Fiona Galea Debono
Sea of revellers swells the Granaries for MTV concert
The Floriana Granaries yesterday pulsated to the music and movement of the Isle of MTV Malta Special as some of the biggest international acts of the summer hit the stage, performing to a sea of revellers.
Lady GaGa, the exhibitionist eccentric singer and songwriter (above), with her flair for theatrics and outrageous costumes, opened the show. Touted as the next Madonna, the 22-year-old entertainer shook the Granaries with her wild, "shock art" performance, fusing rock, pop and theatre.
Next in line was the anticipated performance by OneRepublic, whose deep and catchy tunes have been blasting through the radio waves for a while. The band sent shivers down spines with their goose-bump-inducing Apologise.
In his second Malta performance in a year, Enrique Iglesias managed to woe and wow the crowd as much as he did the first time round, achieving the same impact and appeal with his romantic songs and drop-dead gorgeous looks. He was a mega hit last year and told The Times he thought the Maltese audience was equally great and inspiring.
The Kooks kept the crowd going into the night, and funk-rock band N*E*R*D, with the renowned producer, rapper and songwriter Pharell Williams at its helm, sealed the spectacular show in style.
The awaited Isle of MTV concert, one of the highlights and most eclectic outdoor live music events of MTV's European summer music scene, will be aired on the popular music station about three times, according to the contract signed by the Tourism Ministry and MTV, reaching a potential audience of over 130 million.
The mega event, organised by MTV in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and G7, was, in fact, aimed at promoting Malta as a "happening", young, vibrant, holiday destination to attract foreigners to the island.
In keeping with this goal, a Malta Music Week was also organised in the run-up, featuring local bands and climaxing in yesterday's free music festival.
In recent weeks, Air Malta and the MTA embarked on an international advertising campaign across the UK and Germany to promote the Isle of MTV experience, which is not over yet...
Following the success of last year's show, MTV and the Tourism Ministry had agreed that Malta would be hosting the show another three times - so there are still two more concerts to go.
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Edward Cassar
Jun 27th 2008, 09:46
I can not understand why Tenishia the Maltese Djs' and producers now world renowned all around the globe were not invited on the night. It is always the same old faces some of which are outdated old school of dJs. Todays Djs must be well versed in computer technology and the art of music gone are the days that Djs know only how to spin other peoples records.
S. Muscat
Jun 26th 2008, 14:50
N*E*R*D 's performance was simply AMAZING!
But one of the host (a DJ) was VERY ANNOYING... repeating "MTA" and "G7" for more than a thousand times....shouting "put your hands up"..etc.
Toni Cutajar
Jun 26th 2008, 14:25
I agree that the one thing missing was a maltese act. ira Losco and Wintermoods last yr where the highlight of the night for me and i really enjoyed watching them on stage.
Jason Cachia
Jun 26th 2008, 14:11
I agree. The hosts of the show were quite annoying and seemed to be amazed that they had a microphone in their hands. One of the 'hosts' "Mykill" literally ruined a whole song for the DJ duo Filo and Peri by constantly repeating nonsense. People who are not professionals should definitely not be allowed to be part of such a massive event! Who has ever heard of this MYKILL anyway? And why cannot he pronounce the name of his own country properly. Hopefully this will be sorted out next year. Overall however it was a great event and all involved should be congratulated. Well done.
Kyle Pullicino
Jun 26th 2008, 13:25
It was a good show but it lacked the participation of a Maltese performer. And yeah, I agree with Mr. Sammut that, at times, the host actually was unable to pronounce "Malta" and "Authority" in English properly.
Clive Gerada
Jun 26th 2008, 13:13
The commentator was awesome, the problem were the people who were half asleep all the time. WAKE UP PEOPLE ENJOY THE EVENING!
Fiona-Rachel Dalmas
Jun 26th 2008, 13:04
I totally agree with Lucy!! N.E.R.D ROCKED last night!! Their performance was amazing, they interacted with the crowd, they had amazing energy and just captured the whole spirit of the Isle of MTV completely and gave 100%...as did the other acts, although I would have liked a little more crowd interaction from One Republic....but nonetheless - what an amazing night! :)
steve sammut
Jun 26th 2008, 11:56
the show was amazing yet again!!
The performances were great...
However, I'm sure the majority of the audience would agree with me, the host of the show was quite annoying. HE often didn't have much to say and would just repeat the same thing over and over again. Also, wouldn't it be better to have someone with a better command of the english language, host the show next year.
Once again, well done to all performers.
Lucy PG
Jun 26th 2008, 11:08
N.E.R.D were definitely the best act on last night! Their energy and the way they interacted with the crowd showed the great musical geniuses at their best!