Thursday 07/07/2016 by phishnet

PORTLAND RECAP: DRUM AUDITIONS

[Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome friend of the site and taper of many a Phish video,@LazyLightning55 for this recap.]

Last night, Phish made their return to the lovely city of Portland, Maine after a seven year absence, for their seventh show at the arena formerly known as the Cumberland County Civic Center. A small crew of us took in the sounds from dead center on the floor in what'd be the 20th row if there were seats.

Grind” kicks off the festivities as I’m asked whose birthday it is. Maybe one of Fish’s 12 kids? I don't know. Always nice to hear, though and, of course, impressed to see how high these guys can REALLY count. “Cars Trucks Buses” makes its yearly appearance in a setlist, as Page’s lead gets the crowd grooving. “Blaze On” follows and is solid - Garry now has the sound dialed in, and Trey seems very happy onstage and has fun with it. Next up is “Yarmouth Road,” which whose namesake exists in basically half the towns and streets in New England, so is apropos at any venue northeast of New York City.


Photo © Derek Gregory

The next stretch of tunes from where we stood, was very exciting and sounded great. A standard “Kill Devil Falls,” which routinely lights the place up, did just that. “The Sloth” comes next. Always a good selection, it was a drop slower than previous 3.0 versions. A soothing rendition of “Billy Breathes” follows. This marks the second play in ten shows for this song that usually makes but an annual appearance. the standard “MFMF” re-energizes the crowd behind Fish's drum leads as Trey tells the dark story of man with knife.

After the Myfe, discussion goes on between bandmembers -- always exciting. All that time, to come up with “Heavy Things,” making seemingly its 14th appearance in ten shows. “Heavy Things” is its vibrant bouncy self, and Trey actually soloed for more than one measure after Page's now-obligatory solo.

Then came Mike's “555” which is standard, yet well played as it always seems to be.

Next was the new Page tune “Things People Do,” followed by “The Line.” “Stash” this late means it’s gonna be a good one. And a good one it is, as the jam begins, a virtual quiet comes over the band and arena as “Stash” slowly makes its way towards the screaming end to close the typical first set.

Did I mention the sound inside the hall was excellent?


Official Poster by James Eads

Set two begins with “First Tube,” which gets the place rocking asap as Kuroda lights us up along with Trey who does his rock star thing. Right into “Tweezer” we go… a few of us exchange glances, all the same glances... ones that say "OKAY LET’S GO NOW!" “Tweezer” begins its groove as usual at the 5 min. mark and we are hopeful the band is willing to do some exploring. They do for about 6 or 7 minutes as Trey leads the way into a nice dark groove. It would’ve been great to peak it out, but instead we land on “Guyute.” The story of the pig closes the three song opening to set two.

The opening notes of “Mike's Song” rings out and the crowd immediately gets down. After the jam, Trey turns to Page and says we are going to play “Tide Turns” now, and then whatever else I choose. “Tide Turns” is a radio-friendly Trey love song that runs about four and a half minutes and, I guess, is probably better than any song you or I have written. Next up is “Devotion To A Dream,” a song without a home that shows up unannounced, puts its stuff down on your couch, and entertains you until it leaves. This version was excellent. “DTAD” is followed by “Wingsuit,” which seems to get more and more precise with each play. “Wingsuit” is as excellent as the sound... Did I mention the sound inside was excellent?

Next up is “Bittersweet Motel,” which hasn't been played since 7/4/12 at Jones Beach. It’s nice surprise... maybe a li’l dusty but they get it done. Next came “Fluffhead,” making its second appearance of the summer after much clamoring from the fanbase for its return. Not only is “Fluffhead” played, but some Fluffhead -- a kid no more than 20 years old -- emerges from the back of the stage, and climbs onto Fishman’s drum kit, grabs a drumstick and begins to assist Jon with the first minute of the song until security realizes this kid isn’t in the band and removes him. “Fluffhead”’s climax sends the crowd into delirium as usual, and upon its final guitar strokes morphs into “Weekapaug,” which closed the set. Have you ever seen a “Mike's” > “Weekapaug” with “Tide Turns” > “DTOD” > “Wingsuit” > “Bittersweet Motel” > “Fluffhead” sandwiched inside? I haven't. There are firsts for everything, huh?


