Arctic Monkeys – Madison Square Garden, New York 08/02/14

New York has been celebrating a special anniversary this week. There’s excitement in the air as the city marks the first arrival of a very British export, with Alex Turner explaining, “it’s 50 years since Ed Sullivan first brought The Beatles to the United States. Apparently one in three Americans actually watched that performance, so if we’re lucky one or three Americans might watch this YouTube video.”

Right on cue, the stage is lit up by more disco balls than would be seen at a high school prom, and Arctic Monkeys present their own offering to the celebrations, launching into a slower, sultry rendition of classic “All My Loving”. It seems apt that the band pay tribute to British legends of the past as they continue on their own quest to break America.

From their early gigs at London’s Astoria to headlining Glastonbury and playing at the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony, tonight is another major milestone. Madison Square Garden stands tall in Pennsylvania Plaza, a huge arena steeped in historic performances, and this is Arctic Monkeys’ are biggest US headline show to date. It’s sold out, and has proved to be the hottest ticket in town – even Vampire Weekend are in the expectant crowd.

The lights go out, and a huge illuminated ‘AM’ graces the stage, as the band enter amidst strobes and flashes. Then the huge, stomping beast that is ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ begins, a track that recently reached number one on the US Alternative Billboard chart. Alex Turner-signature quiff perfectly coiffed- confidently holds the stage as the band rumbles through the behemoth track, that leads almost directly into ‘Brianstorm’, which triggers all kinds of madness.

The set is built almost entirely around latest album ‘AM’, as it moves through “Snap Out Of It”, “Fireside” and “Knee Socks”. Yet it’s “Arabella” that steals the show mid-set. Turner leaves the guitar duties to Jamie Cook and the band’s touring member, Tom Rowley, whilst he stalks the stage, in a Nick Cave-esque fashion, acting out the lyrics of the song. Dipping and diving, strutting and swinging his hips, he has the audience wrapped round his little finger. Drummer Matt Helders provides the power as the tune merges into Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs”, whilst Turner picks up his guitar again and blasts into the guitar solo, sliding on his knees and looking as though he is constantly posing for his fans.

It’s not all rock’n’roll theatrics though, as the whole pace changes with “Cornerstone”. Turner politely requests that everyone puts down their mobile phone and cameras so everyone can share a moment without any interruptions. The difference it makes is remarkable, as the vast Madison Square Garden suddenly becomes a much more intimate affair, with less flashes and more hands waving in the air as the show moves into a twinkling and beautiful “I Wanna Be Yours”.

The whole performance is a masterclass in shimmering treats and blasts of rock’n’roll showmanship, drawn together by “One For The Road” and finishing up with “R U Mine?” The energy levels reach their peak, as Madison Square Garden is brought to its knees. It’s not always easy for British bands in America, but Arctic Monkeys are showing how they’re moulding into more than just Britain’s best band- they’re a world class act.