Took the family Sunday evening. All in all, I have to say a great time. First rock show for my 12 and 14 year old boys. They had a blast, although I think the volume was a little overwhelming to the 12 yr old.
I really can't pick on one thing. Here's some random thoughts:
- Great little theater, great sound overall. Not a bad seat in the joint.
- I had never seen Tommy Shaw live. I've only seen Styx 2x, and both were EOTC tour. He's just incredible. His vocals (at 59?) are tremendous. He seems down to earth. Very, very impressed.
- Sound a little muddy for the first song, but seemed to straighten out. Unless I deafened a little bit.
- Gowan sounded good. I still don't like him singing DDY's stuff, but he's good. He's also quite the showman, and very conversational with the crowd. He's energetic, running around like a fool when not on the keys.
- JY didn't sound too bad. He didn't seem very prominent to me. Could have done w/out Miss America, but a minor gripe.
- Todd is quite the drummer. Nothing more needs to be said.
- They all genuinely appeared to be having a good time. Legitimately. That says something, given the continuous touring they do.The crowd was great (not a sellout), and the interactions were lively and legitimate. I got the sense the crowd and the band enjoyed each other, if that makes any sense.
- I was THRILLED with the set list. Nice set - worth the $. I'm a huge fan of GI side 2 (in vinyl vernacular), and many others that didn't make radio waves. And they played it.
- I don't know why, but I felt such melancholy when Superstars, and Man in the Wilderness came up. I don't know why. It really just took me back, and it felt, well, right.
Here's the set list. Order may not be 100% accurate, but it's close. What really hit me was the reaction of the 14 year old. He seemed genuinely thrilled with inclusion of some of the "lesser know" tracks. Especially I'm OK, and Castle Walls. He came to those conclusions on his own, which means, he has good judgement, which means there's some of me in him, and THAT made me feel great!
Blue Collar man
Too Much Time on My Hands
Lady
Lorelei
The Grand Illusion
Superstars
I'm OK
Pieces of Eight
Aku-Aku
Man in the Wilderness
Walrus Outtake
Castle Walls
Difference in the World (Partial)
Fooling Yourself
Miss America
Crystal Ball
Misc Gowan Utterances
Come Sail Away
Rockin' the Paradise
Renegade