Bloc Rock The Albert Hall

Bloc Party got things jumping at the Royal Albert Hall last night (May 29) with their headline slot at one of the Teenage Cancer Trust concerts.

Taking to the stage at 9:30 with their customary cool demeanour, the band played a 65-minute set which included new tunes Hunting For Witches and Wet and a raft of classics from Silent Alarm such as Helicopter, Blue Light and the coveted Banquet.

During the performance, singer Kele Okereke revealed that this wasnt the first time that hed played the Royal Albert Hall. The first time had been when he was 12 as part of the school district choir. He enjoyed this one more though, he revealed later.

Support at the TCT gig came courtesy of Eel Pie Island geezers Mystery Jets (pictured), who opened proceedings with a trademark kooky run through of tracks from their recent album Making Dens.

Biffy Clyro followed the Jets, much to the excitement of all the Scots in the building who welcomed them with cries of Mon the Biffy!

Razorlight headline tonights TCT gig, while tomorrows sees a Gibson Guitar-presented tribute to the late great Tommy Vance with Judas Priest on headlining duty. Saturday sees The Cure don the Royal Albert Hall stage to conclude this year's TCT series.

DM