Snow Patrol has met much success in the last few years with “Chasing Cars” being played on Grey’s Anatomy, other television series and films. Therefore, its a rare opportunity to catch the band in a small venue such as the House of Blues. Three out of the handful of shows was presented by Shockhound as a sort of warm up/ press tour before the band heads out on a major U.S. tour next year.

First off, I was very unhappy with how The House of Blues staff allowed the pass the line program to be in effect because the show was supposed to be a private event. There were some people in line since noon waiting to get inside and the pass the line participants were allowed in before them. Ranting aside, lets move onto the show…

Set List

If There’s a Rocket Tie Me To It
Chocolate
Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands
How To Be Dead
Run
The Golden Floor
Shut Your Eyes
Chasing Cars
Make This Go On Forever
Crack The Shutters
Take Back The City
You’re All I Have (aborted)
You’re All I Have
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You Are My Joy (Reindeer Section) dedicated to the birthday girl
The Lightning Strike
Open Your Eyes

The band played a solid set with all of my personal favorites spanning all 3 studio releases.
Accompanying the band was an additional acoustic guitar player and Richard Colburn from Belle and Sebastian on percussion.

In between songs, when not telling strange metaphors or drawing disturbing analogies, Gary was jittering around as if he was channeling a less epileptic Ian Curtis. I was surprised by how similar and rich his vocals sounded in comparison to the records.

Once “Chocolate” started, they even had me become a swooning fan girl. It was during “The Golden Floor” when you could really hear Colburn’s contributions to the song. On “Shut Your Eyes”, Gary organized a little crowd participation by inviting the more than enthusiastic women to sing the chorus. After, he even managed to get the reluctant boyfriend’s in the audience singing the chorus. By the end of the song, even the men were cheering for more. During the opening bars of “Chasing Cars” you could almost feel had every woman in the room gasp. Don’t worry Gary, I’m sure every person in the room either wants to “lay here with you” or be you.