So, got back from the Cardiff gig last night and really enjoyed! It was the 6th time I've seen them and overall, I'd say it was possibly the best performance I'd seen from them.
They seem to really be having fun with this tour and I absolutely loved the inclusion of some of the extended jams and cover segments.
I would say that the entire band was on fire, but to me LaBrie stole the show. Awesome performance, and the best stage presence/crowd interaction I've seen from him. I love how he's taking the time (ha) to talk to the audience and tell funny stories on this tour, something I felt was really missing over the last few years. Along with the extended segments/covers/surprises, this is something I hope they continue with on other tours.
I was a bit worried beforehand about how it'd be without the video screens as I've been so used to them on their tours, but honestly, I really did not care at all, and it was actually great in the sense that it brought the attention back onto the band.
So overall, great show. Only downside was that we had to leave before the end of Change of Seasons (missing around 5 mins) due to the aforementioned issue with the last train. Usually, there would have been a train around the midnight mark, which would have been perfect, but there was work on the lines further up over the 3 weeks which unfortunately led to a reduced service.
Also, I really miss standing concerts. It just does not feel right to be sat down for a metal gig.
Anyway, those are small gripes, and I hope anyone else who catches this tour enjoys. A lot of fun to be had!