I Kissed Katy Perry

On the 7th of March 2009, I headed to the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels to see Katy Perry. The crowd was a funny mix of very small teenagers and younger folk with their parents, women in their 30s, gay men and some random creatures that had surely been dragged along to the event. It wasn't bad, yes the set list was limited as she only has one album, but she treated everyone to a great cover of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" and a truly energetic performance full of tongue-in-cheek introductions, blow-up strawberries and a giant chapstick, and a great voice that was determined to have fun and entertain from start to finish.

Let Love Rule in Ancienne Belgique

Anna and I arrived half an hour before the concert was scheduled to start. By the speed at which the tickets had sold out (within minutes) and the amount of people waiting by the doors we felt this could be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. And we weren’t disappointed. We didn’t have to wait too long (no cover acts, and after the long performance by Hero the week before at the Stereophonics gig, we were glad) until the band members went on stage followed by the legendary Lenny Kravitz.

It was the first time I had seen him live (however not the first time I had seen him, in the flesh ) and he proved to be the genius I was told he was: he was soon producing wonders with his guitar, pouring his energy out, offering his music to the audience, holding nothing back. The concert was mostly an improvised, jamming session, in which every song lasted more than 10 minutes. Lenny encouraged the different band members to engage on high-quality solos, inviting them follow the crowd’s positive reactions. The audience played an important part during the gig (except for those boring “statues” placed in the vip area, showing hardly any commitment or gratitude to the fabulous artists in front of them. Next time, Live Nation, or Ancienne Belgique, whoever was responsible for them, sell those tickets to people that want to enjoy themselves rather than pathetically pose). Lenny offered some fans the opportunity to choose a song, even join him on stage. The audience thanked him singing every line, and even chanting to the lead guitarist’s birthday. His daughter also enjoyed the gig, dancing in the back.

It was a unforgettable night, and Lenny was king. He is a true artist and sheer talent. Mr. Cab Driver, Let Love Rule and other hits contributed to a vibrant and powerful concert, where Lenny Kravitz presented his new album and his renewed energies after the bronchitis that made him postpone the concert in the first place. Anna and I felt honored to be there, and I am sure we were not the only ones.

Let love rule.

Jess
Lenny Kravitz and his band performed in the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, on March the 10th, 2008

On Performances and Cocktails in Brussels

I have not written in a long time. I am in Brussels again. I am a technical writer, creating documents, editing texts, fighting with strings of words, struggling to stay awake. Still I keep dreaming. Sometimes I dream nice musings, on other occasions heavy nightmares make me sweat.

Last Monday (3rd March) I watched Kelly Jones and his guys play the most amazing music. It was a mind-blowing experience. Until then I was not a Stereophonics fan. I now pledge allegiance to Welsh guitars and leather jackets.

The experience was so great, it has even inspired me to write a short story. I am working on it right now, and though I do not know what it will end up being, I am at least enjoying the process. I am also loving an early album of the guys, Performance and Cocktails, and I strongly recommend it.