Mixing It Up: Confetti-Coated Memories
Like any young girl, I spent my formative years dramatically belting out: ‘Mama told me not to waste my life. She said spread your wings, my little butterfly…’ while dancing awkwardly in front of the TV, looking considerably less glamorous than the members of Little Mix. Their music was a source of connection, each release bringing about a buzz of excitement. Watching their interviews and falling for their British charm was a highlight of my experience delving into fandom.
Aspiring to be as cool as Jade with her colourful hair and plethora of bows, seeing a girl with Asian heritage made it gave me a sense of pride. Her openness about experiencing everything from racism to eating disorders and willingness to give back is a testament to her integrity of character. Her outspoken support of Palestine also extends to others, and her desire to be on the right side of history exemplifies a good use of a big platform. Watching her grow into self-love while fans may be on a similar journey makes ‘mixers’ feel a solid draw to this woman they have never met but found themselves rooting for — the beauty of artistry and how it brings people together. Despite the distance, music has a distinct way of uniting people. One way this manifests is through concerts.
Being an introverted kid who spent her time online making fan pages, I always dealt with severe FOMO upon seeing concert clips with fabulous costumes and high production value as starry-eyed fans like myself gaze up at the spectacle in adoration with the artist feeding on their energy. I craved being a part of that sphere, so when the opportunity to see Little Mix near me came around, I could not pass up the opportunity. Artists rarely come to my part of Birmingham, affectionately dubbed as Brum. It is rarer still that this occurs in the afternoon when I can actually go out without worrying about the trouble it would bring.
Being inexperienced and the only one of my own trio, our very own little mix, who could handle the ticket side of things, I encountered my first obstacle. Thinking I had purchased three seats, I had actually only bought one. In a moment of panic, I turned to the unbeknownst to me at the time, dreaded…Viagogo. It wasn’t until my friend informed me that there was a high chance I had been scammed that I realised I had done something reckless and impulsive in my desire not to let down my fellow concert-goers. After a stressful conversation with a customer service rep for the company, who, in hindsight, I feel deep sympathy for, I gave up on getting a refund from the company and devised a plan to go through my bank.
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The helpful lady at the bank went out of her way to help, but I was told that a refund was only possible should the tickets on the day be considered fake. Considering this reasonable, I went through the ticket factory and decided we would collect them at the box office. Finally, a momentary breath of relief.
The fateful day arrived in a flash as the whirlwind of an experience was only further propelled by how soon the show was. The spontaneous decision was one of the best I had ever made. Getting dressed for the occasion in a white denim jacket and floral get-up, I met my friends in town, and we wasted no time hopping on the train. One of the most underrated concert experiences is guessing who around you is seeing the show, too, and believe me when I say there will always be plenty. Whether you are lucky enough to encounter a friend or enjoy being surrounded by people you share something in common, it is a win.
Bursting with anticipation, the ride to Resorts World was over in a flash. Holding the tickets was surreal, and before we knew it, we were ushered in. Getting antsy and impatient, we kept our eyes peeled for any sign the show would start as we speculated what they might be up to and revelled in our mutual shock that they were in the building at that moment. In a moment of girlhood and solidarity, I perched comfortably between friends I was beyond happy to share the experience with.
The first to take to the stage was Since September, selected by Little Mix on their show ‘The Search.’ Electrifying the audience, I found myself enjoying their set immensely. Cleverly intermingling their best work with covers the crowd would know to get the energy up, we were sufficiently amped up for the arrival of the day’s main attraction.
The choice to play Beyonce was a reminder of who runs the world, and to cement this in our brains, the trio took to the stage and dazzled in phenomenal performance after phenomenal performance. They raised and exceeded every bar with their combination of loofah-style outfits we giggled at and stunning glittery ensembles. Their vocals topped every record; they brought the energy of an evening show to a small arena at 12pm, and the emotions were high as their love shone through. Despite losing a member, it simply worked, and they raised a middle finger for anyone who questioned their admiration for one another. Each moment added depth to their set, from beautifully belting out Secret Love Song (saying ‘We see you’ to some of their most ostracised fans) to declaring ‘What the hell do you know?’ to their doubters.
The encore was the cherry on the top as they rounded it off by clarifying that nothing comes between them, their fans and their music. A bittersweet way of saying see you later; the fleeting moment shared between everyone in the arena was nothing special. From witnessing the twinkling lights surrounding us and being convinced one of the girls was looking our way from their moving platform at various moments and, of course, a lot of confetti, it’s safe to say we had to do it again. So we did…in an encore of our own, we attended the virtual event too on the day of their final show. Giving the band we made so many memories with a goodbye, their charming banter showed no love lost and that when this group says hiatus, they mean hiatus. (Looking at you, One Direction.)
Their solo work has not disappointed so far; it is heart-warmingly timed, so there is no clash or competition, and the love they pour into it is evident. I look forward to seeing their future work. For a first concert, it was a flawless experience, and despite the trouble it got me in when my folks found out a story for another time, I would not have changed it or taken it back. Weirdly, it showed me how capable I am, and it was my first stint seeking forgiveness, not permission. By watching them, I accomplished much more and gained a lot, including my money back from Viagogo via my bank. Yes, all £400 of it, and I remember it vividly enough after all this time to write all this without much thought or planning. Going out with a bang like a confetti canon, this is for sure not their last hurrah.
