My Dream Theater Odyssey -- 9/24/11 *set list spoilers*

[bosk1]

First off, I just have to say, while I have been to quite a few shows, this may very well be my favorite DT show ever.  The two shows I saw in 2003 are the only contenders, and those rank so highly because at the time, Queensryche was still my long-time #2 favorite band, and the joint encores between the two bands were breathtakingly amazing.

As posted in another thread, once we got to San Francisco, the festivities began with a fun meetup with lonestar, a friend of his who we need to get on this forum, H, Fiery Winds, and Stereo Steve.



The food was good.  The company was even better.  Kinda wish we could have sat around and just chatted more casually, but we were all focused on the show, and the group was just big enough that conversations were going different directions at the same time at times.  But still, great way to kick off the evening.  On to the venue:



Doors open, and we get inside and find out seats.  This is a problem.  Our seats were VERY good in terms of being close because we were right at the front of the balcony, and the balcony seats at the Warfield are very close to the stage.  The problem is that they did a lousy job of hanging the PA speakers at that venue.  It is a fairly narrow theater (i.e, not very wide), and the speakers hung VERY low and were close in to the stage.  The result was, if you were too far to either side, they completely obscured the back part of the stage.  Whoever at Live Nation is responsible for the seat descriptions should be shot for not putting an "obscured view" tag on these seats so that buyers know ahead of time what they are getting.  For Trivium, it wasn't a problem since their stage was not very deep.  We could see everything just fine.  For DT, it was an issue.  Luckily, it was one we fixed.  More on that later. 

Trivium were VERY good.  I'm not into the screamy growly stuff in general, with a few exceptions, but I picked up their latest album and find it pretty good.  There were a LOT of fans sporting Trivium shirts, and the crowed was totally into it.  Our seats were perfect for observing some hardcore moshing down below us, and sometimes it was just as much fun watching the crowd as it was watching the band.  Overall, even though they are not a band that I am as into as others, it was great seeing a really solid performance from an established and talented band who know how to respect the audience and the headlining band when they are capable of headlining and are touring in an opening slot.  Great intro, and I think they got the crowed pretty fired up and ready to go.  Too bad so many seats were empty and more people didn't give this band a chance. 

So, during the break, we attempted to remedy the seating situation by scoping the place for empty seats, hoping they were vacant either because the people with those tickets didn't show up, or left after Trivium.  We found a nice pair of seats again right at the front of the balcony dead center.  Unfortunately, the ticket holders showed, so we had to vacate.  No big deal.  After that, we decided to just wait until the show began.  Into the second song, I approached security and charmed them into finding us better seats, figuring anyone who wasn't there yet probably wasn't coming.  The security guy I talked to was totally cool, and within second, found us a great pair of seats pretty close to the center, just a few rows back from the front.  Score!

As far as the set itself, you guys probably know the songs, but here's the list in all its glory:

1. Bridges in the Sky
2. These Walls
3. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
4. Endless Sacrifice
Drum Solo
5. Ytse Jam
6. The Silent Man
7. Beneath the Surface
8. The Great Debate
9. On the Backs of Angels
10. Forsaken
11. Through My Words
12. Fatal Tragedy
13. Outcry
------------------------------
14. Under a Glass Moon

For a bit of play-by-play:  Intro video was great.  ...or should I say, videos.  I gave Blob props for his, but the cartoony one that opened the show was just amazing.  For those who don't know, it is similar to the Octavarium video and the N.A.D.S. video for TDEN.  But James is now a pirate, JM is now a ninja, and a blue genie has been added for DT's newest member. 

I was guessing they would open the show with On The Backs Of Angels, but I have to say, Bridges In The Sky was an absolutely epic opener.  Could not have started the show off any better.  These Walls got huge applause, and BMU/BMD was a great, shortish, uptempo rocker to have early in the show.  VERY good choice to start things off.  I have to admit, Endless Sacrifice is my least favorite song on TOT, and while I wasn't unhappy when they started the intro, I figured I wouldn't enjoy it all that much.  I was wrong.  It was one of the highlights of the evening.  And Jordan taking the front of the stage with the Zen Riffer with JP and JM was great.  The three of them looked like they were having so much fun together, and it was contagious. 

