Last night, I went to see Hans Zimmer Live at the 02 Arena, and it was beyond incredible. I’m glad I booked it, and glad I went, even if I am a little tired today.
I love Hans Zimmers music. There’s something about it, that just makes my whole soul smile. It just has that unique sound; beautiful but haunting, majestic and otherworldly. I listen to his soundtracks a lot, when writing or working, and it really helps me focus. It helps that his music is a delight to play, always full of joy and wonder, and never too difficult. I have many happy memories of playing his soundtracks in wind bands, particularly Pirates of the Caribbean. So when I saw tickets for his live show, I had to go.
I made my way to the venue easily, viewing it as an adventure, and didn’t even get lost. I braved security and oddly lit escalators, and even found toilets and some chips. I even had a helpful lady direct me to my seat, which was nice. I settled in, excited.
I knew it was going to be amazing. But it was incredible. He had a live orchestra, and a choir, and it made everything come alive. I felt it in my bones, the music echoing, filling me with a thrill of ecstasy at every turn, particularly with the Dark Knight and Wonder Woman, sending shivers down my spine. I felt one with the songs, with the melodies and harmonies seeping into my soul and setting my heart aflame
And Hans himself was really funny. He was a lot more down to earth than I was expecting. But I liked it. It made him endearing. And you could tell both he and the musicians were having fun, with every minute. You could see and hear their passion and joy in every melody, and it made me fall in love with the music even more.
There were some fantastic musicians. Some out of this world soloists, particularly the guitarist and his brother on that flute. All the solo singers were amazing, especially the man in the Lion King at the end. They really went for it, going above and beyond, remarkable performances that reached into the heights, as if they touched the stars, that took my breath away. I’m still amazed how the guitarist improvised some of his solos, like that was talent.
It was out of this world, a little taste of what could be, a place where anything was possible, the only limit being your imagination. I loved every minute, lost for words, and glad I went.
