Alanis Morissette at The O2

The O2 Arena, London. Wednesday 28-November-12.

Mary was delayed in Poland on business so my sister Jane stepped in at the last minute to avoid the ticket going to waste (or me having to stand around outside the O2 like a ticket tout).

The main act was not due until 9pm so we skipped the support acts and went for a meal at Las Iguanas and a good old natter. I had the Incredible Xinxim which did not live up to its name. The first time I had it, it was delicious – this time not quite so. They were very busy and I am not convinced the kitchen was up to the volume. I would go back but I’d pick something different next time.

Then we went into the VIP O2 Lounge. Only for O2 customers and you have to text UPGRADE 2 (or the number in your group, max 6) to 60202 on the day for the limited availability access. It gets you into a quiet bar and your own private lift to the venue.

It used to be that venues said “No recording” and “No photography” but all you could see in the standing area was a sea of glow-worms as people held up their smart phones to capture the moment. Perhaps it got too hard to police or maybe they decided that the quality is so poor that they had nothing to fear or realised that many are destined to generate positive word-of-mouth or some social media goodness. Certainly from our vantage point the images are indicative only.

As at any gig there are the faithful who know all the songs and all the words and were singing along to whatever she sings. I am not so familiar with her works and so, not being able to make out the words, had to listen to her voice as the sixth instrument in the band, that is until we got to the hits.

Catherine Gee of the Telegraph gave the concert Three Stars:

"[...] It was the two-song acoustic section towards the end which best showcased her remarkable vocal talent. Sat atop a tall chair, ankle resting on her knee, she belted out Hand in My Pocket and the enchanting a cappella track Your House, bringing the huge crowd to near silence.

Mellow she may be these days, but Morissette can still command the attention of thousands with nothing but the power of her voice."

The Telegraph - Live Music Reviews