Actually, let me pause on that thought for just a moment, because it is true of the whole show.  EVERYONE on stage looked like they were having the time of their lives.  Every single member was smiling, animated, totally into the music, and just looked like they loved being up there.  Again, I've seen quite a few shows, and this is the happiest and most animated I have EVER seen this band.  And, again, it was completely contagious.  Regardless of what anyone thinks of the set list, and whether or not they will play YOUR favorite song, you can't help but enjoy yourself if you see this band on this tour.  They are firing on all cylinders and you can't help but love it.  I commented to others, including the band, that I almost didn't even care what notes they were playing, because they were just such a joy to watch that that overshadowed everything else they were doing.

Back to the set:  While I am not a huge fan of drum solos, and would generally like to see another song instead, I was very much looking forward to Mangini's solo.  What can I say?  He killed it.  And all night, not only was he nailing every note, but he just looked so into what he was doing and was having so much fun that I can't tell you all how many times I caught myself throughout the show just watching him with either my jaw hanging open or an ear-to-ear smile.  Mike Portnoy will always be one of my favorite drummers, but if he had to leave, I cannot imagine a better replacement.  Mike Mangini looks and sounds like he was made to play in this band.  He struck such a great balance of respecting the legacy while adding just enough of his own personality that you can feel how much he is loving what he is doing.

The acoustic break was a nice twist.  The Silent Man is not a favorite of mine, but it was really neat having them go back to an all acoustic version.  What a great treat for the long-time fans.  James and JP brought stools up to the very front of the stage and sat together.  And after a bit of fun banter ending with James saying, "John, can you stop looking at me like that?  It's kind of intimidating," they launched into the song.  They kept that configuration for Beneath The Surface, which also worked really well.  Those who may be concerned that an acoustic break in the middle of the set would suck the energy out of the show:  Don't worry.  It was a nice change of pace and went over incredibly well.

And then into The Great Debate.  Along with Bridges and Endless Sacrifice, this was the highlight of the set for me.  Outstanding performance by the entire band.  I thought Mangini was going to break something.  And James' little note improvs were great additions.  The rest of the set was just as good.  I felt a bit of a dropoff toward the end, but I think that is just because I was getting so tired.  Outcry in particular has so much energy.  I was hoping they would play it, and I was not disappointed (actually, they played my top 5 from the new album, so great song choices as far as I'm concerned). 

Ending with Under A Glass Moon was a bit of a surprise, but a nice one.  I was pretty sure the encore would be Learning To Live, which I was looking forward to.  But UAGM worked surprisingly well to close out the show. 

As far as individual performances go, everyone was on fire.  There are plenty of shows where it is easy to pick a stand out.  Not this show.  Jordan was Jordan.  What more can I say?  It's not easy for a keyboard player to engage the audience as much as he does, but he is great about taking the spot light when it is appropriate, as well as staying in the background when that is what is called for.  James was literally the best I have ever heard him live.  And he exhibited a stage presence that simultaneously gave off an aura of humility while also showing a complete command of the stage.  John Myung looked like he was having the time of his life and was more animated than I have probably ever seen him.  There were many great moments where he would stride over to JP, Mangini, or the front center of the stage and just let it rip.  Petrucci was also very into it, and interacted well with the crowd and his bandmates.  But I would probably give the prize to Mangini if pressed.  Again, great balance between being the backbone of the band and also regularly adding enough flair to make sure you never forgot he was there.  And just the constant smiling and bopping around--he looked like he was the happiest person in the entire venue to be there.  And, again, that vibe was contagious.

Overall, I have to grade this show a solid A.  I have absolutely zero complaints.

And I also have to pass on something:  I got to briefly chat with the band on Saturday as well, and they are all VERY appreciative of the fans.  John Petrucci in particular is very appreciative of this forum and wanted to pass that along to all of you.  As both the members of Trivium and DT said repeatedly from the stage, "give yourselves a hand." 

