’ and attached it inside of the rail, for LP to see it during the show. And it worked!
Now as for the second show, I think LP was much more in her element and the audience was more responsive and it really felt more powerful. Also LP’s closest friends and Lauren were supporting her with dancing, shouts and honks from the front row, so I’m sure it wasn’t lost on LP! (See what I just did there? Am I getting better or what! LOL, looks like my mood is finally improving!).
photo by @veropoteart for @soundbitemagazine, posted with kind permissionLP wished happy birthday to Mary-Alice and Stephen and she joked that she enjoys seeing her friends getting older. And then there was even more incredible moment. LP (again) officiated engagement between two of her fans: Debs, who was stuck in Europe and Janis (LP Maddness), who was in the audience!! This one you just got to see with your own eyes, such a funny and sweet moment it was! Congrats to you both!!
video courtesy of Rocío Gutiérrez Marketing & PRDuring the night show perhaps LP wasn’t as visible to the audience, but the lights did added something extra to her performance. Also Alex Feder, his guitar and smile – he’s such a wonderful addition to the band. LP sounded really great and hit all the right notes. She even added some extra ornamentations to her vocals. And the audience was just amazing, all the posters, signs, lights, hearts. LP really felt the love.
Not to mention Lauren, who was dancing her ass off and the support she has given to LP was visible with a naked eye. Some of the videos I saw are just amazing, Lauren jumping at the roof of the car during “Special”, or the honks to “Lost On You”, or her dancing to “Tightrope” and finally the heart she send when LP was debuting her new song – “How Low Can You Go”. I’m sure all of this must have given LP an extra boost of confidence.
video courtesy of Liquid Courage Light ShowI’m also attaching some of the quotes that caught my eye when I was preparing my post. Those are mostly from the fans that were in the audience and saw LP in person that day. I know that most of you that will read my words is stuck at home, and it can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially that it’s impossible to say when things will start getting back to normal. Can live music as we know it return next year?
photo by @veropoteart for @soundbitemagazine, posted with kind permissionIf things are not going to turn around soon, I don’t think we’ll be able to witness LP back on stage in 2021 here in Europe, or anywhere in the world, really. It’s already been a year since this whole thing started but, I don’t want to continue with this subject, I don’t want to put you down even more so than we already are. So let’s be elevated by the emotions of those who, even if for a brief moment, could return back to normal.
@montoyaville: “A fantastic show. First concert since February did not disappoint. Thank you LP.” @fifiturtle: “Lights, drums, smoke fog, guitar, and amazing vocals. Glad to have attended a live show this year! LP rocked! And lots of social distancing/covid precautions during this drive in concert! Mel’s happy place.” @mfaucimusic: “Thank you LP for blessing us with your music in this weird, weird time.”
@charlieoverbey: “Well we finally saw some amazing live music in 2020! The vulnerability on this one (Recovery song) always cuts so deep for me because LP is just such a total badass Mofo! Today was my first time seeing my homie live and it was rad but I look forward to the day I can get in the middle of it all with all of you die hard LP Lifers and feel all that unity and love up close and personal!”
@biffachu: “So I was invited to see the amazing artist LP live and join in the ancient pre-Covid ritual known as “Concerts”, drive in style. You got a lil space next to your car to chill and they would bring refreshments and souvenirs via an app on your phone. It was actually pretty cool and felt good to get back to seeing live music. She really brought the “lot” down with her amazing voice and band. Thanks LP and Maggie! good times.”
@maggiestthomasphotos: “first drive-In performance of 2020, here with the incredible LP. So much love everywhere. A perfect show with amazing company, so thankful for such an incredible time.” @rsantiagojunior: “First time at a drive-in concert for both me and LP. Different but still great. Didn’t know how much I needed a live show so thank you Pili, Raúl and La Música aka Da Best Music Podcast Ever!!!”
@labestiala: Went to see LP at my first drive in concert. Elsa, U wanna go see LP? Si. Where? How about covid, crowds & pandemia? Easy, drive in concert in Anaheim…, fuck yeah.” @raul98ortiz: “Life update: drive-in concerts are kick ass!!! LP killed it.” @zoe.cst01: “my voice! LP – I love that woman!! I’m happy… SUPER HAPPY!!!!” @gmcgirt: “My God. This is the best I’ve heard LP sound since clubs. The mix is better, and she’s on fire.”
@colesinstaspace: “I have missed live concerts and spending time with LP today was amazing. Spending time listening to music with friends in a safe environment was a dream. Hopefully this is the first of many front row section drive in concerts… until we can be in crowded venues together. Grateful for it all.” @soelfe: “Thank you LP and Nick Leng for the much needed socially distanced concert.”
video courtesy of Liquid Courage Light Show@beckalu: “I am so grateful to have had this experience tonight. It overwhelmed my heart with the reality of what is missing for so many people this year who no longer get to DO this or experience this. Tonight was great. Also – I cried twice. Also – Jaz said LP smiled because of me screaming my head off – twice! Thank you LP for doing this!!!” @cheftury23: “Drive in concert our new norm… here to see the amazing LP!!!”
@lsmorgan: “Today I surprised my Beam with an early Yule present, and took her to see her first ever, live concert. She requested back when she was 6, to see LP as her first and today I got to make that happen for her. A big shout out and a warm thank you to the friends and staff of LP – who’s simple gestures, made the experience that much more impactful for my little one to experience.
photo by Lynsey (@lsmorgan), shared via InstagramMoon(Dyllan), made herself some friends with a few of LP’s lighting and sound techs/engineers, that were working over at the sound board, which happened to be directly next to us. Near the end of the show, she was given the print out of LPs set list for the show…. and well, needless to say- she was so stoked about the whole thing! What an amazing first concert this was for her to experience! I know for myself, I’ll long remember this day, together with her. Thank you for the music and the memories LP.”
And here’s a summary of what’s ahead of LP & us in the very near future. This Tuesday (17 November) LP will perform “The One That You Love” for Late Night with Seth Meyers. Then on the 19th there will be an official premiere of “How Low Can You Go”. On the same day LP will be guest on a Fun For Live/Dash Radio – ‘Truth & Tunes’ hosted by Pili Montilla. Then on the 7th December LP will take part in RISE TOGETHER.
This virtual gala (by War Child organization) will be in support of war-affected children and families during COVID-19. To register to watch the gala (it is free, with possibility of giving a donation), click here. That’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed my post! I will be back soon, as LP is keeping us busy despite the pandemic.
