O2 Arena Reviews

Posted by Maddie, Cumbria (2010-02-22)

Got tickets bought for us to see Depeche Mode on level 4, never been to the O2 Arena before so no idea what to expect. Walked up 10 flights of steps to get to our seats, it was so steep and I felt very ill and was terrified to look down, never felt so dizzy and nauseous in my life. Customer services weren't very helpful and kept telling me to go back later to see if any other seats came up. A lady was then complaining about her seats on level 1, i have no idea why, so customer services basically swapped them. They were amazing seats, i bet the lady was raging for swapping. Ended up having a great night but it could have been a total wash out if i didn't get the seats changed. If i ever go back to the O2 Arena I'll only buy on level 1, and never again on level 4. Was impressed how many bars and toilets are around the arena.

Level 1 view was amazing & felt safe!!

Level 4 way too steep for me

Posted by L Harvey, exeter (2010-02-15)

We spent a lot of money on tickets for Clapton and beck. It was like sitting in a large pub trying to listen to them. People were walking in and out the whole time with beer and food. People behind us talked all the way through the sessions. Why on earth do they not close the doors and shut the bars whilst the actual sessions are on and then open up again in the intervals. We were made to take the tops off out water bottles on arrival (elfnsafety) but when we left it took us 25 minutes to get to the main entrance as no other exits were open - accident waiting to happen. We had to shuffle along with the thousands of others trying to get out - and were meeting all the people coming in for the late night clubs - absolutely ridiculous and surely only a matter of time before there is a big accident - would just take one person to skip and fall.......I would never bother to attend anything there again.

nothing in particular

Access and leaving

Posted by Laura, Birmingham (2010-01-15)

Not a patch on the Birmingham NEC, but it was great to see Miley Cyrus - she really rocked :-) Pretty scary where we sat - its so steep!

Miley Cyrus

Sound quality

Posted by Christopher Nadal (2009-12-21)

I've been to two events at the o2 - WWE Raw and Girls Aloud. Both were great and the venue itself is superb.

Posted by valerie gough, harlow.essex (2009-10-22)

i have now attended 3 concerts there on every occasion have been unable to see the people on stage, having had three different seats.

music good

unable to see artists for everyone standing up

Posted by Natalie, London (2009-07-23)

I went to see Beyonce at the o2 arena and the Bass was so loud that you couldn't hear such a talented singer! It's just so bad when you pay £160 for two tickets! What is going on with it! Can no one notice when they do a sound check? I'm amazed that Beyonce would not do something about it, we wanted to hear her voice and have never heard such rubbish sound Quality!! I'm going to the o2 arena again in December to see Pink, please tell me it's not gonna be that bad again! Maybe I shouldn't have got tickets!!

Bad Bad Sound Quality!!!

Posted by Dick Puddlecote, London (2009-06-20)

Just don't go to the O2. If it's a tour and you can get to anywhere else, go there instead. Horrendous to get to by public transport and it's a morgue inside. If you wish to eat at the many bland homogenous restaurants provided, turn up at least 3 hours early to avoid queueing or not eating at all. I never thought I'd hear worse acoustics than Wembly Arena (the barn), but this is just that. The sound is kept to a low level (probably health and safety) so much that you can still talk to someone sitting next to you without raising your voice. Lord knows why seeing as there isn't a residential property within a mile of the place. Entering was like going through airport security, which was probably why everyone there was inhibited and the atmosphere never got started. Just don't go. Seriously. Don't.

Nothing

All of it

Posted by Kim, Fareham (2009-06-15)

First time at O2 for Britney. She was fantastic - acoustics were great for Britney, pretty bad for Ciara. Sat right up in the very last row of level 4. I felt as though I was going to fall out of my seat at any minute. Not sure how O2 got this vertiginous seating plan past Health & Safety. Great use of the Arena, just think management got greedy with the seating plan.

Britney was great!

