Bought myself a ticket to go and see Alkaline Trio at the o2 academy in Birmingham last night, and convinced Simon to buy a last minute ticket to come with me. (Actually, he asked me what I was doing that night and when I remembered I was supposed to be going to a gig, he asked if there were tickets still for sale). Having been a bit sceptical because of the last time I saw them (Reading Festival - poor setlist, poor drumming, bad technical issues with the mics and amps) I was a little anxious to see how they'd bounce back from it. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.

The first thing I noticed was that Derek's drumming was a million times better this time, if not excellent. Dan's bass amps were set-up much better this time but maybe too much as sometimes Matt's guitar was drained out too much and left inaudible at times - merely just toneless noise. Also the setlist was a lot stronger than at Reading festival but one thing I've noticed lately is that they are trying to mix things up by playing different songs each time which is always nice to hear. They didn't play too many off the new record either which was pleasing because I'm not a big fan of the new record really.

These are the songs I remember (not in order):

Calling All Skeletons
Help Me
In Vein
I Found Away
Sadie
I Was A Prayer
This Could Be Love
We've Had Enough
All On Black
Goodbye Forever
Emma
If We Never Go Inside
Blue In The Face
Sorry About That
Mr. Chainsaw
Private Eye
Stupid Kid
I Lied My Face Off
Maybe I'll Catch Fire
Jaked On Green Beers

I think that was most, if not all of them. Perhaps one more off the new record (maybe Do You Wanna Know?, but don't quote me on that.) It's nice to see the refreshing change of some songs from the playlist. I mean, at Reading they had Blue Carolina, Armageddon, Mercy Me, Time To Waste, Another Innocent Girl (I think) and Take Lots With Alcohol (I think), so it's nice to see it being mixed up a bit, but I can't help but feel like they're cheating their fans by not playing Radio. I mean, no disrespect, I'm glad they're changing it around in lieu of the "same old, same old", however if there's one way to end a show and send your fans home elated then it's definitely by finishing with Radio. Though, I will admit, a solo performance of Blue In The Face and Sorry About That was a nice touch.

Highlight of the gig: Goodbye Forever, once again dedicated to the late Jerry Finn, instantly followed up with Emma. Fantastic.

I decided to watch from the back this time rather than get sweaty with a bunch of strangers: the gig seems so much more enjoyable this way, even if your legs do take a pounding from all the standing around. Definitely enjoyed the gig: 7.5/10

Support bands included The Audition and some other small band I've never heard of.

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