SCANDAL at O2 Academy, London

The O2 Academy was alive with excitement. SCANDAL took to the stage in London tonight to massive cheers from their fans, who welcomed the girls back for their second time here with tremendous enthusiasm.

Room No.7 sounded through the venue, the girls opening the night with the short instrumental as an introduction, getting themselves and the fans here tonight hyped for the show about to commence. Stamp! began the main set of the concert tonight to the obvious delight of the crowd who threw their arms high into the air, pumping their fists, singing every word along with lead vocalist and guitarist HARUNA.

Your Song (English version) followed suit with its catchy beat, punk rock guitar melody and powerful lyrics. HARUNA and TOMOMI shared the vocal work, coming together with the most perfect harmonies which were a delight to listen, sing along and dance to. The vibe was already top notch with feel-good, uplifting, pop-rock songs which really got the night started with a party atmosphere.

The energy level remained pretty much the same through the next few songs until Konya wa Pizza Party, which could quite possibly be crowned best song of the night, simply for the addition of fan-brought pizza slice-shaped balloons. It was hard not to enjoy the sight of this, the band obviously delighted with the addition as well, bringing out another burst of energy with dancing onstage and dancing in the crowd to this cheerful and upbeat song. Up until this point it was great to see the interaction between the band and the fans but it was clear from the reactions throughout the room that this was going to be one of many memorable moments to take home.

Take Me Out was a great addition to the set-list and got a welcome reception from the fans. As their newest single it was both fresh in people’s minds and a song many here tonight were hoping to hear live. SCANDAL really were not disappointing anyone here playing a fantastic mix of new songs from their YELLOW album, released in March this year, among older songs such as DOLL and EVERYBODY SAY YEAH!

There was no hiding or shying away from the sheer energy and enthusiasm tonight. It was clear from the smiles on the faces of all on stage and in the crowd that this would be a night to enjoy and it really was. From beginning to end, the performance that SCANDAL delivered was superb. As HARUNA, TOMOMI, MAMI and RINA lined up at the front of the stage after their encore to say goodbye, they promised they would be back to perform in London again soon. After the success of tonight we will certainly be holding them to that promise.

Set list

01. Room No. 7
02. Stamp!
03. Your Song (English version)
04. Onegai Navigation
05. LOVE ME DO
06. Sunday Drive
07. Konya wa Pizza Party
08. DOLL
09. Sisters
10. Morning Sun
11. Take Me Out
12. Awanai tsumori no, genki de ne
13. LOVE SURVIVE
14. EVERYBODY SAY YEAH!
15. Taiyou Scandalous
16. Image
17. Chiisana honoo

Encore:
18. Shoujo S
19. SCANDAL BABY