"Fluffhead" - Photo © Derek Gregory

For the encore, Trey requests Mike play “Contact.” Mike obliges, singing of hugging curves on a road, as the crowd sways its arms left to right and we repeat in unison exactly which car parts make contact with the road. Finally, “Tweezer Reprise” sends us out with a bang.

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Comments

, comment by chillwig
chillwig how was the sound?
, comment by dedhed511
dedhed511 There's my Sunday SPAC show I knew I lost it somewhere. ..
, comment by Josh006
Josh006 I really wish I really wanted to kick the stage-crashing "fluffhead" in the face... I really hope someone did at least!
, comment by odonnellsp
odonnellsp I think the vocals and harmonies have been markedly stronger and more consistent this tour. They're showing them off more, too, with more a cappella selections than recent years (it seems, at least).
, comment by as_my_senses_bleed
as_my_senses_bleed Sound quality can make such a difference. After listening to this show again, this time the SBD, I'm relieved to admit I feared worse during the live audio stream. Thanks for reporting how awesome the sound was within that intimate room. Along with reading how swampy hot it was in there, the evening's soundtrack makes more sense now. I think I've just been freaking out about the world so much lately, that when one of the sanctuaries I go to for healing (Phish) doesn't meet my admittedly high expectations, I sometimes get overly worried and fear the worse. But not so much after hearing a cleaner channel of the music created there last night. And now I'm ever excited again for the future and confident that the foundation remains solid and ready to support ever new directions. So thanks for this.

And thanks for all the amazing video recordings you share with the community. Incredibly generous of you.

As for the kid who ran on stage, he was obviously benignly out of his mind. No violence please.
, comment by Nigel_Tufnel
Nigel_Tufnel I thought Fish's little helper was during Weekapaug, so thanks for that correction.

Hypothetically speaking, if I were some sort of detective assigned to sleuth out "behind the scenes tensions within the band manifesting onstage as a lack of jams", here's a couple observations:

1. Did anyone else pick up on Trey's sarcasm (and even possible annoyance) around the whole Contact request thing? Both verbally before the song, and also when they squared off to trade notes during the song; I thought I sensed some sarcastic mockery from Trey toward Mike.

2. I left the venue immediately after the last note of the show (for some fresh cool air), and observed that they each have their own tour busses, and all four of these separate tour busses rolled out in a convoy ASAP after the show. Point being that post show backstage affairs and riding on the same tour bus would foster comradery. The opposite would not.

Yes, I know I am probably being waaaay too analytical here, fearing the worst, making assumptions and/or seeing stuff that really isn't happening (no, not in that way). Please understand it comes from a place of concern (borderline worry) around musical disconnection onstage and an obvious lack of jams. It's from a place of love.

~Nigel
, comment by YoureAHosemaster
YoureAHosemaster @Nigel_Tufnel said:


2. I left the venue immediately after the last note of the show (for some fresh cool air), and observed that they each have their own tour busses, and all four of these separate tour busses rolled out in a convoy ASAP after the show. Point being that post show backstage affairs and riding on the same tour bus would foster comradery. The opposite would not.

They have not traveled on the same bus for at least all of 3.0. A lot of times they have spouses/kids with them during summer tour so it makes sense. Also, those four have spent enough time in one vehicle together to last several lifetimes.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @Nigel_Tufnel said:
I thought Fish's little helper was during Weekapaug, so thanks for that correction.

Hypothetically speaking, if I were some sort of detective assigned to sleuth out "behind the scenes tensions within the band manifesting onstage as a lack of jams", here's a couple observations:

1. Did anyone else pick up on Trey's sarcasm (and even possible annoyance) around the whole Contact request thing? Both verbally before the song, and also when they squared off to trade notes during the song; I thought I sensed some sarcastic mockery from Trey toward Mike.

2. I left the venue immediately after the last note of the show (for some fresh cool air), and observed that they each have their own tour busses, and all four of these separate tour busses rolled out in a convoy ASAP after the show. Point being that post show backstage affairs and riding on the same tour bus would foster comradery. The opposite would not.

Yes, I know I am probably being waaaay too analytical here, fearing the worst, making assumptions and/or seeing stuff that really isn't happening (no, not in that way). Please understand it comes from a place of concern (borderline worry) around musical disconnection onstage and an obvious lack of jams. It's from a place of love.

~Nigel
The separate buses could mean any number of reasonable things not related to band cohesion. For instance, there is a whole crew of people who make Phish happen and who travel with them. Second, they probably have family with them. I would want my own bus if I had family with me.

