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Courtesy of Andy Deluca

It was 4:30 p.m. when I arrived at The Moroccan Lounge located near Little Tokyo in Los Angeles on Dec. 2. A few fans dressed in tartan pants and leather jackets sat on the floor outside the new music venue, all hoping to be up close to the stage at the general admission concert. Some had been waiting all afternoon to see Heather Baron-Gracie, Ciàra Doran, Hugo Silvani and Charles Wood, also known as the members of the indie-pop band from Manchester, Pale Waves. I joined the fans outside and we all instantly clicked; we had the same music taste and liked being early to concerts.

I didn’t realize how casual the setting would be until a car arrived right in front of us and dropped off the band along with some suitcases. They waved and high-fived a few of us as they walked by, greeting fans they recognized from their last show in San Diego. Some of the people I met were friends with the band; they knew each other fairly well. One fan, in particular, said she had seen them in Columbus, Chicago, San Diego, and she was planning to follow them to Phoenix and Austin.

As time passed, the line grew until it went all the way around the venue. Finally, at around 7 p.m., we were allowed to enter. The venue was small, with a capacity of 275 people, so it was no surprise when I secured a spot front and center along with the girls I met in line. The opening act was The Candescents, a small rock band from Columbus. They played a few original songs to get the crowd moving, building up the excitement for the main act.

After a 30-minute wait, Pale Waves took the stage. Frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie led the band into their first of eight songs, “Television Romance.” The glittery, pop tune was the band’s second single released in August. Baron-Gracie spoke little throughout their performance, only introducing songs and making sure the audience was having fun.

The final song was unforgettable, probably the one that allows me to say this was one of the best shows that I’ve attended. The band played their first single, “There’s a Honey,” with guitar vibes from the Cure. Everything was going great: the crowd was jumping and singing along. I had forgotten that the boots I was wearing were killing me, and the band looked like they were enjoying themselves as well. Suddenly, after the bridge of the sparkly song, I found myself climbing onstage along with other fans who had planned to invade the stage. This was led by some devotees who had met the band the night before and were granted permission from them.

The show ended and some attendees started to leave, while others stayed behind to meet the band and give them gifts. Baron-Gracie and Doran came out from backstage to greet a few fans, and to let them know that they had to leave; therefore, they couldn’t meet everyone. More fans left after this, but I wasn’t leaving without saying hello or getting a hug. I, along with the sweet fans I met in line, speed walked to the back of the venue, hoping to catch the band before they left. We found another group of fans outside the backstage entrance, so we stood there hoping they’d come out and say hello.

Luckily, they had to walk past us to get to their ride. I managed to say hello to drummer Doran and tell her that she did amazing. She thanked me, hugged me, and apologized for leaving so abruptly. I, being a California native, had never spoken directly to someone with an English accent, so it’s appropriate to say I was taken away by the gorgeous sound. After meeting Doran for a quick second, I ran to Baron-Gracie to see if I could get an autograph. Despite being pushed away by her tour manager, she quickly signed a few autographs and greeted everyone. After a few minutes, they were forced to leave. They waved goodbye and said they would be back soon.

After the show, Baron-Gracie tweeted, “It’s the start of Pale Waves,” showing the confidence and eagerness that they, as a band, possess. They’re set to put out their first EP in 2018. Even though I was upset that I didn’t get to greet them all and take a picture, it gives me an excuse to see them again next time they come out to Los Angeles. Overall, Pale Waves is a talented group of musicians with dedicated fans who, I am sure, will go on to do great things.