[lordxizor]

This just makes me debate more whether I want to make the 2 hours drive on a work night to go see them.

[Fiery Winds]

You're right, Hollow Years The Silent Man turned out great, especially with going back to the original acoustic version.

[bosk1]

  Oops.  Fixed it.  Man, I'm still exhausted.

[davzdrummer]

Nice! 
Looking forward to the Asia Tour.  I hope they include Philippines this time. 

[Mladen]

Very cool, thanks for reviewing the show. 

[jingle.boy]

Nice write up Bosk.  10 more days for me.

This just makes me debate more whether I want to make the 2 hours drive on a work night to go see them.

A *great* debate?  There should be no debate.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

 

[Guitalguy]

Man, I can't wait to see them for the first time in January! This sounds very promising indeed  Thanks for sharing!

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I'm anxiously waiting for them to come to Mexico.

[fibreoptix]

Lonestar, I love your t-shirt. Where did you get that bad boy?

bosk1, awesome review. Glad you had a good time. Wish I was able to see them this tour.

[fadetoblackdude7]

Bosk, awesome review! It's so nice to see a review that's completley free of all negativity.....it makes me 100x more excited for the show in Chicago. Bring it on!!

[shredding]

We drove from Utah to see this opening night. This is by far the concert of a life time.

Now only 4 more days and we will be seeing them again in salt lake.

[bosk1]

Oh, and we met one of Mike Mangini's students named Ben who said he was going to sign up the forum.  Ben, if you're out there and end up reading this, drop me a message.  It was great meeting you, and I wish we had gotten the chance to talk more. 

[Ħ]

Great review!  Send me those pics!

[ResultsMayVary]

Thanks for the great review, Bosk. I am very much looking forward to seeing them in Chicago this Sunday. I bought my tickets an hour ago! 

[King Postwhore]

Great review bosk1.  It angers me that they're playing in Boston when I fly out to Columbus for my managers meetings.  Shazbot.

[jcmistat]

What a great review of the show! Hope its ok that I post mine in your topic don't worry it will pale in comparision.

It was my first time seeing the band live and I was just blown away by their performance. I didn't know what to expect from the venue. The tickets said we had a row and seats so we decided to leave later not worrying about getting a bad view. There were no seats on the floor just the pit and the isles. I brought a friend and he told me he'd go into the pit if I went in. It was already packed and realized I wouldn't be able to see much since I'm a short asian dude 5"5'. I was amazed at how many people were going in throughout the show.

We stood right infront of the steps leading to the pit and it was a perfect viewing of the the stage. One of the waitresses walked by and I got a beer during the break before DT started. I talked to the guy next to me, his group drove down from Oregon to see the show I thought that was cool. I told him BITS was the opener and when it started he told his buddies, "Hey this guy was right."

I've never listened to Trivium before but I may have found a new band to listen to. I'm very particular when it comes to their genre of music but they sounded awesome. Their frontman was really energetic, constantly engaging with the crowd and asking us to thank ourselves. There was some crowd surfing going and a mini mosh.

I have no complaints about the setlist, it was amazing. BITS is such a perfect opener. I don't know about you but These Walls rocked same with Forsaken. BMUBMD and Outcry still rank low on the new album but after hearing it live they will be enjoyed more and makes the ADTOE that much better. Fatal Tragedy was epic. Once Mangini started the snare hits before the solo I lost it. After Outcry no song from I&W/FII/BC&SC were played yet. I was convinced that the encore would either be LTL/Metropolis/TCOT or Breaking All Illusions. Surprised when UAGM started? Yes. Disappointed? Hell No. 

