Impact was packed with thousands of screaming fans during the Black Eyed Peas concert.

A whole lot of love

By ThaiDay

04 August 2006

Black Eyed Peas put on a crowd-pleasing show

Either the Black Eyed Peas are really in tune with the cultural nuances of their world-wide fans and the going-ons of Southeast Asia in particular, or they have a really savvy PR manager. Not only did they manage to throw shout-outs to His Majesty the King, but when they sang their hit song “Where is the love?” they dedicated it to Burmese political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi. Turning off the stadium lights and asking everyone to light up their mobiles (candles were not provided), the hip-hop band showed a montage of Suu Kyi and the whole stadium swayed back and forth in a tribute that actually worked.

At another point in Monday’s jam-packed show at Impact Muang Thong Thani, will.i.am chanted over a catchy hook: “Thai girls. Thai girls. The most beautiful girls in the world.” Thousands of women in the crowd screamed hysterically and there could be no doubt that the Black Eyed Peas had sealed their place as one of Bangkok’s favorite international bands.

Arriving here on their Asian Monkey Business Tour, the band’s timing could not have been more impeccable. For months, their song “My Hump” has been a club favorite, and sexy Fergie, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo played with the confidence of knowing that the loyalty of their Thai fans ran deep. In a scene rare for international bands in Bangkok, there was barely an empty seat at Impact. Even the upper reaches of the stadium’s second tier were full of fans waving their hands in the air and shaking their asses like they just didn’t care.

Truth be told, the band deserved the avid response they received Monday. The sexually-charged show was energetic and full of seemingly improvised highlights, including break dancing, a drum show that was reminiscent of the famous off Broadway show Stomp, and a few cover songs, including a Guns ‘N’ Roses guitar solo and a cover version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” In this sense, the Black Eyed Peas seem to have taken over from the Fugees, putting on eclectic gigs that cover a range of different styles, unafraid to steal liberally from other acts and put their own alternative spin on songs.

It’s even difficult to label the Black Eyed Peas as hip-hop. Hip-pop would be more closer to the point, with some funk and soul thrown in. Add in their circus-like get-ups and Fergie’s belly-dancer sex appeal and they remind you of George Clinton and P-Funk at times.

Which is why the Peas put on a great stadium show. When club anthem “My Humps” finally came on, the crowds reached a collective climax. They didn’t even need this perennial favorite to top off the show.

On Monday, you never knew what was coming next and when they encored with “Let’s get it started” the audience was left wishing it truly could begin all over. No doubt they’ll be back again.

Thai Day

Did you make it to that gig then Phil?

Seriously though, it sounds a good event. I like some of their stuff, the problem is that some of their lyrics can be rather foul-mouthed.

Actually, until a few weeks ago I had never heard of them :shock: But it appears that they are popular with younger Thai's

lol, showing your age there, Phil. :lol: But I know what you mean, I`m more in to Simon and Garfunkel and Dylan.

That leads me on to mentioning that I`m going to see see Paul Simon in concert at the M.E.N. Arena on the 4th November.

Quote:Paul Simon

Paul Simon celebrates his first solo album in six years with a date at the M.E.N Arena on Sat 4 November. Tickets, priced £40.00 and £45.00, are now on-sale.

Get the low down on the man behind 'Graceland' with the M.E.N Arena's top five Paul Simon facts:

1: Paul Simon last appeared at the M.E.N Arena with Art Garfunkel in front of a sell-out crowd in July 2004.

2: Simon's latest album, 'Surprise', features the hit single 'Father and Daughter' - nominated for an Oscar after its inclusion on the 'Wild Thornberrys' soundtrack.

3: 'Surprise' was co-produced by Roxy Music man Brian Eno who has also worked with David Bowie, U2 and James, all of whom have previously performed at the M.E.N Arena.

4: Simon was recently named as one of the '100 people who shape our world' by Time Magazine.

5: Simon's first son, Harper Simon, is a guitarist.

Really looking forward to it, though I`d rather see him with Art Garfunkel together, but I can`t see that ever happening again unfortunately.