Seating in upper tiers was terrifying

Posted by JT, Ash Vale (2009-05-29)

I went to the Nickelback gig last night (28th March 09). This was my first ever visit to the 02 arena. FANTASTIC venue, well planned and laid out. So it was a big disappointment that the sound in the venue was so bad. Either the acoustics need working on or else the sound mixing is at fault. The volume was far too loud, almost to the point it was painful on the ear and the bass, drums and vocals overpowered all the mid range frequencies, so a lot of great guitar work got lost. The best of the sound was when the band went forward to do an acoustic set. We were up the right hand side over looking the stage in Block 402. I don't know what the sound was like in the floor area so it would be good to hear reviews from that part of the arena. The gig was spectacular but marred by the iffy sound quality. Best sound I've experienced live was Chris Rea at the Wembley Arena, Peter Gabriel at Earls Court and Marillion in the Hammersmith Apollo. They were all loud but each instrument was crystal clear. Dunno what happened last night. I'm back at the O2 to see Andrea Bocelli in December so it'll be interesting to see what the sound is like then.

Fantastic show spectacle

Godawful Sound Mixing

Posted by David, Swindon (2009-05-27)

We went to see Beyonce last night (27 May 09). The sound was so bad, the treble was literally painful to listen to - I resorted to ear plugs, not the idea at a live concert! SO disappointed I will not be going back - may even sell my tickets to michael jackson as if the sound is that bad what is the point? Seriously, can they not sort this out? The papers e.g. telegraph etc gave the show 5 stars, but unless they were deaf it was hard to ignore the issues. ***** for the performance, * for the sound (which surely is the whole point). Plus finally, Beyonce didnt finish until gone 11. We had to leave by 1045 to get our train home, and when you pay £70 for tickets that is not a good situation. I'm sure we weren't the only ones to have to go early due to this!

Not much

Awful awful sound quality

Posted by Shelley, Hayes (2009-05-08)

I've been to a few concerts at the O2 and have to say the sound quality is diabolical. Very distorted. Keep hoping it will have been sorted out by the next concert but dissappointed every time. Such a shame as otherwise it would be a great place. Will definately be opting for Wembley if poss for future performances. :(

Facilities

Sound Quality

Posted by Fran, London (2009-04-27)

What a rip off concert - Dylan had his back to the side of the arena I was on throughout the concert. Did not engage with audience at any time. His backing musicians played the same set throughout no matter what he was 'singing'. He never had a good voice but whatever was there has gone. Didn't 'sing' anything recognisable. Time to retire Bob!

Venue good

Bob Dylan was dreadful

Posted by Peter Halsey, Gravesend (2009-04-26)

A prompt start was asked for but late arrivals prevented this. Food and drink-alcohol not even sold, in my opinion- shouldn't be allowed into the arena as constant coming and going is very annoying. Sound too loud and distorted. Neil Diamond's show on 23/6/08- sound was excellent. Stevie Wonder's show was awful for sound quality. Exit from car park on 25/4 was diabolical and took about an hour. Everybody herded out of the arena from one exit it seemed. Hopeless organisation. Fortunately Bob Dylan gave a sensational performance, if you knew to expect the nature of it. I agree that unlit obstructions are a danger on exit. I just hope that someone reads these reviews and does something about the very negative aspects of what should be a fantastic venue for concerts, despite the odd arrangement of seats and the vertiginous climbs (for a 66 year old) to reach them. Oxygen should be available on arrival and possibly climbing ropes! Thank you.

Very interesting venue

Late start for Bob Dylan 25/4/09

Posted by Alexandra Thrift, Bournemouth (2009-04-19)

My son aged 17 visited the O2 last Thursday(16th April 2009) to see ACDC concert. Imagine my horror when he arrived home the next day with TWO black eyes and cuts on his nose and cheeks ( plus crushed spectacles ). Turns out that he walked into some kind of post( of which there are many ) while exiting the concert. He does have poor eyesight but not quite enough to count as "partially sighted" and a teenager is reluctant to request disabled access. I had to press him for details and he told me that it was poorly lit towards the exit and outside the venue and the crowd was pushing to get out; it was then that he smacked into one of the many posts. I feel there is a safety issue here...already the single exit is horribly dangerous , then the posts everywhere....however something can actually be done about the poor lighting and the crowd pushing.