I don't know. At least they are all buses and not cars and trucks and buses.
, comment by Mypoopinyourfireplace
Mypoopinyourfireplace They've had their own tour buses since at least 2003
, comment by title3jimi
title3jimi This is a very favorable review of the least exciting show I have ever seen Phish play. No mention of the horrible flubs, missed transitions and awkward set list flow that made me feel like I was seeing a completely different band from the last 2 years.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS This review is too negative. The negativity on this site sucks.

I'm calling the The Line and Heavy Things at Mansfield. I'm jacked. Hope the sound is good.
, comment by Phishsx78
Phishsx78 My dream Mike's Sandwhich: Mikes > Tide Turns'd > Waiting All Night > Friends > Snow > Waking Up Dead > Weekapaug. My life is nothing until this happens...
, comment by white_lightning
white_lightning @Phishsx78 said:
My dream Mike's Sandwhich: Mikes > Tide Turns'd > Waiting All Night > Friends > Snow > Waking Up Dead > Weekapaug. My life is nothing until this happens...
I think you're missing the boat not throwing a Winterqueen in there....I mean, if it's going to be your dream Mike's Groove, you may as well dream big.
, comment by harpua737
harpua737 we are a long way from the band looking for a ride back to burlington because their van broke down

2/10/90 La Grange
, comment by toddwcorey
toddwcorey Gotta do Yarmouth Road in Portland!
, comment by ruddiger
ruddiger @YoureAHosemaster said:
@Nigel_Tufnel said:


2. I left the venue immediately after the last note of the show (for some fresh cool air), and observed that they each have their own tour busses, and all four of these separate tour busses rolled out in a convoy ASAP after the show. Point being that post show backstage affairs and riding on the same tour bus would foster comradery. The opposite would not.

They have not traveled on the same bus for at least all of 3.0. A lot of times they have spouses/kids with them during summer tour so it makes sense. Also, those four have spent enough time in one vehicle together to last several lifetimes.
If you've ever even had a crummy garage band with friends for any length of time you would know that you'd spring for separate tour buses the moment you had the money to do so.

Being in a band is a bit like being in a weird marriage with a bunch of people you're not sexually attracted to :) I can only imagine what it's like after 30 years of being both a band and business.
, comment by SaintAndrew
SaintAndrew I loved seeing Phish in that venue a few years back--great sound and intimate size that leads to welcome break from impersonal sheds during summer tour on east coast.

Reviewer could have afforded to note more than sonics of the show--like quality of playing, sense of cohesion by band members, etc. While the setlist looks interesting enough it is sad to hear the band has yet to 'click' this tour for an entire show. Great moments here (Stash, Tweezer, CTB) but little in the way of relaxed flow or 'listening' amongst band members.

Seems like the community (even this one) has soured a bit on the lack of evident practice this tour. No reason to avoid acknowledging it (esp. in name of 'vibes'), but look forward to shows that make us gush again.
, comment by icculusFTW
icculusFTW Agreed - this is a recap, not a review, and misses the key headline: the show was easily the worst of the tour so far, and one of the least impressive shows of 3.0 as a whole.

Trey missed notes all over the place, the show had zero flow, inexplicable song selection, and zero successful improv to speak of, never mind the disturbing stage crashing incident.

Every performer has an off night, and it's OK to say so. Let's recognize the band's amazing talent by also acknowledging when they don't use them.

@title3jimi said:
This is a very favorable review of the least exciting show I have ever seen Phish play. No mention of the horrible flubs, missed transitions and awkward set list flow that made me feel like I was seeing a completely different band from the last 2 years.
, comment by Jestinphish
Jestinphish Haven't listened to the show yet, set II on paper looks likes something I'd love. We'll see.
Just wanted to give a shout-out to @LazyLightning55 for all the videos I have watched. Appreciate it!!
, comment by rudy79
rudy79 I'm not getting the disappointment with the Portland show. Whatever errors were made, they didn't turn the night into a waste of money or time. The crowd was into it, the show had good mix of new and classics, and each set ended on a high note. In all, a pretty typical Phish show and worthwhile experience. Finally, the talk about "tensions" between the band...bullshit. I was close to the stage and didn't see anything obvious. These guys aren't divas, they're pros. All is well.
, comment by Oliver
Oliver 1. Did anyone else pick up on Trey's sarcasm (and even possible annoyance) around the whole Contact request thing? Both verbally before the song, and also when they squared off to trade notes during the song; I thought I sensed some sarcastic mockery from Trey toward Mike.