Everyone nailed it, every part of every song. James sounded really good. Once they started Beneath the Surface all I could think about was him singing the end. JP was full of smiles and energy I swear he made eye contact with me one time. Jordan was Jordan indeed, and when be busted out the keytar during Endless Sacrifice the crowd went wild. All three of them together was something I've never seen live or on video. John Myung was definitely more active I really think being more open on this album has invigorated him. Last but not least Mike Man"Genie." Too all the fans that are writing him off you're making a big mistake. He absolutely killed it on the drums. He was so full of life during the drum solo, he was smiling the whole way through. I repeat there isn't anyone else in the world that could have replaced Portnoy but him. If you see DT this tour you'll understand.

Thank you Trivium for being such awesome and kind openers and thank you Dream Theater for a perfect first show. I was left instantly wanting for more. Whenever they return to the area I'll know I'll be there.   

[Gadough]

Trivium were VERY good.  I'm not into the screamy growly stuff in general, with a few exceptions, but I picked up their latest album and find it pretty good.  There were a LOT of fans sporting Trivium shirts, and the crowed was totally into it.  Our seats were perfect for observing some hardcore moshing down below us, and sometimes it was just as much fun watching the crowd as it was watching the band.  Overall, even though they are not a band that I am as into as others, it was great seeing a really solid performance from an established and talented band who know how to respect the audience and the headlining band when they are capable of headlining and are touring in an opening slot.  Great intro, and I think they got the crowed pretty fired up and ready to go.  Too bad so many seats were empty and more people didn't give this band a chance.

I'm glad they got good reception. Based on some of the reactions on this board, I was seriously afraid they would get bottled every night.

[redfish71]

one of the best concert reviews i ever read!!  thanks for taking the time, bosk.  cant wait to see them in pompano!!!!!!!!!!!

[DreamerTV]

First off, I just have to say, while I have been to quite a few shows, this may very well be my favorite DT show ever.  The two shows I saw in 2003 are the only contenders, and those rank so highly because at the time, Queensryche was still my long-time #2 favorite band, and the joint encores between the two bands were breathtakingly amazing.

As posted in another thread, once we got to San Francisco, the festivities began with a fun meetup with lonestar, a friend of his who we need to get on this forum, H, Fiery Winds, and Stereo Steve.



The food was good.  The company was even better.  Kinda wish we could have sat around and just chatted more casually, but we were all focused on the show, and the group was just big enough that conversations were going different directions at the same time at times.  But still, great way to kick off the evening.  On to the venue:



Doors open, and we get inside and find out seats.  This is a problem.  Our seats were VERY good in terms of being close because we were right at the front of the balcony, and the balcony seats at the Warfield are very close to the stage.  The problem is that they did a lousy job of hanging the PA speakers at that venue.  It is a fairly narrow theater (i.e, not very wide), and the speakers hung VERY low and were close in to the stage.  The result was, if you were too far to either side, they completely obscured the back part of the stage.  Whoever at Live Nation is responsible for the seat descriptions should be shot for not putting an "obscured view" tag on these seats so that buyers know ahead of time what they are getting.  For Trivium, it wasn't a problem since their stage was not very deep.  We could see everything just fine.  For DT, it was an issue.  Luckily, it was one we fixed.  More on that later. 

Trivium were VERY good.  I'm not into the screamy growly stuff in general, with a few exceptions, but I picked up their latest album and find it pretty good.  There were a LOT of fans sporting Trivium shirts, and the crowed was totally into it.  Our seats were perfect for observing some hardcore moshing down below us, and sometimes it was just as much fun watching the crowd as it was watching the band.  Overall, even though they are not a band that I am as into as others, it was great seeing a really solid performance from an established and talented band who know how to respect the audience and the headlining band when they are capable of headlining and are touring in an opening slot.  Great intro, and I think they got the crowed pretty fired up and ready to go.  Too bad so many seats were empty and more people didn't give this band a chance. 

So, during the break, we attempted to remedy the seating situation by scoping the place for empty seats, hoping they were vacant either because the people with those tickets didn't show up, or left after Trivium.  We found a nice pair of seats again right at the front of the balcony dead center.  Unfortunately, the ticket holders showed, so we had to vacate.  No big deal.  After that, we decided to just wait until the show began.  Into the second song, I approached security and charmed them into finding us better seats, figuring anyone who wasn't there yet probably wasn't coming.  The security guy I talked to was totally cool, and within second, found us a great pair of seats pretty close to the center, just a few rows back from the front.  Score!