Poorly lit single exit is dangerous after a concer

Posted by Jackie, Bristol (2009-04-05)

I've seen Lionel Richie twice before - once at the NIA and once at the NEC. I would have to say that I was a bit disappointed last night as the sound quality was just not the same. Sometimes the bass sound was distorted and you could not hear Lionel Richie's singing. I was sat half way up at the back just beneath the corporate boxes but did have a very good view. Not sure why they insist on serving people food and drink during the show - can't people go without beer for a couple of hours? It really was annoying that people were up and down the aisles throughout the show. Oh yeah and why did the staff take the lid off my bottle of orange squash when my bag was searched. No reason was given. Perhaps it's a health and safety thing I thought! Silly me - what was I thinking of course that way you would have to drink up and then buy the drinks they were selling in the arena! And lastly what another brilliant idea of herding 17,500 people out of the same exit. That way we can all get stuck in a bottleneck for half an hour before we get out of the arena. Luckily it only took me and my 2 friends 10 minutes to get out of the car park. Needless to say I shall stick to going to the NEC or NIA in future.

Lionel Richie of course and Good View

Sound Quality, 02 arena in general

Posted by KC, London (2009-03-16)

Went to see Snow Patrol on the 15/03. The dynamic of their songs was ruined by the sound distorting throughout the heavier sections of their set list. A real shame,.. the vocals were the only saving grace.

Lighter laid back soungs sounded reasonable

Sound system very distorted.

Posted by alba, spain (2009-03-16)

hi. I am Spanish, he traveled to London in July to see Michael Jackson at the O2 Arena. I want someone to tell me what is the best view of the seats, and if the line D 112 is a good option, or is it better to row in f 111.

Posted by Michael Jackson Fan, Leeds (2009-03-12)

Seen Santa and Prince, had seats near back and near front, now learnt my lesson to never go here again. I am a really big fan of Michael Jackson and would really like to see him at the O2 Arena this July but I really can't bring myself to go sit in this arena again, it's that bad. I wish Michael Jackson had done a gig in an open venue like Sheffield Arena or one of the Leeds parks. I sense the size of this indoor arena makes for bad acoustics. I also hate the sitting down aspect of a concert, when you want to dance.

Nothing, go to an outdoor gig, it's too big.

Sound Quality is really bad, beyond imagination

Posted by Kelly Marshall, Luton, Bedfordshire (2009-03-06)

I have just come back from seeing Fall Out Boy 06/03/2009. I have been to many venues ranging from Hammersmith Apollo to the Roundhouse and was so excited about going to the O2, but it is most definately the worst EVER place!! Not only are the majority of the staff ignorant, not many of them knew what was where and didnt seem to want to help out. Considering the weather is cold out I had a coat and was told by one of the staff members there were cloak rooms at every entrance, yet this was not the case. I have now lost an expensive coat and when I explained to the staff they said either wait until 2am or come back another day. I also agree that the sound system is total rubbish, because I could not understand alot of what was being said by Fall Out Boy when they spoke to the audience. I am due to see Pink in May at the O2 and to be honest I am seriously thinking about selling my ticket!!!!!

Nothing

Pretty much everything

Posted by Albert, Pretoria, South Africa (2009-01-29)

Went to see Madness at the O2 on 19/12/2008. I'm a hardcore madness fan and I've been looking forward to the concert for months. It was however a total waste of time and money. Although the acoustics of the O2 and the quality of the sound equipment was excellent as was evident from the great show by the support act, the Stereo MCS, the sound of the Madness performance was beyond horrible. I initially grabbed myself a spot in front of the mixing console where the sound is supposed to be the best but the volume level was so high as to render the music unintelligeble. Most of the songs would pass without anybody being able to recognise what song it is, let alone enjoy it. I then moved to various positions all across the floor standing area to see if there was perhaps a better spot but no success. The incompetence of the sound engineer for this performance is monumental and he should be banned to prevent his incompetence from being inflicted on future audiences. I thing it should be made mandatory that organisers publish the name of the sound engineers for all gigs on the promotional material so that one may know which performances to avoid.

