Chicago Show - full review
OK, some of you may have read my pre/post reviews of the New Orleans show, so I won't go into why I'm a deep purple fan here. If you're interested in the tale, I'm sure it's archived somewhere... onto the meat... (or veggie substitute should RG be reading)
First of all, I should say I am nowhere near Chicago. It was about a 9 or 9.5 hour car trip. Longer than the drive to New Orleans. I wish they'd play closer!! But, that should tell you that I'm a fan. The 3 people that went with me weren't really familiar with DP, and didn't know what to expect. They just came along to share my excitement and the prospect of seeing what I said would be a good show. 2 are a couple, Tracy & Nicole, and they're in their early 20's. Tony is the third, he's 29. I'm 30 - same age as DP. We all rode up in a little Neon, and I am stiff and sore, but very very happy.
The facility there was terrific. The weather was nice, the tee-shirts, etc weren't outrageous (take a lesson... Clapton, Stones, et al) The security guard doing the search as I walked it told me I had nice shoes (a first for me). The crowd was varied, ranging in age from around 8 to upwards of who knows what. Good sized crowd too. Onto the shows...
Dream Theater - The band has musical talent, but my tastes just don't agree with how they choose to use it. They're good and able musicians, and I'll just leave it at that. Well, almost... I didn't care much for the Pink Floyd and Metallica riffs used in the songs. I read my Abandon Tour program through most of the set.
ELP - I have been an ELP fan almost as long as I've been a DP fan. I got the 3LP "Welcome back my friends..." for christmas of 74... I was curious to see how'd they match up to that landmark, and to see how Keith was after the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome surgery. They performed very well, if a bit too much in 70's style. Greg's voice was strong (lay off the processing a little guys, his voice is good to begin with). And Carl is a great drummer. It was good to get a chance to see these guys live... But I won't drive half a day again to see em.
DP on the other hand - Wow...
I knew from The Highway Star that IG might not be up to par since he was sick to the point of having to cancel a show earlier, but I have to say my opinion of this man went through the roof because of this show... I had good seats, about 10th row stage left, and could see not only the stage, but backstage as well. On the front of the stage, IG was all smiles, laughing and enjoying the show and his bandmates. Whenever he had a chance though, he went backstage and I thought he was going to pass out or throw up or both. He was coughing up crap, and would sometimes be almost doubled over. But when he needed to be up front, there he was, and he was amazing. Fantastic form, all the highs were there, overall better than New Orleans. Tracy, being a sports fan, said it was appropriate the show was in Chicago, because the only other time he's seen someone perform that well when they were sick was Michael Jordan in the playoffs when he had the flu. From a sports nut, I don't think IG could have received a higher compliment, especially considering (at least before the show) that Tracy wasn't a DP fanatic.
Steve seemed a little too hot in the mix, but, like I said, I was on his side of the stage, and I could have been hearing some of his own amps (don't see how, that was one VERY LOUD SHOW.) He played a little different than the HOB shows, maybe because of the jabs he's been getting around here? I don't know - his playing was great, and I really encourage DP fans that don't know Steve to check out his other stuff, he has a variety of styles. If you ever get a chance to see him play acoustically live, don't miss it...
Jon was having a blast. I could see him well, and he enjoyed the show. He and Steve once again got along great musically and visually. I can't say how good it is to see these guys getting along and having fun. It's hard for me to picture the fighting of the end of the 80's/early 90's. If Ritchie had to leave so these guys could have fun, then I'm glad he's gone - I like his playing, and always will. He just doesn't fit into the band I saw play in New Orleans and Chicago. These guys were playing for ME and having fun doing it. They're a fan's band.
IP and RG were on the other side of the stage from me this time, so I couldn't watch them as well. IP is hard to see behind the kit anyway. RG seemed to enjoy the show, and played great. I liked reading his day to day entries in the tour program. It's nice to see how the album came together.
The Songs - If someone presed me really hard, I could come up with a set list, if it isn't already mentioned elsewhere. I liked hearing SKOW, the new stuff went over well (although I like Watching the sky the least of any song on Abandon, it worked well live). Almost Human was fun. I missed 7th Heaven. Lazy was good to hear, and I liked IG's hat - where can I get one ? (If the security guard can like my shoes, I can like IG's hat).
The show was loud, DP is supposed to be loud. I had no trouble with the volume level - hat's off to the sound guys. I've seen loud shows where the mix was terrible, and it was just noise (Van Halen (3 times) and Elton John (a surprise)). Everything was clear and punchy, very little mud. Nice !
Thanks guys, for making the long trip worth it. Thanks for giving my friends, non DP followers, a show Nicole described as "kick ass". I just can't say enough, but I've said too much, so I'll stop. Fantastic show.
[ reviews | the highway star ]