I went to the 15 August Piece of Me Tour in Antwerp! I remember being stressed at work at all when buying tickets somewhere back in February because it was the Belgium ticket site instead of regular Ticketmaster for Dutch shows and I was in a group chat with my friends who were joining. So stressfull. Thank got I got an hour from work to get the tickets and such a relief when we got that.
I planned a mid-week to Antwerp with my friends who also went and they had seen some Britney shows before. It was mine first ever! Such a dream to come true. The day really started waking up and hearing her everywhere in preparation. When I showered, during the bike ride, in the car, discussing which song we looked most forward too, even gossiping about her having broken up with Sam? Thank god no and deciding which album is her best or our top 3. We stayed in a basic ass hotel and had some wines spread over the whole day but I was carefull not to drink too much otherwise I’d be drunk and not remember shit.
We got to the venue around 7 or a bit earlier and had some fries (Belgium signature dish of course) and there were so mushy and dry it was actually discusting but we had a discount somehow because we did not have enough cash. Belgiums are so old with almost no wireless payment. Like half the time they don’t understand we want no cash on hand. At least the snack I had was good.
We went inside and of course I spoiled on merch. I got the black tour T-shirt with Britney on it in pink. It looks so good and it was 30€. Also bought a poster and that stronger than yesterday keychain. Nothing makes me happier than getting my life in official merch. The venue, Sportpaleis, was quite big. It was not as big as my ‘home venue’ Ziggo Dome (plz come there next time QUEEN – but I’m not expecting her to tour in another 5 years or so? just…) but still quite big. We just moved a bit here and there and had an OK view.
Pitbull came on and his trashy bops really did start the party. It was fun hearing all those songs and his damn parts. Amazed at the sexy dancers for him (girls) and how much was in there, with background stuff but alright. Of course the ‘known’ trashy bops he had really got the crowd going and singing fully along.
Then we waited a bit and Britney came on (on time). The venue just lost it I think. Hearing Work Bitch blast through the venue with that volume and all those gays singing a long. What a spectacle. It’s just her catalogue. She really has the songs to fill a whole night and sing along at the top of your lungs. I have played her stuff so much for so many hours you just know second by second and hit by hit, especially since Blackout on. I thought the view for 85€ or so was a bit pricey, but it’s the Queen and the demand is there, so she can charge what she wants. Next time I’ll go golden circle probably if it’s there again but who knows whenever she comes around here once more…
I had never seen her before and did not come here in this thread during the daily Vegas 10s Instagram comparisons of dance breaks (thank god), but I thought she quite brought it. Yes, it does feel weird to not see that ‘persuasion’ of her in her face when she lipsyncs or when there’s a big note, but it’s Britney? I wasn’t expecting that so and came for an insane night of hits and quite some dancing. The dancing was good. I thought it could have been worse and also a bit meh but I was quite impressed. It’s just that catalogue of hits that you know make a night.
I agree, when everybody starts mentioning the hair (here and my friends also noticed) obsession she has, it does become annoying and then you notice it. But during the concert I didn’t mind at all. I was too busy dancing with me, singing a long so much and shooting a quick video. I really enjoyed it.
The setlist was quite good too. It works I think. All sections were good I think and glad she also did a bit of Glory so non-singles. She should have included Slumber Party & Touch of My Hand. There was time enough for those as she ended somewhat before 11 and it did feel a bit on the short side. I totally forgot about the Work It/Get Ur Freak On/WTF dancebreak interlude, well amazed. And the Get Naked bit with that hot dancer, WOOF! Also loved seeing the Freakshow part live, cool. Wish it was me but they went for a more masc guy there and I would be singing with the stuff, dance and loose my mind so alright. Plus I also bought that shirt already… The little shoutouts she had to the audience were sweet and gave so much reaction more then during the songs. Totally forgot she did Gimme More full so that was certainly a plus. She could leave Do Something out for me, as I don’t like it.
She looked good in everything I think and I was satisfied. I always keep low expectations for most things (concerts, dates, etc – kii) to not get disappointed (the glass is half full, etc) and was very pleasant I went! After that we had a beer somewhere and then went to a gaybar where they played a Britney song every other song and you saw so much people there in their merchandise or other Britney stuff, had a great time dancing there with my friends. If that wasn’t there after the concert and we’d be in the damn boring city on a Wednesday I would feel different though!
So overall; Yes pricey – but it’s Britney. Yes lipsync – but it’s a damn great setlist and there’s enough dancing. When you make it into a nice retreat and have some stuff on the side, it’s all worth it. She should have done the two songs she cut but STILL NICE! Hope to hear what y’all think.
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