Ever been to a concert at London’s O2 Arena and wondered what it was like backstage? In 2020 I got the chance to find out with The O2 Backstage Tour.
The last few years have been pretty tough for fans of live music. Usually there is no shortage of shows to dance the night away at. From arena spectaculars to summer festivals, there is always something for everyone.
I only managed one show before the UK’s lockdown was announced. Which I think makes it around 25 years since I’ve seen so few shows in a year.
So when The O2 advertised they were holding a limited run of backstage tours over the summer of 2020, I didn’t need to be asked twice.
You know you are desperate for a show fix when you are happy to wander around an empty arena!
O2 Backstage Tour
It was a sunny afternoon in August, I found myself doing that familiar walk from North Greenwich tube station up to the famous dome. Some years The O2 feels like my second home so it was good to be back.
Billed as following in the footsteps of legends, the 90 minute tour takes you all around the arena. You get access to areas you’d never normally see as a concert goer including the production offices, crew catering, a top secret place you are not supposed to mention, and of course, the dressing rooms. Plus you get to stand on the arena floor without the crowds and spilt beer.
Behind the scenes at The O2 Arena
Meeting our tour guide in reception, it was clear to see I wasn’t the only on missing shows. Almost everyone had a tour t-shirt of some kind on.
Before starting the tour, we were quickly shown where VIPs are dropped off when attending an event at the arena. The long corridor from the valet parking area lined with huge images of artists that have played the venue. You don’t have to be a celeb to use this though. No you can buy a parking space and pretend to be a celeb for the night.
The first stop on the tour is the American Express Invite Lounge where American Express card holders can start and finish their evening in VIP style.
The huge bar runs the length of one side of the arena and is designed like a backstage experience. Food and drink is available to purchase and before some shows there is live entertainment.
I can imagine it gets pretty packed in there before a show but for cardholders, it’s a handy way to avoid the crowds (and queues at the bar/toilets) on the main concourse.
Leaving the bar, and heading across the VIP corridor it was just a few steps home into the arena.
Entering at block 101, we sat in some of the best seats in the house and chatted to our tour guide, swapping show memories and stories with some of the other music fans on the tour.
Fun facts about The O2
Our tour guide was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable. I don’t think there was anything about the arena she didn’t know.
A few of the facts she shared included
- the venue capacity is 21,000
- there are 96 suites
- over 25 million tickets have been sold since the venue opened in 2007 (I feel like I have bought most of them)
- until recently, The O2 didn’t have it’s own permanent stage, artists had to bring their own
- five acts/artists are members of the 21 Club – recognition for headlining the venue 21 times. Members of this exclusive club are Prince, Take That, One Direction, Michael Buble and Drake.
Being in the arena brings back all the memories from gigs over the years. You can imagine the crowds, the excitement waiting for the show to start, the lights going down… It felt a little sad seeing it, having sat so empty for so long in 2020.
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We had more than enough time here to take photos and relive some shows..and in my case check out some of the block seating numbers for future reference…
Backstage at The O2
Leaving the arena floor from behind where the stage normally is you see the loading bay where the truck load in. Tour buses are no longer allowed there after the Kings of Leon were famously caught smoking on their tour bus.
Entering the warren of backstage corridors, past the photo board for press shoots, we first stopped off at the locker room.
While The O2 is known for the amazing gigs it hosts, it is a multi purpose venue. Some of the sport events that have been held there include the ATP World Tour tennis finals, NBA basketball games, boxing, darts and the Olympic 2012 gymnastics and basketball finals.
Continuing along the corridor, we popped into the crew catering room (well the guys that do all the hard work need to eat!) and kitchen before heading to the artist dressing rooms.
The narrow dressing room corridor is lined with photos and memorabilia from some the pop and rock royalty that have played The O2 over the years including Take That, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, BTS, Taylor Swift, Stereophonics, Beyonce…
The dressing rooms are set up as an example of what it could look like. Most artists bring their own decor so it will look different for each show. But you get a pretty good idea of what it is like.
Back in the corridor, past the promotor wall of fame, we reached the production offices. For the purpose of this tour there was a number of venue seating plans on display (great for making a note of seats to look out for at future gigs) and, most interestingly, images of the venue being used to train NHS staff during the pandemic.
The final stop of the tour was the executive suites on level four . These are used for hospitality and corporate entertaining.
There are two levels of suites running around the arena. With an open balcony you get an unobstructed view of the stage – great for those of us that are short, no heads in the way! Plus the convenience of a private bar or access to a bar on the concourse.
It would be great to see a show in one of these. However, they are a little far from the action for me!
The Final Word
Sadly, The O2 backstage tour was a limited run but it was a fascinating way to see a side of a venue you don’t usually see…. and to relive some great memories.
With The O2 back hosting concerts again very soon, it might be a while before these tours are run again. It would be great if they could find a way to offer these tours in rare breaks between shows. I’m sure many music fans would love to go behind the scenes.
Until then why not check out some of their upcoming events.
Hello Emma, nice to meet you. My name is Nadia and I have the pleause of meeting a kpop band ATEEZ with the ult send off ticket at the o2 arena venue. since the other europe stops have been abit of a mess with the send off which is useally in a diffrent room to the stage. i was wondering what room will they most likely use for the send off/meet and greet part. As fans are abit worried since there is still a barraicade at the send off/meet and greet. in other europe stops, people with the same ticket, didnt even get a chance to have an interaction with the boys even though they all brought the same ticket. would love to hear your opion.
Your regaurds
Nadia xx
Hi Nadia, I’m not sure as I’ve not done a meet and greet at the O2. But they are usually pretty organised there so I’m sure it will work out ok for you. Enjoy your show & let us know how it goes :o). Emma
Great information as always ☺️