Excellent sound for support act (Stereo MCS)

Sound of madness gig beyond horrible

Posted by kel, hereford (2009-01-06)

went to see kings of leon excellent would go back to see other gigs at this venue although sound quality should be improved

nice friendly staff reasonable view

sound quality

Posted by Viv, Upmisnter (2008-12-20)

Have now been to Barry Manilow and Madness. Barry not so bad, although hard to make out individual words. Madness gig incredibly awful. Bass so loud that you could feel it in your chest. Many left early. Could not hear a word of Sugsy. Many drunk in audience.

Easy for me to get to

Dreadful sound system.

Posted by Mike Smith, Bognor Regis (2008-12-20)

I went to see Girls Aloud, seated on Level 1 but stuck in the furthest block from the stage. It was my first time at the O2 and unless they do something about the appalling distorted sound quality, it will be my last! I would have been better off buying the DVD and watching it at home on a decent tv and a good hi fi. Even right at the very back the sound was deafening, but worse than that it was so distorted I couldn't make out any of the lyrics even though I knew the songs!!! It really was undescribably bad. As for the seating, IF I went again, I would avoid the floor seating unless you were fortunate enough to be no further than 5 rows back from the stage, otherwise you would just be staring at other peoples dandruff! DEFINATELY avoid anything in the upper tiers unless you invest in extra strong binoculars! As for the sound up there I dread to think what that was like. All in all the best seats are in the front rows of Blocks 111 and 102, preferably as near the stage as possible. You get a good uninterrupted view of the whole stage, without the need to squint to see whats happening. Blocks 101 and 112 are nearer but VERY side on, I would rather be slightly further away and be able to see the WHOLE of the stage rather than just the front of it. The O2 has the potential to be a really good venue but that sound system has DEFINATELY got to go!!!

The concert finished early and saved the earache!

The worst sound of any venue I have ever been to.

Posted by Linda Stouffer, Liverpool, Chicago Il (2008-12-13)

What show did these 2 see. Maybe they should have gotten better seats. It was fabulous. High energy powerful band and clear vocals. Manilow definitely outshined previous shows here.

Wonderful show Great Sound! Great Lights!

people up and down

Posted by Emily Jones, London (2008-12-12)

We went to see the Kings of Leon recently. The band were amazing but I might as well have watched it on the internet as I didn't actually see the band! no large screens and the smaller ones had terrible picture quality (when the feed actually showed the band)Lots of reverb on the sound system.I have been to many many venues in my time and this was the worst.Its a shame because the transport links,restaurants and o2 blueroom are great. I will stick to no frills Wembely for large stadium events in the future though because at the end of the day its the music and visuals and the integrity of the music that counts!

Nice Staff

Terrible sound, quality terrible

Posted by Steve Hubble, Coventry (2008-12-07)

I Have been a Barry Manilow fan for 20 years and have seen most of his UK shows. I have just returned from his latest show at the o2 and am bitterly dissapointed for the first time ever. The reason was the absolutely appauling sound acoustics. Seated on level 4 the sound became a complete mush of noise. It was like listening to a cheap transistor radio from outside the room.It was not possible to understand any vocals or talking and the band became a blur of sound. It totaly spoilt what should have been a fabulous evening. Without question the worst sound acoustics I have ever experienced at any concert venue

Great facilities

Appauling sound acoustics

Posted by Tim, Eltham (2008-12-04)

Just seen Barry Manilow and he put on a great show but was let down by the worst sound I've ever heard in a venue. If you didn't know the lyrics to a song there was no way you would have picked them up as his voice got lost in the mix, which was way too loud and with too much bass. I think the stadium-type seating on bare concrete floors might have something to do with it - surely carpeting would help? Having now seen several reviews of the O2 (wish I'd seen them before booking!) it seems that the sound is OK if you sit in the arena at the front, but rubbish everywhere else (I was on level 1, Block 103, Row T). On the arena floor seating I don't think you would get a good view from the rows further back as there is no raking of the seats. The location is good with good bus and tube links, and there are plenty of restaurants of all cuisines (but get there at least 3 hours before a show or you will have to queue to get in them). Overall though, you come to see and HEAR a show, so unless you absolutely MUST see someone play here, I would advise against it.