As far as the set itself, you guys probably know the songs, but here's the list in all its glory:

1. Bridges in the Sky
2. These Walls
3. Build Me Up, Break Me Down
4. Endless Sacrifice
Drum Solo
5. Ytse Jam
6. The Silent Man
7. Beneath the Surface
8. The Great Debate
9. On the Backs of Angels
10. Forsaken
11. Through My Words
12. Fatal Tragedy
13. Outcry
------------------------------
14. Under a Glass Moon

For a bit of play-by-play:  Intro video was great.  ...or should I say, videos.  I gave Blob props for his, but the cartoony one that opened the show was just amazing.  For those who don't know, it is similar to the Octavarium video and the N.A.D.S. video for TDEN.  But James is now a pirate, JM is now a ninja, and a blue genie has been added for DT's newest member. 

I was guessing they would open the show with On The Backs Of Angels, but I have to say, Bridges In The Sky was an absolutely epic opener.  Could not have started the show off any better.  These Walls got huge applause, and BMU/BMD was a great, shortish, uptempo rocker to have early in the show.  VERY good choice to start things off.  I have to admit, Endless Sacrifice is my least favorite song on TOT, and while I wasn't unhappy when they started the intro, I figured I wouldn't enjoy it all that much.  I was wrong.  It was one of the highlights of the evening.  And Jordan taking the front of the stage with the Zen Riffer with JP and JM was great.  The three of them looked like they were having so much fun together, and it was contagious. 

Actually, let me pause on that thought for just a moment, because it is true of the whole show.  EVERYONE on stage looked like they were having the time of their lives.  Every single member was smiling, animated, totally into the music, and just looked like they loved being up there.  Again, I've seen quite a few shows, and this is the happiest and most animated I have EVER seen this band.  And, again, it was completely contagious.  Regardless of what anyone thinks of the set list, and whether or not they will play YOUR favorite song, you can't help but enjoy yourself if you see this band on this tour.  They are firing on all cylinders and you can't help but love it.  I commented to others, including the band, that I almost didn't even care what notes they were playing, because they were just such a joy to watch that that overshadowed everything else they were doing.

Back to the set:  While I am not a huge fan of drum solos, and would generally like to see another song instead, I was very much looking forward to Mangini's solo.  What can I say?  He killed it.  And all night, not only was he nailing every note, but he just looked so into what he was doing and was having so much fun that I can't tell you all how many times I caught myself throughout the show just watching him with either my jaw hanging open or an ear-to-ear smile.  Mike Portnoy will always be one of my favorite drummers, but if he had to leave, I cannot imagine a better replacement.  Mike Mangini looks and sounds like he was made to play in this band.  He struck such a great balance of respecting the legacy while adding just enough of his own personality that you can feel how much he is loving what he is doing.

The acoustic break was a nice twist.  The Silent Man is not a favorite of mine, but it was really neat having them go back to an all acoustic version.  What a great treat for the long-time fans.  James and JP brought stools up to the very front of the stage and sat together.  And after a bit of fun banter ending with James saying, "John, can you stop looking at me like that?  It's kind of intimidating," they launched into the song.  They kept that configuration for Beneath The Surface, which also worked really well.  Those who may be concerned that an acoustic break in the middle of the set would suck the energy out of the show:  Don't worry.  It was a nice change of pace and went over incredibly well.

And then into The Great Debate.  Along with Bridges and Endless Sacrifice, this was the highlight of the set for me.  Outstanding performance by the entire band.  I thought Mangini was going to break something.  And James' little note improvs were great additions.  The rest of the set was just as good.  I felt a bit of a dropoff toward the end, but I think that is just because I was getting so tired.  Outcry in particular has so much energy.  I was hoping they would play it, and I was not disappointed (actually, they played my top 5 from the new album, so great song choices as far as I'm concerned). 

