It’s day two of Tennent’s Vital in Belfast and Hot Press is here for the “only live appearance of Snow Patrol this year.” There’s a bit of an odd feeling around Boucher Playing Fields tonight it has to be said: in some ways, it feels as if we’re here to give Snow Patrol a decent send-off before they go into hibernation (at least for a little while, there’s an album planned for 2014 after all...) and it will come as no surprise to learn that loads of fans from across the world have flown in especially to see this rare show.
After watching a heartening performance by the increasingly impressive Kodaline and then being underwhelmed by (un)easy listening type Jason Mraz, it’s time for the headliners to take the stage. Favoured set-starter ‘Hands Open’ kicks things off nicely, with frontman Gary Lightbody bounding around like he’s never stopped touring. Hits and classic cuts alike are played early tonight (‘Take Back The City,’ ‘Spitting Games’) and many are surprised when the Foy Vance-dedicated track ‘Run’ is performed a mere five numbers in, robbing the crowd of that big climax near the end. Still, regardless of the timing, the faithful all sing along to the tune that made the band’s name.
Gary announces that this evening’s gig will be long-serving keyboardist Tom Simpson’s last and the audience dutifully gives him the applause he deserves before the singer dedicates ‘Chasing Cars’ to the departing ivory tinkler. Again, it’s played relatively early in their set, but the track still works a treat, like it always did, and it’s a fine send-off for the Scot.
‘Chocolate,’ ‘Open Your Eyes’ and more make appearances in this Greatest Hits style show and before we know it, Lightbody, ever the anti-rock star, is out onstage with a cup of tea in his hand and dedicating ‘Just Say Yes’ to his Da. Far from a vintage performance, it was still a nice way for the band to say farewell to the real fans before they disappear for some much needed r’n’r. It’ll be fascinating to hear what they come up with next year.