**DISCLAIMER.......sorry if it's LOOOOONG winded
Howdy Amigos!!!!! WHEW!!! What a fucking night!! It's 1:30am as I start this and I'm still amped!!!! As a disclaimer....ya gotta cut me some slack for the screw up for the last 4 songs of the setlist. I'm basically handicapped when it comes to posting on the web with my phone. Also, I was major multi-tasking with...
1. Updating said setlist
2. Taking still shots with my point and shoot (They allowed Cams without detachable lenses and no flash) So I shot in manual no flash and hoped for the best.
3. Taking Video with my little picsio flip (first glance doesn't look so hot
Crappy sensor couldn't adjust to the changing and low light. We'll see what I can do
editing. My GF's iPhone actually took better vid.....
4. Trying to actually enjoy the show (which I succeeded in)
5. Trying to have a cocktail (not succeeding so well
)
6. Dealing with the dickhead behind me who couldn't help but yell "Mother fucker" every 5 seconds Seriously...that's all he said all night
Anywho.... I want to try to capture this all now while it's fresh in my noggin, before my "Oldtimers" kicks in (Yeah you 30+ crew know what I'm talking about). We started the night by hooking up with Yeshaberto at the Yardhouse for some eats and a libation.. Awesome guy!! We really enjoyed the time spent hanging out and chatting
Have a safe flight in the morning Brother!!! From there we had to meet outside the venue for the Meet and Greet. We went in with 60 others about 20 mins before they let the rest of the folks in. I saw Raise the Knifes review....he must have been a few seats down from us. Sorry we didn't get to meet you!
They led us upstairs to the VIP area and we waited for the guys too show up (about 15 mins). They came in, we took our pics, and did the signings. The guys were in really good spirits. JMX was actually smiling and trading some banter with JLB. As far as our brief time ...seconds...with each guy, it was really fun. JP was first, I told him I really loved the album and his production of it, also that every time I see him (this is my 3rd M&G) his arms just get bigger and bigger His response was "Yeah... I've been lifting things" given with a huge grin
Next was Mike, told him the obligatory "Welcome to the Family" which he loved, and asked if I had gotten the right drum head (which is what I ended up bringing to sign) He said yes
, WOOHOO!!!! All I had was a pic of his kit to go by.
Next up was JLB, basically commented that he sounds awesome on the album and how I'm amazed how his voice just seems to get better as time goes on. He said something to the effect that it's because of his vocal resting regimen. Next up was JMX, I told him I was absolutely thrilled to see him writing lyrics again, and that songs he has done in the past our some of my top DT tracks. He gave me a warm smile and "Thank you". Last but not least JR, I commented on how much he shines and stands out on this album. My GF on the other hand fawned all over him...(he's her fav
) and we were off to the lobby. The guys were as gracious and friendly as past M&G's, but they seemed more relaxed to me this time.
By the time we got out Trivium was already going at it, we stayed in the lobby had a drink, and went in when they were done (we could hear them...they sounded pretty good). We also experienced a first for me. This venue has a no re-entry policy. We're both smokers, and the harsh reality of that policy sunk in...
We got too our seats, 3rd row, right between JLB and JP. Of course I had a guy who seriously was at least 6' 4" in front of me....I'm 5' 7" on a good day
So, through out the show I played dodgeball with his head trying to see and get media. Everyone knows the setlist, so I'll glance over some highlights....
BITS.... just STELLAR!!!!! The intro with Blob's animation was GREAT!!! Well dona...again... Blob
Everyone sounded great and the crowd was pumped!
These Walls -
I love this song, I know most aren't that fond of it but I am
BMUBMD - It was good.... This sound hasn't really grabbed hold of me yet. One note... some of the Vocal segments were recorded, the part right before "I'm the new Messiah" also all the screams were recorded.
Endless Sacrifice - fantastic!!! Great song live and the guys really put energy into it!!
Drum solo - was very entertaining, I know I was initially leaning towards another song in it's place, but I really enjoyed watching Mike have fun!!!!
Wait for Sleep - This is my favorite ballad in the DT vault. JMX and JLB took seats, and JR rounded out the trio..... simply AMAZING!!!
FFH - My Fav. ballad on the new Album, I was really stoked that they played it, especially for my GF who loves it!!!
The Great Debate - Another tune that some don't care for that much but I REALLY enjoy!! The guys nailed it!
OTBOA - I like this song, and have since it's release. For those who rank it down a bit, I think you might enjoy it more Live
******This is where JLB goes into his musings about reading online about the disappointment that some fans had with the SF setlist. Honestly... he didn't seem too happy about the fan reaction. I'm sure they had some type of rotation set up, because of the vid/stage show. Maybe Blob knows more on that score
CIAW - Actually not one of my Fav's...but I really enjoyed it this time around!!
Through my words/fatal tragedy - Just outstanding, don't think I've seen these live. Knowing that the finale's were coming up, I had to actually run to the bathroom
What I was bummed about when returning (at the upper seating are) was how good the mix sounded up there. WAY better than what I was hearing up front
THAT...is my only real gripe about the show, and it wasn't THAT bad.
BAI - I called this last night, while we were reading thru the SF setlist, I told my GF that they might swapout Outcry/BAI in this slot. Well.....when I say the crowd went wild...I ain't lying!!!
WOW...what an awesome song.
PMU - Not my fav song, but really enjoyed it this time around! The crowd was seriously into it!!!! Yeah, like it was mentioned, MM really had some timing issues with this song, but recovered. Wasn't this the first time he's played it live though?? I'll cut him some slack
Overall......this show was fantastic. Loved the setlist, the energy of the band was better than recent performances. I loved one part when JP came center stage with JLB and gave him the old "Pillsbury dough boy" treatment poking his finger in his gut...both of them Laughing. MM.... well, he fits right in just fine for me. JMX seemed a LOT more animated and happier....less on autopilot like I've seen in recent years. Jordan was awesome.... unfortunetly, because of the levels and mix at our seats, we didn't really get to hear him as much as we would have liked. What we DID hear kicked ass!!!! Loved the tilting Keyboards also!!!
Sorry for going on ...and on...and on...
Hopefully I didn't bore you to tears
Thanks for reading
Here's some pics from my crappy point and shoot......
and of course my Fav... me and JP having a ...moment.....
Topic: 2011-09-25 - Nokia Theater - Los Angeles, CA (Read 59685 times)
