And I'm back from my, if I counted right, 13th DT show in Milan!!!

Venue wasn't packed, lot of free seetings, and enough people in the parterre to make it look crowded from down there (I was in the front, 7th row or so on Jordan's side). I've seen DT fill that place way better than yesterday, but it wasn't a sad sight by any means.
Devin Townsend was ok, I never really got into him or even bothered to check his stuff to be honest, not my style, but his show was cool and he was in big form - I'm sure people that love him had a blast and enjoyed his 60 minutes performance!
DT's show was great.... I didn't even realize they played "only" 10 songs, so caught up in the moment of living the show, enjoying the scenery, the performances, seeing them close to me once again surrounded by people having a great time.... aaaah how much I missed this!!!
The musicians were outstanding as always. James was, between two gigantic brackets, "perfect"? or, "perfect as it can be reasonably expected"? I mean, we know his range by now at 59 and how his enunciation sounds live, but aside from that, he had a very, VERY solid performance. If I listen now, at home, to a youtube video of his performance would I spot things he could have done better? probably yes. Yesterday, then and there, when I was in the midst of the concert and seeing him perform, did I thought "ew, James, you could have done better on this part"? no, not once. So I completely applaud his performance, and also his stage presence - he seemed more into it, he walked around a lot, tried to get the crowd going, he was even more energetic moving along to the music, sometimes in the past it was "singing, then get the hell away from the stage the moment an instrumental comes in" but this time he put some more effort to be "around" a bit more, and it was absolutely great!!!
I also liked the visuals, it seemed a more stripped down production but even without being over the top and bombastic, it was a very nice show to see.
Since they played only 10 songs, I guess I can do a very quick review...
Alien was nice, good enough opener.
Anything off Awake is welcomed in my book.
Awaken the Master sounded ok I guess, not a big fan of the song, I would have played Answering the Call instead.
Endless Sacrifice was a welcomed return. James was a bit "over acting" in the first stanza but it was ok. Jordan with the keytar made people go nuts!
Bridges in the Sky was awesome, everyone singing along to the bombastic chorus!!!
Invisible Monster was ok, not a big fan of the song but hey, you can't only play 10 minutes song...
About to Crash was great, can't even remember the last time I heard it, or if I even ever heard it live! James was quite good on this one.
Ministry... eh, I still think it's a great song derailed by a completely random solo section. People around me seemed VERY into it, maybe on the first rows you find people that love everything. People singing along the initial melody, a dude so moved next to me singing passionately the chorus..... great stuff! the solo section flew faster than I remembered, I probably spaced out during it

View was FANTASTIC, the song grew more and more on me, and seeing it live I finally appreciated its greatness. Amazing performance and rendition.
And finally, I got to hear The Count of Tuscany live, whohoo!!! great song and the final part was breathtaking, I was so moved at the uplifting melody and everyone singing along the final refrain that I shed a tears or two, now that I finally got back the life I had before Covid. Awesome way to end a great concert!!!
With a catalogue so big, we all could have written a completely different setlist. I'm just happy they're still at the top of their game, yes, James included as far as I'm concerned, and that being finally free of anniversaries and albums played in full they had a "anything can happen" setlist and they dusted off songs I haven't heard in YEARS.
To think I wasn't even sure to go.... I mean, it's not that I don't like DT anymore, it's more that I'm currently lukewarm to their music. Distance Over Time came and gone and I rarely returned to it, I kinda like the latest album but it's never a top priority with all the other stuff I listen to. But seeing once again the guys there in front of me, enjoying their musicianship, listening to old song, seeing that James all things considered still has it.... I remembered why it's 23 years I'm seeing them. And I remember why I will have to see them again next time. I love those guys. I just can't let them go

Thank you Dream Theater!!!!
