Apocalyptica
Support from Swallow The Sun
Portsmouth Pyramids, 10th December 2008
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Easily a contender for Best Gig Of The Year. Bloody amazing. Support band were ok, not terrible, but I didn't go to see them, I went to see Mikko, Antero, Perttu, Paavo and of course, Eicca.
The setlist was entirely instrumental (it turns out that they only hooked up with Toryn Green for the US shows) which was wonderful because that's how I prefer them.
Eicca & Perttu were their usual chatty selves, and Paavo was getting incredibly flirty with the girls in the audience. They really know how to play up to the crowd, and everyone there seemed to be really enjoying themselves, which makes for a fantastic atmosphere.
After the gig, I bought a hoodie, a bootleg t-shirt, and headed round the back to lurk by the tourbus. For a while I was the only person there, sat on a rock, freezing my ass off (literally), but eventually a few more like minded folks joined the stalk-fest. We sat and watched the gear get loaded into the vans, and we waited. More gear got loaded up, we waited some more. The support band came out and put their stuff into their mini-van, and still we waited, and sung Disney songs. One of the crew came over and handed us some photo prints, which was really nice of him.
Then eventually, after everything had been loaded into the trucks, the guys appeared. Antero snuck out, and I don't think anyone else noticed him. He's known for being quiet, and I didn't want to run up and bother him so I let him sneak away, he's technically only a touring member anyway.
Mikko and Perttu walked out next, both carrying loads of stuff, but they stopped for a few minutes to chat and sign the photos which was very good of them. Perttu is very loud and confident on stage, but in person he comes across quite shy, but I guess he was probably just exhausted. I chatted to Mikko for a bit, asked him what it was like touring with bands like Rammstein (turns out they use the same road crew) and how he got into the band etc. They were both very sweet, but it was obvious that they just wanted to get on the tour bus and collapse, so we didn't harass them for photos.
Finally, Paavo and Eicca appeared and I thought I was going to pass out. They are both such lovely people, they signed our photos, they chatted for ages and ages, we got photos with them, and even hugs. Eicca gave a very good hug, but Paavo was easily the best- very warm and comfortable. Would highly recommend.