2. I left the venue immediately after the last note of the show (for some fresh cool air), and observed that they each have their own tour busses, and all four of these separate tour busses rolled out in a convoy ASAP after the show. Point being that post show backstage affairs and riding on the same tour bus would foster comradery. The opposite would not.

~Nigel[/quote]

1. A good portion of the show was played somewhat slow IMHO. Given the heat and the HVAC's inability to deal with the various types of smoke in the building who can blame these guys really. The stretch between Mike's and Weekapaug in particular slowed things down for me (an perhaps Mike). When Mike started Weekapaug, my take was he was ready to rip and did so with no holds barred. Right then, Trey put both hands to his face, shook his head, smiled while looking at Mike and to me it felt like he was collecting himself to be able to get on the train with Mike speed bass. When they came out for encore, I think Trey was still trying to catch his breath like the rest of us and therefore made the CONTACT request.

2. They've been traveling in separate buses for year. Please step aside, nothing to see here.
, comment by timst101
timst101 We were a bit spoiled last year with Trey's mega-prep for Fare Thee Well. Summer 2015 will likely go down as one of the peaks, and there are many. Summer 2016, maybe not so much, at least according to the early returns. But so be it. You're not always peaking in life. It seems like the band has pumped a lot of their prep energy for this tour into the new songs (writing and learning), vocals, and busting back out things that are generally more rare. Unfortunately the jamming cohesiveness has suffered some as a result, but to blame dissension in the ranks or whatever, I think is just being reactionary. I have listened to a large chunk of tour from the couch, and while the music isn't always hitting meaning of life territory like I like it to, they are definitely into it, smiling, having fun, and playing from the heart. That it isn't fully clicking yet is merely circumstantial. One more thing... I've been following these guys since 91 and never let anyone tell you that flubs are something new. Flubs have always been there. That's a non-issue. (although to be fair, Summer 2015 had a very low flub count)
, comment by InsectEffect
InsectEffect @LazyLightning55:
"'Tide Turns' is a radio-friendly Trey love song that runs about four and a half minutes and, I guess, is probably better than any song you or I have written."
Now that's the kind of positivity we like to see around here. I'll raise a half-full glass to that! ;-)

@as_my_senses_bleed:
And thanks for all the amazing video recordings you share with the community. Incredibly generous of you.

As for the kid who ran on stage, he was obviously benignly out of his mind. No violence please.
Ditto. Spot on, thank you.

And as @Franklin says in a Portland setlist review:
At this point in our program, it became clear that this was just not going to be a show rife with improvisation. Once you get that idea out of your noggin and you think about the whole thing as an energy experience, the show becomes so fun.
That's my experience at least one show a year, I reckon. Well said!
, comment by eggsalad81
eggsalad81 Flubs are not new, but given the increasingly truncated list of songs they are choosing from, you'd think they could practice a bit. They did "flub" parts back in 1991, but You can be darn sure it wasn't due to lack of practice or band cohesion. These guys don't have to dig ditches all day or work for tips at Shenanigans like their fans do in order to pay for a 75 dollar ticket and a 120 dollar hotel room, so maybe they could take a little time time to go over their songs, old and new. I assure you they could silence the "haters" and these message boards would be a lot more "positive" if they did. Many of us just don't find it endearing that their OWN SONGS are seamingly too difficult for them to play.

Highlights included:
A "not terrible" Guyute
A well-played "Wingsuit" in the worst possible spot.
The least interesting "Fluffhead" of all time.

Low Points:
Everything else
, comment by jessPHenry
jessPHenry We all know the saying about opinions...everybody's got one.
Personally I'm happy to hear whatever they choose to share with us. Of course I love the old songs and the way they used to be delivered to us back in the day, but I love the new songs too; Not because they're exactly like what we cut our teeth on in the 80's & 90's, but because I respect these men as working, creative, dynamic, and changing human beings that have feelings and needs, too.
I've played in several bands, one of which stayed together for just over 5 years. I know first-hand how sick & tired one can get of playing the same material show after show, even though I KNEW deep down that our fans loved the songs that I was growing weary of. So isn't it better that our favorite band share new material and new means of delivery with us instead of the alternative?
I understand that folks get vocal about subjects when they care a lot about them, and it goes without saying that we care a lot about this band!
But the only consistent thing in life is change, and it's best not to hold on to anything too tightly. Just let it be what's it's going to be.
I know I've probably come across as preachy here, but I just want to try and put everyone's mind at ease a little, because I care about you all. We're cut from the same cloth and that's why we gather here.
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I'm going to follow this bus until the damn wheels fall off, and all the while feel lucky that I'm able to share a moment in the infinite space-time continuum with these guys!
, comment by Slewfoot
Slewfoot Wow. I can't recall hearing such mixed reviews of a show. I attended and had a great time, but completely realize the show had flaws. The heat factor should not be underestimated for both how the band felt and also (perhaps more important for this site) how everyone else felt inside. It's easy to get sluggish and irritable in that kind of heat. I felt that coming on and moved away from close center floor to all the way to the side on Page Side where there was room and it was SO much more enjoyable an experience.

