PNC August 6
Well, where do I begin. I was afraid the three band format would cut into the DP set and this was the case. I would not have felt bad about it if the set list showed just a bit of imagination. Perhaps because I was fortunate enough to see the House of Blues and Purpendiclar tours, I was really hoping for atleast one song on the more obscure side (although I did enjoy hearing Strange kind of Woman again). They pulled it off with No one Came on the last two tours, and certainly something such as Flight of the Rat or Smooth Dancer would have been a nice treat here.Anyway, my focus was naturally then on the new material, and it was very well recieved. Steve's building solo passage in Seventh Heaven was just great. As Whatsername is now the new single (and getting some airplay here in Philly), perhaps it should replace Watching the Sky, which was a definte pee break for a few fans.To me, Almost Human was the best song of the night! As for the rest, I just think Steve Morse is outstanding. I appreciate how the band, after Hush, really gives him a cahnce to win over the crowd immediately with Bludsucker and SKOW. Sure Blackmore is missed in terms of history, but let's not be too quick to forget why he is gone. Steve Morse will never be accused of playing a lackluster set. Ian Gillan started incredibly strong but seemed to loose it just a bit toward the end. I understand at Jones Beach he was shot, a reality I feared when looking at the schedule and seeing them doing four straight nights to start a tour. Kinda like asking a pitcher to go nine in his first start of the season. I hope he gets some rest, because he tries so hard and gives so much.
By the way, Dream Theater, in my opinion, were outstanding. I'm defintetly pulling my ass out of the bar we will be in in Camden to make their set. I can relax during ELPee.
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