From by the stage, Ike's team can be seen accessing their radios, but the chant of the crowd makes clarity less than optimal
Tani (Stage Left) - It's all good. No one is trying to sneak round back
Ramnertvar, Mari and Mimak - There's a crush at the front, but no malice.
Horvang and his father, Thor (Stage Right) - All quiet...There's a mixed bunch of teens with beer (Ishis and DeLambres mostly, but one of the Chtiztsinjtlas and some others) that have taken up peering round from the plaza up by the North Wall.
4...
Where did 5 go?
Angeo reports that the Absence of Malice's Passenger group is just exiting the shaft by the Golden Star on the Old Town Drift and the space is jammed too.
Looks like the whole Strip is moving towards the Music..
With almost perfect timing, an over-beered rock-jock throws up right next to the sound desk before re-joining the chant.
3...
Boronu, (the founder,back at the office babysitting the comms) asks if he needs to come up.
Me, Sif and Leeh, if you need us!
5...
Out in the centre of the crowd, the ritual countdown has been progressing. What had been quite comfortable as the Exploding Penguins did their stuff is now standing-room only. The shorter members of the party as losing sight of the stage as some in front hoist other onto their shoulders. The Decorative Planter has become a climbing frame for fans and has half-a dozen hanging from it - with one standing at the top, "King of the Castle".
4...
The buildings around the square are festooned with people - many with their children all excited to be up so late. The banking hall at Hortalez is dark, but the 1st floor seems to have a party going on: Imperial Executives and Staff from the Bank and the LSP office next door taking advantage of what is effectively a private box.
Margaret grabs William's arm for attention and shouts
This is just the best!
3...
5...
Phoenix doesn't need to "Whip-Up" the crowd - they seem quite capable of counting down, loudly.
Giigimka, the sponsor, appears down the alley from stage left with her Cousin as Minder.
4...
This is bigger than I'd expected. she yells at Andras.
I was going to say something to Phoenix before she went on, but I got stuck in the crush. Too late now!
3...