Location, restaurants

Sound quality

Posted by dave john, cambridge (2008-10-01)

could never concentrate fully on concert performance as i was continualy disturbed by people walking up and down the aisles mostly for more beer,stood up for stevie wonder ten times,stood up to let weak bladdered boozers out 30 times.myself and my freinds all agreed that would be our first and last visit .

stevie wonder

food and drink too dear,terrible acoustics

Posted by Christine Collier, Colchester (2008-09-15)

Having been initially disappointed as being unable to get tickets for the Thursday night Stevie Wonder concert it was with delight that my children rang me to say that they had discovered another date and I hastily booked six tickets, albeit reluctantly in the very highest seats of the fourth tier - how it is possible for people to get better seats? We were all very excited in anticipation of seeing Stevie Wonder and at last he entered the stage. From down below us there was a muffled roar. We stood as he began the evening to a rapturous reception but immediately felt utter disappointment at the unbelievable poor sound quality. It was like we were seated in the perimeter walkway leading to the toilets with music from the concert filtering through. My son, like scores of other people went to complain but was told that there was nothing that could be done. The girl on customer services even admitted that it was worse the night before, handing him an address to write to. Reading reviews of other previous concerts at the O2 it would appear that this has been the case for a very long time and nothing is being done about it. It would appear that unless it is possible to get seating in any of the lower levels then the fans paying out a fortune for poor seating are always going to be thoroughly let down. Why and how does the O2 continue to get away with this. If there is nothing that can be done about the sound quality then don't continue to rip people off and offer seating so ridiculously high with poor accoustics.

Great atmosphere whilst waiting to see a legend

Unacceptably high seating with poor sound quality

Posted by Chris Arnold, Ruardean (2008-08-13)

I have done quite a few concerts in my time but never had a venue as dreadful as this one. That said no problems with transport (took buses there and back from Greenwich) or indeed the bars/restaurants on entry where despite being busy, quick and courteous service seemed the norm. It was the concert arena itelf. No doubt being in the last but one tier on the left of the stage did not help. The sound was abysmal, muffled, distorted treble, bass was overly loud and dominating and bad quailty too boot. Couple that with microphones that went on and off with regular monotony and whoever was at the mixing console needed shooting, I would would truly struggle to give it 2 out of 10. I also now know what its like to be a Jack In The Box constantly getting up for persons who either had no bladder control or felt the need to feed or water their face every 20 mins. Would I go again? If I were able to get a different position, infront of the stage on the floor maybe, to give it a chance to redeem itself, else no chance

Michael Buble's performance

Just about everything

Posted by Lucy, Horsham (2008-07-31)

I went to see Kylie this week at the O2. I hadn't seen Kylie before or been to the O2. The combination was totally electrifying and I had a fantastic evening. We had seats in the 4th tier, which was a bit unnerving as it was such a steep drop down, but you got used to it after a while and it didn't stop me standing up and dancing. The venue and transport arrangements were great; no irritable public as everything was well controlled. I would recommend the O2 Arena (and Kylie) and will encourage my husband to come along and see something with me later in the year. Excellent.

Superb! Well organised, loads of loos.

4th row seats were very high and a bit scary

Posted by Debbie, Surrey (2008-07-27)

Have seen Barbra Streisand twice,Take That and Michael Buble. Just booked Simply Red. Have sat in all different areas of the arena. Dislike the 2nd level tiers but all floor and 1st level seats are good. Prefer this venue to Wembley and others but wish 02 would stop selling food and drink during the performance as the constant trooping backwards and forwards of some many people spoils the enjoyment of the concert. Appreciate they want to make money but need to sort this out as it resembles a railway station at times. Venue is easy to get too and the clipper is fun and fantastic.

Good views, good food, good venue

Constant interruptions

Posted by Dale, Swindon (2008-07-09)

I went to see Dolly Parton at the O2 on 6th July (she was amazing!) The arena is massive and impressive to walk around. The food quality was good - I was served quickly and the staff were polite and helpful. The only drawbacks are that food is allowed into the arena and the car parking is ridiculous! Sat there for an hour and it seemed to be a free-for-all. They really need a better system to get people out and better marshalling could do this easily. If you are planning to go I would avoid the side seats which face 90 degrees from the stage. I was in the front block and the view/sound was fantastic. Would definitely go again.

