Gig Review: Justin Bieber - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

Alternative Title: Why I Will Never See Justin Bieber Live Again!

So I had no intention of ever attending a Justin Bieber concert at any point in my life.

It’s safe to say that after last night’s drama and controversy, I have no intention of ever attending a Justin Bieber concert again! Oh, the irony of his first single being titled, Never, Say Never!

My best friend had bought two tickets for herself and another friend to go. This other friend cancelled so I was invited along so she wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity of seeing Justin Bieber. What are best friends for?

The main reason (although there are many) as to why I will never see Bieber live again is due to the audience and crowd atmosphere. You may have already seen or read news articles regarding Bieber’s diva-ish spiel telling fans to stop screaming as he considers it ‘obnoxious’. Although the screaming was incredibly annoying and sometimes unnecessary, I wouldn’t agree that it was ‘obnoxious’. However, the mass of mostly young teenage, predominantly female fans were obnoxious and disrespectful. Plenty of pushing and shoving to get just that inch closer to both the stage and of course, Justin, meant that a few fights and arguments broke out. Yes, me and my friend were involved in one too!

Also I’d say ‘obnoxious’ was a word that would best describe Justin Bieber, himself more than anything, especially the act of screaming!

During the concert, many technical changes were made, including the descending of a black, light-up cage which enclosed Justin for just one song and whilst he mimed his way through this song, I actually felt like I was the prisoner! He also had a floating trampoline which he, again, only used for the duration of one song. I’d like to think that all this technical equipment is vital to the audiences’ gig experience. However, I cannot see how it is justifiable to have equipment that’s so costly and really serves no Purpose at all. (Yes, that pun was intended.)

One positive about Justin that I can see is that when he sits down with a guitar for acoustic performances that his real talent does shine through, however, this just cheapens his overall gig performance and tour experience as he mimes through most of his other songs. Although a few mistakes were made during the guitar playing (which happens to the best of guitar players), his overall technique was impressive.

There were some enjoyable parts of the show and on the whole I did enjoy myself. The first support act, MiC Lowry of Facebook and YouTube had considerably more of a stage presence and have more talent than an overrated, bratty ‘popstar’. I’ve been able to use this quite frustrating experience and write a bad gig review. All previous reviews I have written have been good and commended the artist, however I’m struggling to find anything remarkable to say. At least you lovely readers can trust that I’m being honest!