TheProdigy

Finally! Today (*which was actually late Saturday) I just got back from Utah after seeing The Prodigy for the first time as well as Linkin Park.

After flying out to Utah the day before the concert from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I couldn't help but feel the need to see the band. Perhaps it's the amount of money my family spent on this trip (note that I still take advantage of my parent's money even though at age 18 I should be living by myself but really what's the point if they're still alive, right?) Anyway I flew out with my mom, because she loves me too much that she didn't want me to go alone, and slept until the next day. We spent the first part of Friday touring Salt Lake City and doing whatever we could to pass the time. I checked to see what time the doors would open at about 10:00 a.m. and there were already people waiting for the concert. After getting the information that the doors would open at 6:30, I decided to come back at around 5:00 to ensure a good position. While everyone waiting outside was chilled to the bone and cracked some jokes to pass the time, I was more than pumped up for the show. After waiting for an hour and a half, they finally let us into the arena and everyone who was waiting raced to the front of the stage. We then waited for another hour or so for Prodigy to start; passing the time by talking with one of the security guard’s who seemed to be enjoying himself.

As soon as the intro started to play I had mixed reactions. One reaction was of course the sudden boost of energy which came from the fact that the band I've been waiting to see live has finally just started their performance. The second reaction, though, was one of shock, and not in a good way. The sound was surprisingly quiet. There were only short columns of speakers hanging high off the ground and each set was facing away from the center crowd. Hoping that the sound would increase, I started to film with my iPod touch. Taking short random clips of the band throughout their set, I started to notice how fast everything was going. Perhaps it was because I was enjoying the moment all too much, or maybe I was enjoying the fact that people who didn't know Prodigy before were somewhat enjoying themselves and I was always waiting to see their reaction when the next best part came. Or maybe it was because the set list was short and that there were only five second breaks between each song. As soon as I noticed that everything was going too quickly, I couldn't think of what to do. I wanted to go crazy but my legs were pretty much tired after standing for hours on end. I also wanted to film, but I wanted to enjoy the spectacle with my own eyes even more. My arms were also getting tired after holding the iPod high into the air because of the tall people in front of me. No matter what I did, though, rather it be standing somewhat still and watching, headbanging, repeating back the words, waving my hands, jumping around, filming, getting down and jumping back up after screaming "SMACK MY BITCH UP," pointing at Maxim and Keith and absolutely enjoying it when they responded with their very own unique looks.... I loved it!

The set list was similar to all the other LP support performances that Prodigy did (intro, breathe, omen, poison, poison fill, thunder dub, religion link, firestarter, run with the wolves, omen reprise, invaders must die, take me to the hospital, and smack my bitch up). Do note, though, that the above order is indeed correct. I'm assuming that Liam screwed up because right after everyone responded by saying "Invaders must die" several times, Liam skipped Diesel Power and went straight into TMTTH. Then again I'm looking now at the setlist of the Los Angeles gig which was before the SLC gig and the order is the same with Diesel Power added after TMTTH as well. So perhaps it wasn't a mistake. Thank goodness, though, that my worry of them not playing SMBU was relieved after Liam went back to it and made it the last song played that night; this happened at the Denver gig as well. Of course I would have loved to hear World's on Fire, Warrior's Dance, Voodoo People, No Good, Their Law, and Out of Space, but I was still satisfied because I knew that they were only the support and I originally thought that they would only play about five songs.

As soon as Prodigy was over, it began to get really, really, hot in the crowd. The smell was like that of alcohol mixed with sweat. My ears were hurting not because of the Prodigy, but because of the girls behind me screaming. My right side began to hurt also and more and more people came in to hear Linkin Park. During their performance, we were pushed so tightly together that I couldn't even get my camera out of my pocket. I literally could have sat down and I would still be standing, if you know what I mean. Wishing that the crowd would have gone just as wild during Prodigy as they did for LP, I was still happy to recall that the people behind me were going crazy during Prodigy and just like Maxim said in his blog, security stopped them. Being a pussy, I chose not to follow suit with what they were doing because I didn't want to get kicked out and I just hate making others mad. Trust me, though, I regret not doing so. Jumping is good, but pushing, shoving, and hitting people is always better and shows more respect to the band

Anyway, the following is how I would rate the event, which I think was done by 11:00 p.m.

