Reviews of The O2
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Venue Reviews of The O2 Arena
Posted by dave john, cambridge (2008-10-01)
could never concentrate fully on concert performance as i was continualy disturbed by people walking up and down the aisles mostly for more beer,stood up for stevie wonder ten times,stood up to let weak bladdered boozers out 30 times.myself and my freinds all agreed that would be our first and last visit .
stevie wonder
food and drink too dear,terrible acoustics
Posted by Christine Collier, Colchester (2008-09-15)
Having been initially disappointed as being unable to get tickets for the Thursday night Stevie Wonder concert it was with delight that my children rang me to say that they had discovered another date and I hastily booked six tickets, albeit reluctantly in the very highest seats of the fourth tier - how it is possible for people to get better seats? We were all very excited in anticipation of seeing Stevie Wonder and at last he entered the stage. From down below us there was a muffled roar. We stood as he began the evening to a rapturous reception but immediately felt utter disappointment at the unbelievable poor sound quality. It was like we were seated in the perimeter walkway leading to the toilets with music from the concert filtering through. My son, like scores of other people went to complain but was told that there was nothing that could be done. The girl on customer services even admitted that it was worse the night before, handing him an address to write to. Reading reviews of other previous concerts at the O2 it would appear that this has been the case for a very long time and nothing is being done about it. It would appear that unless it is possible to get seating in any of the lower levels then the fans paying out a fortune for poor seating are always going to be thoroughly let down. Why and how does the O2 continue to get away with this. If there is nothing that can be done about the sound quality then don't continue to rip people off and offer seating so ridiculously high with poor accoustics.
Great atmosphere whilst waiting to see a legend
Unacceptably high seating with poor sound quality
Posted by Chris Arnold, Ruardean (2008-08-13)
I have done quite a few concerts in my time but never had a venue as dreadful as this one. That said no problems with transport (took buses there and back from Greenwich) or indeed the bars/restaurants on entry where despite being busy, quick and courteous service seemed the norm. It was the concert arena itelf. No doubt being in the last but one tier on the left of the stage did not help. The sound was abysmal, muffled, distorted treble, bass was overly loud and dominating and bad quailty too boot. Couple that with microphones that went on and off with regular monotony and whoever was at the mixing console needed shooting, I would would truly struggle to give it 2 out of 10. I also now know what its like to be a Jack In The Box constantly getting up for persons who either had no bladder control or felt the need to feed or water their face every 20 mins. Would I go again? If I were able to get a different position, infront of the stage on the floor maybe, to give it a chance to redeem itself, else no chance
Michael Buble's performance
Just about everything
Posted by Lucy, Horsham (2008-07-31)
I went to see Kylie this week at the O2. I hadn't seen Kylie before or been to the O2. The combination was totally electrifying and I had a fantastic evening. We had seats in the 4th tier, which was a bit unnerving as it was such a steep drop down, but you got used to it after a while and it didn't stop me standing up and dancing. The venue and transport arrangements were great; no irritable public as everything was well controlled. I would recommend the O2 Arena (and Kylie) and will encourage my husband to come along and see something with me later in the year. Excellent.
Superb! Well organised, loads of loos.
4th row seats were very high and a bit scary
Posted by Debbie, Surrey (2008-07-27)
Have seen Barbra Streisand twice,Take That and Michael Buble. Just booked Simply Red. Have sat in all different areas of the arena. Dislike the 2nd level tiers but all floor and 1st level seats are good. Prefer this venue to Wembley and others but wish 02 would stop selling food and drink during the performance as the constant trooping backwards and forwards of some many people spoils the enjoyment of the concert. Appreciate they want to make money but need to sort this out as it resembles a railway station at times. Venue is easy to get too and the clipper is fun and fantastic.
Good views, good food, good venue
Constant interruptions
Posted by Dale, Swindon (2008-07-09)
I went to see Dolly Parton at the O2 on 6th July (she was amazing!) The arena is massive and impressive to walk around. The food quality was good - I was served quickly and the staff were polite and helpful. The only drawbacks are that food is allowed into the arena and the car parking is ridiculous! Sat there for an hour and it seemed to be a free-for-all. They really need a better system to get people out and better marshalling could do this easily. If you are planning to go I would avoid the side seats which face 90 degrees from the stage. I was in the front block and the view/sound was fantastic. Would definitely go again.
