16.07.07
Darren
Dusted Timberlake
So what’s all the hype about? The ill fated ‘Millennium Dome’ is back with a vengeance as a reborn, super-cool entertainment complex - the ‘O2 Arena’. It’s safe to say that all the negativity synonymous with it’s original mediocre approach to an ‘attraction’ back in 2000 has well and truly vanished, as it beggars belief in sheer scale, technological application and just, well, good old fashioned showbiz.
Last week we had the good fortune to be privy to Justin Timberlake (Fergie and Timbaland supporting) via the Gaucho ‘Concert Menu’ package which totally rocked. With a varied musical library at the Holburn residence I can openly admit to owning one or two JT albums, which enjoy a spin when the family want to show what they are made of on the dance-floor (aka dining room). The evening surpassed expectations as the venue and show production not only did the music justice, but integrated stylised movie footage, digitised lighting effects, a sound-rig from the future, live DJ samples and choreography all in-sync (no pun intended) with the live vocal performance.
The 20,000 stadium was buzzing and literally went off the scale when the (now) great man emerged from behind the motorized semi-transparent video panels. From a marketing and brand perspective the graphics and visual linked to the merchandising, above-the-line activity and on-pack creative. This was an example of not just delivering the brand promise, but enticing you to emotionally subscribe in a 3D sensory overload. At the end of the gig a brilliant archetypal 6ft Aussie bloke turned to me and said ‘I’m not a fan or anything, but I could do this all day long’. Pretty much sums it up I reckon.
Gaucho are taking bookings for the ‘Concert Menu’ via their private box (24 people max.) and will be managing ‘The Indigo’ VIP food and beverage via their adjoining new restaurant planned for end of the year. If you want to see what’s on at the arena go to or maybe a more intimate gig at The Indigo visit. Enjoy.
