‘As good as it gets’: New £220,000 Live Lounge launched at Connexin Live
‘THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF MUSIC’: Texas, who kicked off their latest tour at Connexin Live last night
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
If you could choose the best place to watch your favourite band at an arena gig, you would probably say from a comfy chair, right in the middle of the venue and from an elevated position offering panoramic views of the stage.
That experience is now available in Hull after last night’s launch of the Live Lounge at Connexin Live for the visit of Scottish rockers Texas.
It’s at the high end of the market but it’s a premium and memorable experience for those who can and it begins from the moment you arrive at the Myton Street venue.
After downloading the app of ticketing partner AXS, you simply present your code for scanning at the dedicated VIP entrance and you’re in. From there helpful staff direct you to the Live Lounge on the first floor, where the entertainment and experience begins.
You’ve already had the first benefit – queue-busting. As the sun began to fall on a warm September evening they were out early for Texas, queuing round the block. It was going to be a full house.
QUEUE: Texas fans outside Connexin Live
So to the restricted access Live Lounge where there is time to soak up the atmosphere in the new private bar, with a selection of premium beers, spirits, and cocktails, and complimentary bar snacks served on arrival. With its own cloakroom and merchandise reception, fans can relax in the Live Lounge without needing to visit the venue’s main concourses.
The Live Lounge Luxe package includes premium auditorium seating and food, which is excellent. Last night there was also a DJ set to get you in the mood, featuring audience-appropriate tunes by artists including the Stones, Blondie and Fleetwood Mac.
With an announcement that the show was starting, bang on time at 7.30pm, you were then escorted to your seat, which is really what it’s all about – luxury high-back seating with plenty of leg room, a drinks holder on either side, and that view.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCE: The new Live Lounge at Connexin Live. Picture credit: Danielle Madden
And for an added perk while you’re watching, you don’t need to revisit the bar for a top-up, just scan the code on your Live Lounge lanyard to order and drinks are brought straight to your seat.
First up was support act KT Tunstall, who had a full house to play to and performed a remarkably energetic set for a one-woman show backed just by her acoustic guitar and clever use of loop pedals.
She was funny too, recalling in one anecdote how you can meet people from Hull in the most unusual places. Tunstall revealed she had been on a five-day trek on an Inca trail in deepest Peru to watch the sunrise at 5am at a place called the Sun Gate, where she was approached by a man who said: “Are you KT Tunstall? My name’s Ian. I’m from Hull.”
ENERGETIC: KT Tunstall
After a short break it was time for the main event; Texas, led by the iconic Sharleen Spiteri, who quickly showed her voice had lost none of its range or power since first bursting onto the scene some years ago.
She gave a nod to the band’s history from the off, telling the audience: “This is the first night of the tour. Are you read for thirty-five years of music?” The roar this was met with was in the affirmative.
“We love you, Sharleen!” shouted one man, who was rewarded with a hug by the woman next to him.
Spiteri also had some fun with the audience, saying to someone at the front: “You’re too young to remember Texas – did your mum drag you along?” That may have been the case. Asking the same person when they first heard Texas, the reply was: “In the car today.”
They would probably be listening again on the way home, given the crowd’s reaction to a commanding performance of the Texas songbook, and after the dancing which ensued after almost everyone had obeyed Spiteri’s instruction to rise from their seats: “We need you to stand.”
As a gig-going experience for a venue of this size this is probably as good as it gets. They’re literally the best seats in the house.
The big name acts Connexin Live brings to Hull also occasionally offers some chance encounters with the stars. So if you were wondering about one yesterday, yes that was Sharleen Spiteri buying a hairdryer from TK Maxx.
The £220,000 creation of the Live Lounge is the biggest investment in the venue since it opened in 2018.
Sam Ryder, general manager of Connexin Live, said: “This is a significant investment to improve the customer experience at Connexin Live and I am excited to build on the success we have seen with our on-site restaurant.
“Connexin Live continues to be a huge success, bringing huge names to Hull. With Texas, Paul Smith and Paul Weller amongst the artists coming to the venue this autumn we are looking forward to welcoming more people to elevate their experiences at the venue.”