Snow Patrol return to Seattle
We headed to the Paramount Theater to catch the first U.S. tour stop of the Northern Irish-Scottish rock band, Snow Patrol. The sold-out show brought fans together for this performance as the they toured for their latest record; The Forest is the Path. The band formed back in 1994 in Dundee, Scotland, consists of Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Nathan Connolly (guitar, backing vocals), and Johnny McDaid (piano, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Most of us remember the time in 2006 when they release their biggest record, Eyes Open, and the massive hits, “You’re All I Have” and “Chasing Cars.”
Snow Patrol took the stage around nine and people stood up quickly from their seats to greet them. As they took their positions on the stage the projector screen displayed the words, Seattle, and Snow Patrol in colorful letters. Fans cheered on as Lightbody smiled and went into “Take Back the City,” “Chocolate,” and “Called Out in the Dark.” The visuals on the three large projector screens behind them were as enticing as seeing the band play. Throughout the night it shifted the mood with various graphics or videos guided by the music.
As we looked around the room people’s faces lit up and they were really enjoying their time. I guess many of us were taken back to another decade where good memories could be revived with the combo of the music. It’s always nice to catch a good show tied to one of your favorite records from the early 2000’s. The band was as lively as ever playing tune after tune getting more into it.
Lightbody chatted with the crowd a few times but the most memorable was his story of how much he loved Seattle and how hearing Nirvana‘s, Nevermind, is what inspired him to go into music. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for them.” He said his obsession with the city started after that and he was a changed human after listening to the first song. He also shared that it’s still the reason he’s a Seahawks fan until this day and that the city holds a special place in his heart.
Snow Patrol ended their main set with their biggest hits, “You’re All I Have” and “Chasing Cars,” as the lyrics echoed in the room. People were singing along to the words and created a unique atmosphere. After all these years these songs are still adored and loved just as much as their first play. The band returned for an encore finishing with “What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get,” and “Just Say Yes,” as the display now showed video from the live performance. The lights filled the space one last time as the crowd showed their affection one last time. What a great set these musicians played for us showcasing their new and older tunes.
