Topic: Eurovision 2023 - Bienvenue a Liverpool!

[sheepfest]

Just had a great day at the Eurovision village in the sunshine. This city know how to put an event on and this is just the start.

[Livbes]

Just had a great day at the Eurovision village in the sunshine. This city know how to put an event on and this is just the start.

Same here. It was sparkling in the warm sunshine. Great day out. Sounds like tomorrow will be a washout so very glad we went today.

[ToneLa]

Why does everything have to be autotuned these days? Can't they get someone that can sing in tune?

It is the style at this time.

I agree that non-autotune - or at least subtle autotune, you can pitch correct without giving it a roboty effect - is nominally a better approach if only for the gain of being distinct from the other songs.

I suppose I could waffle on about how autotune is the misused "great equalizer" of our day. How those employing it see it as a gate lifted, rather than one placed upon the music.

It's easier and cheaper to fire up Melodyne and fit in with the existing formula of "a good mix" (there are college courses that teach this now and it's very formulaic) than find and coax a singer or songwriter who may not even be a decent vocalist to give the best takes I suppose is the most direct answer. Personally I find it a shame and it the variety of human voices being compromised is rarely the optimal choice for music as a whole, even if it does genuinely benefit one track here and there.

[mikeb58]

Fantastic time at St Georges Hall last night...Lime St Wetherspoons for a few bevvies then out into the glorious weather for the brilliant show, which inc some amazing visual effects. 25k in attendance, all having a great time.

Lightening Seeds performed just 2 songs, doing their longer set on the 10th at the Pier Head.

[Elzar]

Hope it all goes well this week. Was gonna try go make it to one of the events (probably for Miles Kane). Semi finals looks like a bit of fun so far!

[Ray K]

Ireland get knocked out again at the semis. Not having Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest is a bit like having the Champions League without Real Madrid. Johnny Logan is basically our Alfredo di Stefano so we should automatically be in the final.

[stoa]

Ireland get knocked out again at the semis. Not having Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest is a bit like having the Champions League without Real Madrid. Johnny Logan is basically our Alfredo di Stefano so we should automatically be in the final.

His winning songs also smell the same these days as di Stefano does... Wanted to make a joke about him being as dead as di Stefano, but a quick google search showed he's still alive, so I had to go with the worse joke...
Having said that, I thought the Irish song was the best of the bunch and would have thought they'd make it. Probably didn't because they put that weird golden glitter costume on a singer who shouldn't wear clothes like that...

[So… Howard Philips]

Went over today with Mrs P and started outside Lime Street station were the Lord Mayor and Steve Rotheram were welcoming visitors, then down to Chavasse Park and the Albert Dock.

It was all very well organised and even the weather was welcoming. A right mix of languages and some particularly way out outfits. Reminded both of us what we used to wear in the early 1970s.

[John_P]

Had a great few days so far, visited the Pier Head on Sunday for a few hours which was fun despite the miserable weather. Then headed over to Future Yard in Birkenhead to see The Coral as part of the United By Music gigs. Today was at the Cavern to see The Lightning Seeds. Hopefully make the most of Friday afternoon next and go in for the afternoon and evening.

[disgraced cake]

Ireland get knocked out again at the semis. Not having Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest is a bit like having the Champions League without Real Madrid. Johnny Logan is basically our Alfredo di Stefano so we should automatically be in the final.

Did Ireland win the majority of theirs back in the 50s too? If so none of them ones count, imo.

[Crosby Nick]

Did Ireland win the majority of theirs back in the 50s too? If so none of them ones count, imo.

Ireland’s Eurovision dominance came late 80s and early 90s. Since then it’s been barren. The mighty Jedward the only time they’ve been in the top 10 in the last 15 years apparently.

They’re more Milan than Real Madrid I’d say. Johnny Logan was their Arrigo Sacchi.

[Buck Pete]

Serious question here.

Was there any truth in Father Ted's skit on Eurovision, where Ireland had to stop winning the comp as it was too costly to host it year after year?

