People started cheering and clapping, but I did not see even the slightest shadow of Damien Rice. Understandable, seeing how my seat was the last row of the top-most floor. I resorted to standing for most of the concert. But then, there was no mistake, Damien Rice's haunting voice in the tune of '9 Crimes' opens the show.

Backdrop lightings and candles were used to illuminate and add a certain touch to the concert. But it was the melodies of the instruments of guitar, piano, cello and drums, and the clear, intense yet subtle sound of Rice that brought the performance together. Who needs over-the-top dancing and infinite costume changes?

We were on our feet, continuously cheering for more after Rice & Co. bade farewell. They eventually returned and performed the remaining half of the concert, as though it was planned for us to cheer for them to re-emerge. I was glad he did because he finally sang songs which I've been waiting for like 'Cannonball' and 'The Blower's Daughter'. A dedication to Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi was made as clips of her were played in the background. I really liked it, so watch the video.

Too bad Lisa Hannigan isn't with the band, but Vyvienne Long made up for it just fine. The crowd was spontaneous; we laughed along with the jokes, and responded to Damien's narration of the back-stories and thoughts that went into the birth of the songs performed. Girls, and even a guy, were shouting "I love you Damien", "I love you more Damien", "I love you the most Damien", and others like "Welcome back" and "Toronto loves you". Indeed, we do.

The pictures are either blur or tiny; I haven't a clue how to take proper pictures in dark indoors. I recorded a few videos too, after being initially stopped by an attendant. I had to carry out the illegal act out of sight by lowering the weapon of betrayal, as I just had to take down a live performance of Damien Rice even though it was discouraged. The media may be misleading; the point of view from my eyes where I sat/stood presented a clearer vision of the stage than the point of view from the camera's lens. And pardon the heavy video pixelation. I'm obviously not camera savvy.


Front stage.


Audience.


Angela, the initiator of this Damien Rice concert get-together.


And he appears on piano with '9 Crimes'!


Purple lights.


Intricate pillar design with Damien silhouette.


White lights.


Yellow lights.


Red lights.


Damien on guitar.


Vyvienne with cello.


Blue silhouette.


'Amie' come sit on my wall..


Float like a 'Cannonball'.


Unidentified song with a French ending, but he performed this at Coachella too.


Finale: 'The Blower's Daughter'.
It was a raw, intimate, laid-back, cursing-ridden evening. He promised to be back in September, and maybe I'll be there to see him again.