Prodigy Pros
+ Their music makes my penis rock hard
+ Good light show as always.
+ Keith and Maxim looked and pointed at me
+ Rob's guitar was NOT overpowered like most YouTube videos unfortunately express.
+ Great looking outfits as always.
+ Keith and Maxim were dancing even though the stage was extremely small.

Prodigy Cons
- Sound was too low for something that is too awesome. Mic volume should have also been increased.
- Many classic songs were not played. I could have easily replaced some of the songs that they did play with some that they didn't.
- "All my people."

Other
- The crowd was only average.
- Everything went by too quickly. Although it was to be expected, I still wish Prodigy was on longer.
- At first it didn't look like they wanted to be there. With a nearly unresponsive crowd, however, I wouldn't blame them.

Highlight song
-Take Me To The Hospital (here is when the bass was at its best )

Linkin Park Pros
+ The band actually sounded similar to how they do on they're albums, unlike other bands whom consider lyrics more important than their musical instruments.
+ Variety of instruments.
+ Some memorable moments.
+ Lengthy performance.

Linkin Park Cons
- Sound was also too low.
- They didn't release as much energy into the crowd as Prodigy did. The movement of the crowd, however, would have suggested otherwise.
- Although I understand that I am biased, I would still say that Prodigy is more entertaining live.

Other
- Crowd went crazy when LP came on. After witnessing that, however, I don't think I'll ever enter a mosh pit again without a gas mask and a portable air conditioner
- It was satisfying to have a girl squeezed up against my back for the entire show

Highlight Song
-What I've Done (whole crowd was singing and enjoying themselves). Note that I only remember this because I took footage of it. It's easier to remember what happened during Prodigy's performance because of the energy and humor from Maxim and Keith.

All in all I was satisfied and it would be my pleasure to attend a Prodigy concert again; just not 1000 or so miles away and two thousand dollars later

P.S. I credit all of you who spent the time to read this entire review. Respect

cheers , lay off the coffee

Sounds that you had a great time!
Respect to you for being there and "raising your flag"

Sorry if i am indiscreet but where are you from and is your gif signature from the Athens gig?

EveryTimer_47 wrote:


Well I did say I was from Milwaukee Wisconsin (USA) and if you didn't want to read the review I posted it under my username as well. Don't worry, though, you definitely weren't indiscreet. I wish I lived in Europe because that's where all the true Prodigy parties take place

As for the signature, yes it is from the Athens gig. I wasn't there, but it looked like pure "awesomesauce" even though I heard there were several sound issues

EveryTimer_47 wrote:

Of course he had, he was squeezed by a girl for half an hour +.+

Massive respect to you for going through the hassle of getting out there, spending a small fortune and representing

I think you would have enjoyed it more without filming, I find it takes the experience away, how about a camera we can attach to our heads or something to really have all the action on film and fun and no hassle

Gonga21 wrote:


Only during Linkin Park and that actually went on for more than an hour

Delron wrote:




purple squirrell wrote:


Those do exist :shock: I cannot believe that I ever thought of that before. THANKS I'm so getting one

hey ho, congratulations Moonstrider for seeing the prodigy for the first time,
and, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (19)

Thanks for posting moonstrider101, sounds heavy

moonstrider101 wrote:


Oh sorry i didn't noticed
As for the Athens gig you are right...pure awesomeness but...

Anyway i hope some day you will see them in Europe or better Greece combined with your vacation

Because the crowd reaction was so bad in the US i really really secretly hope that They will feel the need to do a Brixton gig ASAP to feel some love...

Well done for going to see them anyway mate.... Shame you had to sit through Linkin Park afterwards though...

Preston723 wrote:


I don't mind LP one bit. I've definitely heard worse.

respect for you going out there moonstrider101 and supporting the band