Great atmosphere and good sound
Car park mayhem!!
Posted by Bennett Family, Croydon (2008-07-09)
Went to see Alicia Keys 8th July 2008 . We were level 4 on R/H side of stage, one row from the back. A very disaapointing concert. The sound was very poor & extremely loud. You could not hear the words probably as the sound seemed distorted and the base was very booming. We would not go to a concert at O2 again.
None
Very poor sound quality, loud & distorted
Posted by Bob, london (2008-07-08)
Went to Dolly Parton on 6 July were situated on level four at side- sound was very poor -too loud & distorted all sounded mushy. Constant interruptions from foodies & drinkers/late comers this is just not on especially considering price of tickets- had people sitting near us chomping on fish & chips ugh!!.Seating not suitable for concerts at the end of the arena having to crane your kneck! Saw Eagles in March & sound was brilliant but again constant interruptions etc spoilt it. Shan't be going again
None
Food & drink in auditorium/poor seating
Posted by John, Islington (2008-07-07)
There for Dolly Parton Sunday 6 July 08. First time in the main arena - a staggeringly huge space. We had seats in the central/ front blocks of the stalls. Although a bit cramped, we had a great view and enjoyed good, well balanced sound. A bit put-out by slow bar queues, slow bar service. Also not good that food is allowed in the auditorium - someone in front of us was munching a burger and chips during one of the quieter numbers. Overall first impression of the main arena was a good one, although given its size and height, I definitely would not want to be at the back of the gods.
Great sound; staggering space
Food allowed in auditorium; bar queues
Posted by Andy, Cirencester (2008-06-30)
This is a truly dreadful venue. The arena has been specifically designed for musical performances, so why on earth don't the seats face the stage? Having seats facing at a right-angle to the stage is unforgivable from a design perspective. Also, at the Neil Diamond gig I went to, people were allowed to bring food and drink into the arena, which meant constant interruptions and distractions as people kept going to the bar or fetching burgers. It made listening to the slower, acoustic songs impossible, and was disrespectful to the performer.
Ample parking
Location, Design, Management
Posted by Tom Braider, Brighton (2008-06-26)
Saw Santana on Sunday. Unlike last reviewer I thought the sound was good - although the bass drum was a bit painful as it hit you in the chest; I was only 12 rows from the stage and that bass was LOUD. Parking was chaotic and we were actually late for the gig - but they had warned us there would be trouble as the Tube was out of action so not the venue's fault, I suppose. This was my second gig at O2 (first Prince). I reckon I'd go again...
Roomy!
Car park charge
Posted by julie, ashford, kent. (2008-06-23)
saw santana along with beverly knight. sound quality and visability very poor, will not be going again unless lucky enough to get good seats. wish we had complained as people in earlier reviews had done and were moved to front seats, left concert early, have never done that before, very dissapointed.
toilets clean
very bad sound quality
Posted by blondie, orpington (2008-06-22)
Don't get 'central' seats at the back.The stacking of seats is just too sheer !! Artists appear as pin dots and 'large ' screens appear as a 12 " TV ! Sound for the Eagles including their acoustic sections weas however excellent. Neil Diamond seats although 4 th tier very good .Sat in a second row in front of lighting apparatus. View and screens not so bad , didnt feel at all panicky at height. Sound really bad and cant believe it was anything to do with Neil Diamond having seen him 6 times previously! In fact he was complaining of feedback FFS!!!!!!! Also sat stationary for 1 hour in car park trying to get home !
eagles
neil diamond
Posted by elise, folkestone (2008-02-17)
i saw Keane here, it is enormous! luckily we had good seats :) but would def go standing next time so i'm in amongst those as exicted as me!! sound was loud and fab! could hear them sound checking outside by the restaurants.
atmosphere is unbelievable!
getting food was hard- very busy
Posted by anne, reading (2008-01-20)
cant wait to go again good sounds and one of the best i have been to.
great seats good food and helpful staff
none at all
Posted by Michelle, brighton (2007-10-28)
Went to see Scissor Sisters. We were standing. I was amazed how big the arena is, and the staff were so helpful. Only downside is that the floor needs to be sprung if your standing for such a long time, as jsut standing on concrete is a bit hatsh !! Overall Fantastic though
!! FANTASTIC !!
