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Incubus in Abu Dhabi

It has been over two months yet when I sorted the photos it felt like it was just yesterday of that mid of the three-day exhilarating after-race (F1) concerts last year. Sorting the photos reminded me of the ever delighted crowd, the new acquaintances I gained over twitter and other means through those queries directed to me asking how to get up-close to the stage, how to possibly get VIP passes out of my same kind of luck in the past (*facepalm* heeheee), me advising people as if I am a serial concert goer, and other random thoughts. Hahaha. Well, with no shame I admit that I am one of those who did the marathon for the after-race concerts for the past two years of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Incubus in Abu Dhabi

It was a back to back concert for British band The Cult and Californian band Incubus that carefree night of 12th November, 2011. While The Cult was impressive for their part, without impartiality, Incubus deserved to do the second (i.e. last) half. As they say, save the better for last (at least for that night).

Incubus in Abu Dhabi

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Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

It is my second time to celebrate new year away from home. The eve and today were spent with dear ones, cooking for them and well, it has been spiced up differently because I had a new year countdown with Coldplay. They have been here in 2009 but I was not able to catch them. I guess this is one of the blessings in disguise (no, I am not sourgraping heehee) of not being granted a leave this time due to work commitments.

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

Unlike the Formula 1 after-race concerts which were consistently staged at Yas Arena, last night’s concert was held at the Corniche Breakwater. I think it is due to the event being highlighted, the Volvo Ocean Race, which is happening in Abu Dhabi Corniche. While I am more at home in Yas Arena, the presence of the group in any venue may probably outweigh other preferences and considerations. It was reported that this British band was paid US$ 1.5 million for this performance and was a personal choice of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Coldplay in Abu Dhabi

The concert kicked off with mini-fireworks display and confetti complemented some of the next numbers. They played Yellow, Viva La Vida, Violet Hill, Fix You, Paradise, In My Place, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, and more that comprised the epic night.

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The Cult in Abu Dhabi

Following Britney Spears’ after-race concert was a back to back oozing performances from The Cult and Incubus. We didn’t know who is going to perform first, but the spotlight buzzed at 8:00 PM, an hour earlier than the usual gigs in Yas Arena. There the British rock band, The Cult came in full enthusiasm.

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

I had a little adjustment to the ‘gothic rock’, but they were pleasant in the ears. Add to that the contagious looks of people around me who were obvious die-hards. For a moment I felt a little out of place. Hahaha. But not too long I was regaled by the head banging of the lead vocalist, but I liked more the depth of the guitarists.

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

The band existed even before I went to gradeschool and it was interesting to see them still standing as group although it went through ‘break-up’, reunion, hiatus, and other challenges. (In my dreams, I hope that can happen with the Philippines’/ our very own ‘Eraserheads’.)

The Cult in Abu Dhabi

I can say that The Cult’s appearance in the back to back concert with Incubus seemed like a ‘swing by‘ in Abu Dhabi as they are preparing for their 9th studio album.


Ended their performance via the classic She Sells Sanctuary

Front row, VIP Section expectators - The Cult in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to Universe for the VIP passes!

And as they concluded, we paused for a break as the stage was being switched on to a different kind of energy. We were at the same (front) row with them — few minutes before Incubus appeared to the crowd (*inserts teenage-like screams here*).

[The Cult in Abu Dhabi photoset]

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Britney Spears

Amongst many celebrations, November spells F1 in Abu Dhabi or locally known as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But more than the roaring engines, I am one of those who are more interested in after-race concerts. So we did a concert marathon again like last year (it was Kanye West, Linkin Park and Prince) the past week.

F1 Village

We strategically selected the North Grandstand tickets again since it’s nearest to Yas Arena (concert venue). That we can just do ober da bakod (over the fence) after the race. Well, it’s still steps/corner away but the best location if you intend to fly from the race circuit to the concert gate. We got the buy one, take one tickets by the way and for that I thank over and again a good friend for sourcing for us. I also can not thank the Universe enough because even if we got the regular F1 race tickets (which entitled the holder to after-race concert), we were given (on the day itself) VIP wristbands in the three consecutive nights musical affair. Yehey!

Britney SpearsFemme Fatale Tour (Abu Dhabi)

Months before the Abu Dhabi F1 organizers announced the line up of performers, there were speculations that Lady Gaga will do the opening night. But surmised that she is too liberated for the Emirate. Then it was finally hinted that Britney Spears will kick-off the after-race concerts when Abu Dhabi was announced to  be part of her Femme Fatale Tour. Due to stretchable demand, the concert organizers floated tons of tickets raffled through online contests in order to give way to interested non-F1 ticket holders.

Britney Spears doing the Toxic dance

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I like the cover of new album of Jim Paredes

We judge the book by its cover, so are the albums!

The cover (made by his daughter) of Jim Paredes’ solo album speaks a thousand words. It’s playful, it’s Pinoy, it’s nostalgic, it’s youthful, it’s meaningful! The album is titled Laro (Game) and is comprised of 14 original songs. What makes it more interesting is when he said that, “Is it ‘commercial’? I really do not know what that means anymore. I never once asked myself the question while I was doing the album. I was just on a reckless and wild ‘enjoy and play’ mode. I know the songs themselves and their themes are quite unique.”

I can’t wait to get a copy.

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