Great atmosphere and good sound

Car park mayhem!!

Posted by Bennett Family, Croydon (2008-07-09)

Went to see Alicia Keys 8th July 2008 . We were level 4 on R/H side of stage, one row from the back. A very disaapointing concert. The sound was very poor & extremely loud. You could not hear the words probably as the sound seemed distorted and the base was very booming. We would not go to a concert at O2 again.

None

Very poor sound quality, loud & distorted

Posted by Bob, london (2008-07-08)

Went to Dolly Parton on 6 July were situated on level four at side- sound was very poor -too loud & distorted all sounded mushy. Constant interruptions from foodies & drinkers/late comers this is just not on especially considering price of tickets- had people sitting near us chomping on fish & chips ugh!!.Seating not suitable for concerts at the end of the arena having to crane your kneck! Saw Eagles in March & sound was brilliant but again constant interruptions etc spoilt it. Shan't be going again

None

Food & drink in auditorium/poor seating

Posted by John, Islington (2008-07-07)

There for Dolly Parton Sunday 6 July 08. First time in the main arena - a staggeringly huge space. We had seats in the central/ front blocks of the stalls. Although a bit cramped, we had a great view and enjoyed good, well balanced sound. A bit put-out by slow bar queues, slow bar service. Also not good that food is allowed in the auditorium - someone in front of us was munching a burger and chips during one of the quieter numbers. Overall first impression of the main arena was a good one, although given its size and height, I definitely would not want to be at the back of the gods.

Great sound; staggering space

Food allowed in auditorium; bar queues

Posted by Andy, Cirencester (2008-06-30)

This is a truly dreadful venue. The arena has been specifically designed for musical performances, so why on earth don't the seats face the stage? Having seats facing at a right-angle to the stage is unforgivable from a design perspective. Also, at the Neil Diamond gig I went to, people were allowed to bring food and drink into the arena, which meant constant interruptions and distractions as people kept going to the bar or fetching burgers. It made listening to the slower, acoustic songs impossible, and was disrespectful to the performer.

Ample parking

Location, Design, Management

Posted by Tom Braider, Brighton (2008-06-26)

Saw Santana on Sunday. Unlike last reviewer I thought the sound was good - although the bass drum was a bit painful as it hit you in the chest; I was only 12 rows from the stage and that bass was LOUD. Parking was chaotic and we were actually late for the gig - but they had warned us there would be trouble as the Tube was out of action so not the venue's fault, I suppose. This was my second gig at O2 (first Prince). I reckon I'd go again...

Roomy!

Car park charge

Posted by julie, ashford, kent. (2008-06-23)

saw santana along with beverly knight. sound quality and visability very poor, will not be going again unless lucky enough to get good seats. wish we had complained as people in earlier reviews had done and were moved to front seats, left concert early, have never done that before, very dissapointed.

toilets clean

very bad sound quality

Posted by blondie, orpington (2008-06-22)

Don't get 'central' seats at the back.The stacking of seats is just too sheer !! Artists appear as pin dots and 'large ' screens appear as a 12 " TV ! Sound for the Eagles including their acoustic sections weas however excellent. Neil Diamond seats although 4 th tier very good .Sat in a second row in front of lighting apparatus. View and screens not so bad , didnt feel at all panicky at height. Sound really bad and cant believe it was anything to do with Neil Diamond having seen him 6 times previously! In fact he was complaining of feedback FFS!!!!!!! Also sat stationary for 1 hour in car park trying to get home !

eagles

neil diamond

Posted by elise, folkestone (2008-02-17)

i saw Keane here, it is enormous! luckily we had good seats :) but would def go standing next time so i'm in amongst those as exicted as me!! sound was loud and fab! could hear them sound checking outside by the restaurants.

atmosphere is unbelievable!

getting food was hard- very busy

Posted by anne, reading (2008-01-20)

cant wait to go again good sounds and one of the best i have been to.

great seats good food and helpful staff

none at all

Posted by Michelle, brighton (2007-10-28)

Went to see Scissor Sisters. We were standing. I was amazed how big the arena is, and the staff were so helpful. Only downside is that the floor needs to be sprung if your standing for such a long time, as jsut standing on concrete is a bit hatsh !! Overall Fantastic though

!! FANTASTIC !!