Posted by Tim , Sevenoaks (2007-09-15)
I was at the O2 for Princes opening night and I can honestly say this was probably the best concert I have ever been too,the buzz of 20,000 fans around the arena was just out of this world!!
Prince put on the best show ever!!!
Queues for the underground after the show
Posted by Paula, Birkenhead (2007-08-22)
I went to see Prince at the O2 - he was fab and our seats were great - would recommend this venue to anyone. All staff were very helpful at the venue as the arena is so big you get a bit lost on the way back to your seats he he. The onlt bad thing was the que to eat but if you go to the hot dog stands like we did there was no que. I was 100% pleased with tickets, seats, venue and Prince was the best! Deffo go again
Excellent
Queues for food
Posted by Jo Hepburn, Cambridge (2007-08-08)
I went to see Justin Timberlake who was absolutely brilliant. Would recommend eating outside of the O2 as the queues are ridiculous. Very upset with ticket master as booked tickets before xmas (for concert beginning of July) and asked for best seats available. We turned up and found out they had put us on the back row - when other sections hadn't even been sold. I reckon we would have got better seats if we'd purchased on the day! When ticket master sells seats it appears that they sell by section, so when you ask for best available you get best in that section. Sound quality at the back is poor as all the sound seens to come from the front/middle of the arena. Also, not good if you suffer from vertigo as is very high up and very steep! Anyway, we complained and got moved right to the front! Views and sound quality brilliant! Overall thought it was a brilliant venue.
Great views
Queues for food, bad sound quality if sat at back
Posted by Christina Baker, Stevenage (2007-07-09)
Went to see Justin Timberlake at the O2.I was at the very back of the arena, the seating was so steep - not good if you have a fear of heights!! The sound and view was pretty poor too, however the atmospere was amazing so I Would go back but only if better seats are available!!
Justin of course
Poor view/sound at the back
Posted by Danielle Evans, Cambridge (2007-07-08)
Ok..so the venue was quality..looked really cool with all the restaurants etc (kinda like a mini town)..woulda been even better if u could actually get into the restaurants tho, had to wait about half hour (at least) to be seated as queues were 30 people long! i would strongly recommend anyone going to see a concert to eat elsewhere beforehand otherwise it will turn out to be a mad rush and stressful (we had to miss fergie whilst waitin for our pizza to arrive..v annoying!)..justin was amazing..however - we booked our tickets about 8 months ago and we were seated right at the back = poor sound, terrible view etc etc!..so we went and complained and got moved RIGHT to the front (amazing)..great view (of Justin - phwoarr!!) and the sound quality was amazing..so basically guys overall we had a wicked time in the end but would def advise eatin beforehand and moan about seats if get seated right at back - done! =0) would definitely go back!
Posted by Melanie, Hackney (2007-07-07)
I went to see Justin Timberlake, and he was hot! A great venue, excellent sound. Would definitely go back again.
Great venue!
Queues for food
Posted by Elise, Cambridge (2007-06-28)
I was at The O2 with friends for Bon Jovi's opening night concert. We had an amazing time, the sound quality was fantastic, as were the views from the seats. Not everything was open yet (some restaurants etc due to open later in the year)so queues for food, but everything well organised. Would definitely go there again!
fantastic sound and views
Not everything was open yet
Posted by Fiona, Reading (2007-06-27)
We went to the opening night of the O2 Arena and were seriously entertained by Bon Jovi - this was the third time I'd been to see them play, but the added excitement of 20,000 screaming fans packed in to the shiny new dome made it the best gig yet! Plenty of places to eat - it actually reminded me of a high street, packed with Nandos, Pizza Express, the Slug and Lettuce and loads of other places. I'll definitely come back to the O2, especially for a Bon Jovi concert! :-)
Superb venue!
None - gig was amazing!
