I like bands that tap into many genres, even if for a small part. A little blast beat here, a little jazzy part there, a couple of heavy songs...keeps things interesting.
I agree with that - as long as it's appropriate to the song. The blast beat in ANtR seems to have been inserted in there just so that MP could try to do a blast beat. Personally, I hate blast beats - while they require a lot of technique, there's nothing interesting about them. However, in the right setting, a small amount can help the song. The one example that specifically comes to mind is the song Hybrid Times from Riverside, time stamp 8:34-8:39 - the blast beat works perfectly for the way the song builds up to the climax. If MM uses the blast beat in an appropriate way like that, I'd have no problem with it.
Perhaps they'll add some instrumental tracks throughout the setlist, so he can take longer breaks and rest his voice inbetween songs.
This! I'd love to see them bring back a number of live-only instrumental songs that have sections allowing for some improvisation, like they did on the Images and Tour/Music in Progress tours of 1992-1993. Over the course of that tour, they did
7 different instrumentals other than the extended improv/soloing following To Live Forever.
What do you think are the chances of them playing Wait for Sleep this tour?
Considering that they did that song on the last tour, it's too difficult to say. Not sure to what extent they'll be changing things up from tour to tour like they used to on previous tours. But to be on the safe side, don't bank on it.
I think it also has a lot to do with the setlist. Some songs, if performed night after night (or even every other night), put a lot of strain on the vocal cords. A cleverly designed set list with a couple of strategically placed instrumentals would make it a lot easier to cope with.
Exactly - that's part of what allows Rush to continue doing Evening With tours, despite the fact that Geddy is gonna be 60 soon (if he's not already)!
Hoping the 'evening with format' is for the whole tour.
My understanding is that that is the case.
Yay!