Game of Thrones Experience
KeyArena, Seattle, WA
03.31.17

While I’m a huge fan of the HBO series, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the “Game Of Thrones Live Concert Experience.”  From the looks of the packed KeyArena though, I’m wasn’t alone. This one-of-a-kind tour ran 24 dates across the US and Canada, with the Seattle stop nearing the end of the run, a spark of fire that the wintry, dreary Northwesterners needed.

I had never seen a stage quite like this before, and it was truly an interactive, musical experience that encompassed nearly the entire floor of the arena.  On the far end there was a large orchestral area, which they called the King’s Landing Stage, with a long center runway ending on the other side of the stage with a large circular platform­–the Winterfell stage.

Above it all were two giant LED screens that would be amazing in my house, if I had something big enough to fit them. If I were to guess, they were at least 60’ across! But they were topped by two large telescoping hexagonal screen displays over either stage at the end for full effect.

Looking around the arena, there were smaller screens everywhere in the seats, and at the VIP sections scattered through the giant stage on the floor. From our vantage point, though, it felt like a better experience to be higher up to see everything. As the lights dimmed and the orchestra took their places (on the King’s Landing Stage), we were greeted with an introduction asking us to, “Please silence your cell phones, or you will be boiled alive in the blood of your children!” The entire arena erupted in laughter.

Sparks exploded, and heavy fog emanated from the center of the stage to the thunderous roar and the orchestra playing the “Intro-White Raven/Throne Build.” Through the silhouette, I wasn’t sure what was emerging from the smoke, but it was the iconic “Throne of Swords” rotating and taking center stage as the music played.

Ramin Djawadi was the conductor and composer for the GoT score. He might not be a household name on the top of your head, but you know his extensive work. He stopped a moment to thank everyone for coming and said there was a lot of music ahead. The screens then came alive with the iconic “Main Title” score to open the night as it does the TV show.

Most of the audience knew the show, their cheers erupting when beloved scenes were played and the revered house flags/banners were revealed. There were so many fantastic moments during the evening as the music took us through various elements of the six seasons, the score standing out as a character in itself, coming alive on the 360-degree screens. Hearing every subtle nuance performed live was truly a new and immersive experience.

One of the highlights was the solo violinist leaving the orchestra and walking to the other end of the Winterfell stage. The stage rose and a sheer screen encompassed her. It turned out to be the trunk of a wierwood tree, and the octagonal screens above formed the leaves and branches. As she continued to play, red leaves fell in the blowing wind, and it was such an incredible sight and feeling.

The surprise of the “Red Wedding,” the danger of the “White Walkers,” the joy and sadness of “Hodor” had the crowd delighted, and then angered by the “Battle Of The Bastards.” Everyone notably booed at the sight, in sheer disgust of Ramsey Bolton. The fire-breathing dragons of “Dracarys” enhanced with flamethrowers, timed with the video montage.

The cinematography, the effects, the acting, and you realize first and foremost how integral the score is to tying it all together. The moods it creates, of joy, triumph, and agony of loss. Onto victory, and inevitably more loss as we all know that GoT isn’t a show to get too attached to characters. They are not afraid to throw in a surprise here and there.

Overall there was very little talking tonight from Ramin. Near the end he thanked everyone for coming, and HBO for allowing him to see this vision of a live performance to fruition. He and the other musicians took to the various parts of the stage playing “Light of the Seven” and all through the night the various vocalists, actors in costume, and lead violin and cellist made quite an impression.

It was a fantastic evening and show, something really special for the fans of the series. Even speaking to friends that had never seen the shows, they got a great feeling of the flow, the highlights, and low points from watching and hearing the music.

Season seven is coming, and we got a teaser preview to the adoration of all in attendance. We were all excited and you could feel that throughout the night. I cannot wait to see, and hear, what the score brings when GoT returns to the air July 16, 2017!

Game Of Thrones Set List
Act 1:
Intro-White Raven / Throne Build
Main Title (S1E10)
King’s Arrive Medley
Goodbye Brother / Ned Stark Beheading
What Is Dead May Never Die
Dragon Eggs – Finale
Stannis / Melisandre
Rains Of Castamere
Red Wedding
White Walkers / Wall
Wildlings
You Know Nothing
Dracarys
Mhysa / Light of the Seven

Act 2:
The Children
House Of Black and White
Needle
High Sparrow
Atonement
Breaker of Chains
Son of Harpy
Reign
Three Eyed Raven
Whitewalker / Hodor
Balle of the Bastards
Maester
Light of the Seven
Winter Has Come / Winds of Winter

Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang

Game of Thrones Experience