[gazzalfc]

Serious question here.

Was there any truth in Father Ted's skit on Eurovision, where Ireland had to stop winning the comp as it was too costly to host it year after year?

Well the opening ceremony cost the council £357,000 so far and the whole thing is expected to cost them £2m with the entire bill coming to approx £10m

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/how-much-eurovision-opening-ceremony-26886333

[Samie]

Who is it this year bringing shame upon us yet again?

[Ray K]

Ireland’s Eurovision dominance came late 80s and early 90s. Since then it’s been barren. The mighty Jedward the only time they’ve been in the top 10 in the last 15 years apparently.

They’re more Milan than Real Madrid I’d say. Johnny Logan was their Arrigo Sacchi.

And just like Milan, we've made it to this year's semi finals 

We were always told that Johnny Logan was huge in Germany in the 80s. Thought it was bullshit myself until a few years back, was in Berlin before Christmas and the hotel bar was playing a J-Lo Christmas album.

Serious question here.

Was there any truth in Father Ted's skit on Eurovision, where Ireland had to stop winning the comp as it was too costly to host it year after year?

Yes, RTE were always complaining that they had to fork out extra production costs when we hosted it, and they used to threaten to put up the license fee.

[Musketeer Gripweed]

Are Frankie Goes To Hollywood doing any more, seems a shame to reform just for one song. It was great to see them again regardless, always a huge part of my youth.

[mikeb58]

Fantastic night at the Pier Head..Miles Kane and The Lightning Seeds doing superb sets. The whole Eurovision Village is a great set up.

[mikeb58]

Are Frankie Goes To Hollywood doing any more, seems a shame to reform just for one song. It was great to see them again regardless, always a huge part of my youth.

Does seem odd, but looks that way, don't think they are scheduled to do a longer set.

[Riquende]

Serious question here.

Was there any truth in Father Ted's skit on Eurovision, where Ireland had to stop winning the comp as it was too costly to host it year after year?

The Guardian had an interview with Katrina of Waves fame the other day,  she said she saw Irish production staff in '97 talking about not being able to afford hosting again (she also wasn't expecting to win and was blind drunk by the time of the encore).

Glad to hear it's going well in the city, I'm on my hols and literally flying back when the final is on so haven't engaged as much this year, saw the favourites all got through the first Semi though.

[Samie]

 

Ragnar Klavan will be Estonia’s spokesperson to reveal the voting during Eurovision.

[rob1966]

And just like Milan, we've made it to this year's semi finals 

We were always told that Johnny Logan was huge in Germany in the 80s. Thought it was bullshit myself until a few years back, was in Berlin before Christmas and the hotel bar was playing a J-Lo Christmas album.
Yes, RTE were always complaining that they had to fork out extra production costs when we hosted it, and they used to threaten to put up the license fee.

Surprised they didn't put a hit on Johnny Logan

[Davidbowie]

Are Frankie Goes To Hollywood doing any more, seems a shame to reform just for one song. It was great to see them again regardless, always a huge part of my youth.

They aren't doing any more Eurovision stuff, and it is 99.9% likely that they'll never perform again as a group.

I think there's still some tension/animosity amongst some of the band, and they are all off doing their own thing/going back to their lives, plus Holly Johnson has just sold out solo concerts for later in the year.

I'm sure there will be offers to do it, but I just can't see it happening.

[Livbes]

Holly is doing a solo gig at the Phil in October. Go on general sale tomorrow. Think I’ll pick up a couple.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

Any decent song?

[AndyMuller]

My arl fella has had a dabble on Poland at 150/1. Do they have a chance?

[Livbes]

Looking like a belter of a day tomorrow weather wise. Perfect day for the city to shine.

[gazzalfc]

Went down to the Village last night for a wander. They really have done a good job in terms of organisation. All felt like a very friendly atmosphere. Had a very Liverpool 2008 vibe which was nice. Hopefully the city can develop a legacy off the back of it and thrive again

[Livbes]

Holly is doing a solo gig at the Phil in October. Go on general sale tomorrow. Think I’ll pick up a couple.

