Deck the Hall Ball 2014
Key Arena, Seattle, WA
12.09.14
Capping off a year full of great shows, the ever-lovable radio station 107.7 The End outdid themselves once more, hosting another great Deck the Hall Ball at the Key Arena on Tuesday night. Saying sayonara to work and school, the crowd began filing in at 2:00, gearing up for eight hours of musically-induced excitement. Concert goers had the opportunity to donate socks to children in need, and The End also hooked up with the local shelter to promote animal adoptions. And, while the puppies certainly threatened to steal the show, eight bands that were ready to jam begged to differ. All of the End’s radio personalities were on-hand to tune in the crowd and dial up the noise.
Arguably the loudest duo on the face of the planet, English band Royal Blood took the first slot at 3:00 and gave away the secret to their skyrocketing success in a matter of 30 minutes. On fire, singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher killed it. Australian sensation Vance Joy ran away with the second slot, ukulele in hand and sounding as good as ever. KONGOS beat their way back into town, ripping up their set with radio hits “I’m Only Joking” and “Come with Me Now.” Their sibling chemistry is unmistakable, and they even did a song with rapper Moe. Brooklyn-based TV on the Radio finished out the first half of DtHB with buzzing energy, playing a good mix of old and new, including “Happy Idiot” and “Wolf Like Me.” Young the Giant’s Sameer brought along his trademark microphone for a hyper performance of “Mind Over Matter.” Cage the Elephant paid a second visit in as many months, with singer Matt Shultz once again running the stage with unstoppable energy. Against the vibrant neon lights, one could pick out the surprised faces as he fearlessly dove into the mess of arms. Conversely, Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo seemed a bit shy at first before finally settling into comfortable banter with the crowd, and the audience was happy to keep him company during the familiar chorus lines. Taking the final spot of the night, Vegas foursome Imagine Dragons took sweet moments to reminisce about their previous Seattle stint at the Crocodile, and recognized their fans for their success. They also announced that they had just sent off their new album. A very merry holiday, indeed!
Review & Photos by Sunny Martini
Imagine Dragons
Weezer
Cage the Elephant
Young the Giant
TV on the Radio
KONGOS
Vance Joy