Before attending a N*E*R*D show for the first time, there are a few tips at surviving their extreme energetic show:
1. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers. Dancing non stop is inevitable.
2. Wear light weight, cool clothing. It’s going to be HOT!!!
3. Stay hydrated. All the dancing will work up heavy sweat like you just ran the New York Marathon.
4. Be alert and pick your location in the venue wisely. Mosh-pits are bound to pop up, and not just in front of the stage.
5. Expect anything!
When the tickets went on sale for N*E*R*D’s show at Irving Plaza for $7.11, everyone I knew questioned if this was an error on Live Nation’s part, but they didn’t hesitate to buy multiple tickets. As it turned out it was a smart marketing ploy by 7-Eleven who were the sponsors.
I laced up my Chuck Taylors and headed to Irving Plaza fully aware of the five survival tips. From the moment I walked in the door I felt the energy of excitement from the crowd. I began to scout out the best location in the venue to enjoy the show. My first thought was the balcony, I would be able to see over the heads of all those already crowding the stage as well as be safe from any Mosh-pits. On the other hand, when you pay expecting to go on a rollercoaster of excitement, why settle for the kiddie rides? Back down stairs I went to be among the fans standing wall-to-wall surrounding the stage. From the moment Pharrell, Chad and Shay hit the stage, there was a lightening bolt that zipped through the venue catapulting the energy level from 1 to 10 in 0.5 seconds. As they went through their songs such as Lapdance, Rock Star, and their current single Hot-N-Fun, I could feel the temperature rising as if there were a hot-burner under the dance floor. Once they performed Spaz, She Likes To Move, and Everyone Nose, the crowd was jumping around dancing uncontrollably like hot popcorn on a stove. N*E*R*D’s didn’t let their fans down, providing an eclectic mix from their vast repertoire. In the end I walked away exhausted and with a feeling of euphoria, which I was not sure if it was caused by the free Slurpee that 7-Eleven provided to the fans, or from surviving an adrenaline saturated show.
Check out our exclusive footage from the show. More can be seen at John Simon Daily Youtube Channel!
Photos by Yuri Guanilo for John Simon Daily
