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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Berlin - Tempelhof International Airport, 23.10.08

Gig report from NME.com...

Bloc Party played a one-off gig inside Berlin's historic Tempelhof International Airport last night (October 23rd). Taking to the stage in Tempelhof's dining lounge shortly after 10pm, Bloc Party played an hour-long set in full view of the airport's runway.

The band, who release new album 'Intimacy' physically next Monday (October 27th), were in jubilant mood throughout the gig. During 'Mercury', singer Kele Okereke burst through security staff into the crowd to sing. Despite being mobbed by fans, Okereke managed to make his way to the sound desk, which he proceeded to stand upon until the end of the song.

Drummer Matt Tong also used the gig to practise his German. Tong, who lives in Berlin, jokingly ordered a latte from the stage before admitting that he hadn't had time to learn the language properly. Shortly after the gig, Bloc Party bassist Gordon Moakes told NME.COM that the band were impressed by the gig venue, saying it was "surreal" to play in such a strange setting. "It was quite exciting when we first walked in and saw the runway right next to us," he said. "Weirdly, it actually reminds me of the Academy 3 in Birmingham a bit! In terms of the stage size, anyway. But the building itself is a lot better than that. It reeks of old Germany."

Despite the success of the gig, it is almost certain that the event will be a one-off, as Tempelhof is set to close for good next week (October 30), and will be replaced by the new Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport.

[Setlist]

One Month Off / Hunting For Witches / Positive Tension / Blue Light / Halo / Song For Clay (Disappear Here) / Banquet / Signs / Better Than Heaven / Talons / This Modern Love / The Prayer

Mercury / Price Of Gasoline / Flux / Helicopter

Edit: Concert Online recorded the entire set...click here to buy it (audio or video). Here's a preview of the video:

Labels: Gig_reviews, Setlists

¶ 9:36 PM

Comments:

They should've played Kreuzberg. :P

# posted by

Anonymous : October 25, 2008 11:44 PM

Any pics? I've been there, but I have no idea of where they performed, so pictures would be nice:)

# posted by

Kristoffer : October 25, 2008 11:47 PM

cool

# posted by

Anonymous : October 26, 2008 12:40 AM

I wish Kele'd stop playing with his voice so much on "Talons". I also wish he'd muttered "dirty slut" instead of moaning "real slut". I also wish... oh never mind :)

# posted by

crafty bison : October 26, 2008 2:43 PM

dont worry bison we all know what u mean, its just a phase he's going through lol

# posted by

Peanuts : October 26, 2008 7:10 PM

Matt lives in Berlin?

# posted by

marbig : October 27, 2008 9:36 AM