Ending with Under A Glass Moon was a bit of a surprise, but a nice one.  I was pretty sure the encore would be Learning To Live, which I was looking forward to.  But UAGM worked surprisingly well to close out the show. 

As far as individual performances go, everyone was on fire.  There are plenty of shows where it is easy to pick a stand out.  Not this show.  Jordan was Jordan.  What more can I say?  It's not easy for a keyboard player to engage the audience as much as he does, but he is great about taking the spot light when it is appropriate, as well as staying in the background when that is what is called for.  James was literally the best I have ever heard him live.  And he exhibited a stage presence that simultaneously gave off an aura of humility while also showing a complete command of the stage.  John Myung looked like he was having the time of his life and was more animated than I have probably ever seen him.  There were many great moments where he would stride over to JP, Mangini, or the front center of the stage and just let it rip.  Petrucci was also very into it, and interacted well with the crowd and his bandmates.  But I would probably give the prize to Mangini if pressed.  Again, great balance between being the backbone of the band and also regularly adding enough flair to make sure you never forgot he was there.  And just the constant smiling and bopping around--he looked like he was the happiest person in the entire venue to be there.  And, again, that vibe was contagious.

Overall, I have to grade this show a solid A.  I have absolutely zero complaints.

And I also have to pass on something:  I got to briefly chat with the band on Saturday as well, and they are all VERY appreciative of the fans.  John Petrucci in particular is very appreciative of this forum and wanted to pass that along to all of you.  As both the members of Trivium and DT said repeatedly from the stage, "give yourselves a hand." 

Nice one Bosk!! 
Took M&G today for Pordenone, Feb20. Can't wait for it!!

[Perpetual Change]

Great write-up 

Really wish I were seeing them on this tour!

[Kurai]

Nokia
Bridges in the Sky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQEhWg0dmYU
Breaking All Illusions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgWhsDqt_TQ

Warfield
The Slient Man - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neGrrveYGgg
Beneath The Surface - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLMeq93OWiw

I WISH I could see DT live. I'd give so many things to have been there... I just finished listening to the full album for the first time (when BAI came I was totally amazed, I cried a little T.T too epic)
After that I was just learning Beneath the Surface on guitar. I was just after the first chorus when I notice there's a video (great way to clarify any doubts). And I'm wondering if anyone knows, what effect is he using? I noticed immediately that it was unlikely for Petrucci to play the chorus on the higher frets near 24 lol, then of course an acoustic that doesn't even have those frets. Any idea what effect is that? Because not all notes are octaved, in fact for the first chords magically its only the fretted notes that get octaved. How is that effect achieved?

[Madman Shepherd]

This just makes me debate more whether I want to make the 2 hours drive on a work night to go see them.

You had to debate that?  I'm driving three hours and the only question was "How many energy drinks should I buy for the ride home and work the next day?"

[hefdaddy42]

Great review, bosky!  What else did the band have to say?

[Zydar]

Great review bosk! I wish I had been there.

[bosk1]

Great review bosk! I wish I had been there.

Thanks.  It was truly a memorable show.

Great review, bosky!  What else did the band have to say?

Well, another fun highlight was when James came out and was talking with Matt Gillory (who was there with a young lady who I am assuming was his significant other, but I didn't get a chance to talk with him), and when I went up to say hi and he asked what we thought of the show, and I said something like, "Well, the show was great, but I almost didn't even make it here."

James:  Why not?

Me:  You wouldn't believe it.  We were stuck on the freeway behind some idiot in a pirate costume driving a forklift.

James: 

[antigoon]

Really cool review, bosk! I wish I could see them this tour...stupid night class!

[bosk1]

Trivium were VERY good.  I'm not into the screamy growly stuff in general, with a few exceptions, but I picked up their latest album and find it pretty good.  There were a LOT of fans sporting Trivium shirts, and the crowed was totally into it.  Our seats were perfect for observing some hardcore moshing down below us, and sometimes it was just as much fun watching the crowd as it was watching the band.  Overall, even though they are not a band that I am as into as others, it was great seeing a really solid performance from an established and talented band who know how to respect the audience and the headlining band when they are capable of headlining and are touring in an opening slot.  Great intro, and I think they got the crowed pretty fired up and ready to go.  Too bad so many seats were empty and more people didn't give this band a chance.