Posted by Tim , Sevenoaks (2007-09-15)

I was at the O2 for Princes opening night and I can honestly say this was probably the best concert I have ever been too,the buzz of 20,000 fans around the arena was just out of this world!!

Prince put on the best show ever!!!

Queues for the underground after the show

Posted by Paula, Birkenhead (2007-08-22)

I went to see Prince at the O2 - he was fab and our seats were great - would recommend this venue to anyone. All staff were very helpful at the venue as the arena is so big you get a bit lost on the way back to your seats he he. The onlt bad thing was the que to eat but if you go to the hot dog stands like we did there was no que. I was 100% pleased with tickets, seats, venue and Prince was the best! Deffo go again

Excellent

Queues for food

Posted by Jo Hepburn, Cambridge (2007-08-08)

I went to see Justin Timberlake who was absolutely brilliant. Would recommend eating outside of the O2 as the queues are ridiculous. Very upset with ticket master as booked tickets before xmas (for concert beginning of July) and asked for best seats available. We turned up and found out they had put us on the back row - when other sections hadn't even been sold. I reckon we would have got better seats if we'd purchased on the day! When ticket master sells seats it appears that they sell by section, so when you ask for best available you get best in that section. Sound quality at the back is poor as all the sound seens to come from the front/middle of the arena. Also, not good if you suffer from vertigo as is very high up and very steep! Anyway, we complained and got moved right to the front! Views and sound quality brilliant! Overall thought it was a brilliant venue.

Great views

Queues for food, bad sound quality if sat at back

Posted by Christina Baker, Stevenage (2007-07-09)

Went to see Justin Timberlake at the O2.I was at the very back of the arena, the seating was so steep - not good if you have a fear of heights!! The sound and view was pretty poor too, however the atmospere was amazing so I Would go back but only if better seats are available!!

Justin of course

Poor view/sound at the back

Posted by Danielle Evans, Cambridge (2007-07-08)

Ok..so the venue was quality..looked really cool with all the restaurants etc (kinda like a mini town)..woulda been even better if u could actually get into the restaurants tho, had to wait about half hour (at least) to be seated as queues were 30 people long! i would strongly recommend anyone going to see a concert to eat elsewhere beforehand otherwise it will turn out to be a mad rush and stressful (we had to miss fergie whilst waitin for our pizza to arrive..v annoying!)..justin was amazing..however - we booked our tickets about 8 months ago and we were seated right at the back = poor sound, terrible view etc etc!..so we went and complained and got moved RIGHT to the front (amazing)..great view (of Justin - phwoarr!!) and the sound quality was amazing..so basically guys overall we had a wicked time in the end but would def advise eatin beforehand and moan about seats if get seated right at back - done! =0) would definitely go back!

Posted by Melanie, Hackney (2007-07-07)

I went to see Justin Timberlake, and he was hot! A great venue, excellent sound. Would definitely go back again.

Great venue!

Queues for food

Posted by Elise, Cambridge (2007-06-28)

I was at The O2 with friends for Bon Jovi's opening night concert. We had an amazing time, the sound quality was fantastic, as were the views from the seats. Not everything was open yet (some restaurants etc due to open later in the year)so queues for food, but everything well organised. Would definitely go there again!

fantastic sound and views

Not everything was open yet

Posted by Fiona, Reading (2007-06-27)

We went to the opening night of the O2 Arena and were seriously entertained by Bon Jovi - this was the third time I'd been to see them play, but the added excitement of 20,000 screaming fans packed in to the shiny new dome made it the best gig yet! Plenty of places to eat - it actually reminded me of a high street, packed with Nandos, Pizza Express, the Slug and Lettuce and loads of other places. I'll definitely come back to the O2, especially for a Bon Jovi concert! :-)

Superb venue!

None - gig was amazing!