Sold out in less than 5 mins. Luckily got in quick and got 3.

[Lad]

A rendition of YNWA getting sung on stage tonight before the voting. That will seriously piss off a third of the region.

[stara]

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/rJHe-iZ5HSI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/rJHe-iZ5HSI</a>

For those who do not know, the lyrics are play on finnish stereotypes (reserved, non-talkative, and shy of the physical contact) and after couple of pina coladas we are ready for the dance floor´  

Edit: by the way, the wooden pallets are called "Eurolava" in finnish and "lava" has two meanings pallet and dance floor.

Cha Cha Cha

[mikeb58]

What a brilliant week to showcase the best City in the World. This event normally takes a year to organise, we've done it in 6 months. Haha the actual Eurovision music is shit, wouldn't be the same if it wasn't, but all the other live bands and events have been fantastic.

Distant Tears

Liverpool Loves Ukraine

There's a Concert tonight not to be missed.
The famous Liver Birds are on the guest list!
Everywhere are the colours, yellow and blue.
To show Ukraine, we love and support you!.
The 3 Graces, make such a magnificent sight.
And their message, 'by music, let us all unite'
Liverpool knows how to party, that's for sure.
And everybody is made welcome at our door.
This event, we hold in the name of Ukraine.
At this and every event we remember their pain.
Through our celebrations, the joy and cheers
We still harbour thoughts of their distant tears.
As the confetti gently floats down from the sky.
The reason we are hosts, we remember why.

[dimwit]

For those who do not know, the lyrics are play on finnish stereotypes (reserved, non-talkative, and shy of the physical contact) and after couple of pina coladas we are ready for the dance floor´  

Edit: by the way, the wooden pallets are called "Eurolava" in finnish and "lava" has two meanings pallet and dance floor.

Cha Cha Cha

As a Finn, I resent the image of us drinking pina coladas, or other fancy stuff 

Give us a beer or vissykossu and then we're cooking    (vissykossu is koskenkorva with spakling water, discusting)

[stara]

As a Finn, I resent the image of us drinking pina coladas, or other fancy stuff 

Give us a beer or vissykossu and then we're cooking    (vissykossu is koskenkorva with spakling water, discusting)

True. My first "känni" was with Koskenkorva without mixer 

Edit: Bitters wont be voting Finland 

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/jfC18vVDofo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/jfC18vVDofo</a>

[Snail]

Town is bouncing and absolutely fucking beautiful.

[Crosby Nick]

Town is bouncing and absolutely fucking beautiful.

It’s looked amazing whenever I’ve seen it on tv this week. Saw Gibbo from TAW on BBC Breakfast this morning too. Seems like it’s been a wall to wall party all week!

[Hedley Lamarr]

What sums up the city beautifully is last weekend booing the National Anthem and this weekend welcoming everyone from afar, it's absolutely brilliant and encapsulates everything wrong with the country.

[mikeb58]

What sums up the city beautifully is last weekend booing the National Anthem and this weekend welcoming everyone from afar, it's absolutely brilliant and encapsulates everything wrong with the country.

Some thick people out there don't get that. This is what sets us apart, one fuckin unique City, we welcome friends with open arms, the rest can fuck right off.

[gazzalfc]

This is the time to get the Matthew Street Festival back on the books.

Fucking great for the city

[Snail]

This is the time to get the Matthew Street Festival back on the books.

Fucking great for the city

Literally everyone is out in town right now, from the scallies to the fabulous glittery people. It feels like the CL final but nicer.

[Boston always unofficial]

For those who do not know, the lyrics are play on finnish stereotypes (reserved, non-talkative, and shy of the physical contact) and after couple of pina coladas we are ready for the dance floor´  

Edit: by the way, the wooden pallets are called "Eurolava" in finnish and "lava" has two meanings pallet and dance floor.

Cha Cha Cha