As soon as we entered the street the atmosphere was ecstatic. There where people waiting outside to pay on the door, me and my friends all gained ourselves a ticket before hand though. Which is the better option because as soon as we went up the stairs they where playing great music with a DJ. People where already dancing and shouting and not one band had came on yet. There where 4 bands playing on the night, only three really caught my attention. The main band to be playing where called 'The Wombats'. The bands on before where called KIDS, Little Miss Pipedream and The Whip. The main band The Womabts where fantastic. Obviously being the main band they where on last. The best thing about it, is they have this song that everyone, everyone loves called 'Moving To New York' have a listen for yourself: www.thewombats.co.uk  and listen to that song.

Anyway they played a few good songs first and then a new one and then announced they had finished. The crowd was stunned with unreal noise because they havn't played 'Moving To New York.' So with a few pints down and everyone hyped up, everyone in the crowd started a song themselves. As they where making their way off the stage the crowd was singing 'Movinggg To New York.' It was quite funny but a few people started to think that they were not coming back on. Then with the place dark and no lights the MC came on an shouted to us "Do you think they have one more in them" Suddenly they started the song 'Moving To New York' and they amount of noise coming from the crowd was mind blowing and with anticipation and an adrenalin rush I just began to scream my heart out bouncing to the song. I don't think I've ever had such a thrill in my life watching a live band. Drenched in sweat the crowd was still pumping out in the streets and Carling Academy was left bewildered as the crowd poured out of the doors. One of the best venues I've ever been to because of the security, the people and the music it was a fantastic night and I enjoyed it. I would recommend the Carling Academy to anyone up for a bouncing dance and a thrill start in them. Absolute class.

Since Carling Academey venues are redevelopments of former cinemas and bingo halls or older concert venues, no two are alike. The Liverpool venue is tucked away behind Lime Street Station, making it quite easy to get to although parking is very limited in the immediate vicinity of the Academy. The main stage is quite large - about two thousand people capacity perhaps mostly standing, although there is a Small balcony - however, the balcony is a long way back and I would imagine the view isn't great and you must feel along way from the stage.

The bar is along the wall on the left as you look at the stage. There are always loads of bar staff so you never need to queue too long. Drinks aren't cheap but by no means the most expensive in town - a pint and a gin and tonic will set you back just over £6. Downstairs a smaller venue plays host to lesser bands; this is an atmospheric venue and the clever design means even shorties like me should be able to see even if its busy. The toilets are a let down - even early on the evening they look like they've not been looked after for days with soaking floors and no loo paper. The box office is situated in a doorway and is easy to miss - keep your eyes open.