This was my 38th dream theater show and the third show for me for this setlist. I saw 2 last leg and 1 this leg.
I've been traveling a lot for work and wasn't sure I could make this so I didn't buy a ticket until last minute. Good thing I did because I got two tickets for FIRST ROW in the orchestra pit in front of myung for face value. Was incredible!
The Sound was shockingly good in that seat. I honestly thought It wouldn't be very good there but they have special speakers around the first few rows and the mix was awesome. The subs in there were kick ass. That was one of the better sounding shows I've been to as far as personal experience.
Performance was top notch as usual but especially James. I felt this was one of his better nights I've seen. He was pretty much nailing the SFAM stuff.
The only thing I miss from the old days is the energy. I'm not sure what it is but the whole first set almost everyone was sitting. I was not going to stand and be the only one since I'm in the front row but it really does suck some of the energy out of the room for hard rock and metal songs. James actually "joked" around telling people to stand but then played it off as a joke.
During the intermission I asked the people around me if they would be cool with standing and every one of them said "YES, not sure why we aren't"
So The second half was a much better experience energy wise as not only did we stand but many more people were standing.
Last thing I'll mention as far as "missing" is impromptu things and potential surprise in song choice but I've come to accept this as the way it is now.
Overall it was an awesome show and can't wait to see them again.