I'm glad they got good reception. Based on some of the reactions on this board, I was seriously afraid they would get bottled every night.

My only issue is that you got me totally amped for Dusk Dismantled, and they didn't play it.    Still, three songs from the new album, so it was cool.  But I was all set for DD to be played, and was surprised when they didn't.

[tristl]

Actually, let me pause on that thought for just a moment, because it is true of the whole show.  EVERYONE on stage looked like they were having the time of their lives.  Every single member was smiling, animated, totally into the music, and just looked like they loved being up there.  Again, I've seen quite a few shows, and this is the happiest and most animated I have EVER seen this band.  And, again, it was completely contagious.  Regardless of what anyone thinks of the set list, and whether or not they will play YOUR favorite song, you can't help but enjoy yourself if you see this band on this tour.  They are firing on all cylinders and you can't help but love it.  I commented to others, including the band, that I almost didn't even care what notes they were playing, because they were just such a joy to watch that that overshadowed everything else they were doing.




dear bosk one,
i am glad, how wonderful you did put in words, how i was feeling seeing DT in rome,
i tried to write the same thing in the rome concert thread, but couldn't express myself as good.
since my first DT concert is just 4 years back i can only refer to this period of time but the difference
in the faces of the guys on stage is huge.
looking forward to next february, i just hope they change the older songs in the set for europe,
because most of them they played already in the summer.
it's good to be a DT fan just now

[mocool13]

Great review bosk! I wish I had been there.

Thanks.  It was truly a memorable show.

Great review, bosky!  What else did the band have to say?

Well, another fun highlight was when James came out and was talking with Matt Gillory (who was there with a young lady who I am assuming was his significant other, but I didn't get a chance to talk with him), and when I went up to say hi and he asked what we thought of the show, and I said something like, "Well, the show was great, but I almost didn't even make it here."

James:  Why not?

Me:  You wouldn't believe it.  We were stuck on the freeway behind some idiot in a pirate costume driving a forklift.

James: 

[Vajra]

Which one is Bosk?

[farsight]

Nokia
Bridges in the Sky - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQEhWg0dmYU
Breaking All Illusions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgWhsDqt_TQ

Warfield
The Slient Man - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neGrrveYGgg
Beneath The Surface - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLMeq93OWiw

I WISH I could see DT live. I'd give so many things to have been there... I just finished listening to the full album for the first time (when BAI came I was totally amazed, I cried a little T.T too epic)
After that I was just learning Beneath the Surface on guitar. I was just after the first chorus when I notice there's a video (great way to clarify any doubts). And I'm wondering if anyone knows, what effect is he using? I noticed immediately that it was unlikely for Petrucci to play the chorus on the higher frets near 24 lol, then of course an acoustic that doesn't even have those frets. Any idea what effect is that? Because not all notes are octaved, in fact for the first chords magically its only the fretted notes that get octaved. How is that effect achieved?

Haven't tried transcribing BTS  yet, but I think JP is using a Nashville tuned guitar, the first four strings are tuned an octave higher so it sounds like a twelve string.

And nice review!

[Optimus]

Nice review, man! Thank you

[Zydar]

Great review bosk! I wish I had been there.

Thanks.  It was truly a memorable show.

Great review, bosky!  What else did the band have to say?

Well, another fun highlight was when James came out and was talking with Matt Gillory (who was there with a young lady who I am assuming was his significant other, but I didn't get a chance to talk with him), and when I went up to say hi and he asked what we thought of the show, and I said something like, "Well, the show was great, but I almost didn't even make it here."

James:  Why not?

Me:  You wouldn't believe it.  We were stuck on the freeway behind some idiot in a pirate costume driving a forklift.

James: 

haha