I also think the band just played a whole lot better in the second set. It was mellow, but the music itself flowed nicely even if the middle of the set left something to be desired from a setlist perspective. As with the Dead, it's not what they play, but how they play it and I thought that rang true on this night's second set.

Anyway, I had a fun time even if it wasn't nearly in the top tier of shows I've seen since my first in 1994.
, comment by waxbanks
waxbanks About the separate tour buses --

One of the band members (probably Trey) mentioned in an interview that they've been traveling on separate buses for a while, but that as soon as the show they're texting one another and talking more than they had in a while about the music -- and listening back to it, which is apparently unusual for them. (In The Phish Book it's mentioned that they surprised themselves by holding dance parties on the tourbus in 1997, soundtracked by a super funky show of their own -- was it Denver?)

Anyhow, it makes sense that four 50-year-olds with kids would be interested in preserving personal/family space during arduous between-show travel times.
, comment by User_25597_
User_25597_ This review is like a report. It offers no insight or analysis. Give me the mic for the gorge and sf.
, comment by FACTSAREUSELESS
FACTSAREUSELESS @JMart said:
This review is like a report. It offers no insight or analysis. Give me the mic for the gorge and sf.
That's the because the show was like an amature audition, offering nothing in terms of fresh takes, inspiration or thoughtfulness. They "got 'er done."
, comment by idk_industries
idk_industries @eggsalad81 said:
Flubs are not new, but given the increasingly truncated list of songs they are choosing from, you'd think they could practice a bit. They did "flub" parts back in 1991, but You can be darn sure it wasn't due to lack of practice or band cohesion. These guys don't have to dig ditches all day or work for tips at Shenanigans like their fans do in order to pay for a 75 dollar ticket and a 120 dollar hotel room, so maybe they could take a little time time to go over their songs, old and new. I assure you they could silence the "haters" and these message boards would be a lot more "positive" if they did. Many of us just don't find it endearing that their OWN SONGS are seamingly too difficult for them to play.

Highlights included:
A "not terrible" Guyute
A well-played "Wingsuit" in the worst possible spot.
The least interesting "Fluffhead" of all time.

Low Points:
Everything else
absolutely 100% yes.

on one of the show reviews recently someone pointed out that when Mike plays Sugar Shack with the MG Band, their guitar player always nails it. Trey's sloppy playing is bullshit. He's better than this.

Practice, Trey, damnit. Cause we love your compositions. Cause we work hard just to see you guys play. Cause we know you can do it. Cause you're a professional. Cause we love you and love your songs. I want to hear a flawless Divided Sky again. Please! :)
, comment by maurice1011
maurice1011 @title3jimi said:
This is a very favorable review of the least exciting show I have ever seen Phish play. No mention of the horrible flubs, missed transitions and awkward set list flow that made me feel like I was seeing a completely different band from the last 2 years.
I couldn't agree more. Besides a few highlights, I thought SPAC was the most underwhelming 3 night run I have ever seen them play (and I've seen many) and Portland felt like an extension of that. The sound was good, but nothing really moved anywhere and it seemed like the boys were just going through the motions....and it was hotter than Hades in there
, comment by metawhy
metawhy The temperature was hot, but the band's energy was TEPID.
, comment by PennPhan
PennPhan "I think the vocals and harmonies have been markedly stronger and more consistent this tour. "

I noticed that Page has sounded better than he has in years. SPACII he was nailing it.
, comment by yeagermeister
yeagermeister " I noticed that Page has sounded better than he has in years. SPACII he was nailing it."

I normally could care less about vocals at a Phish show, but I do remember thinking I've never heard Page sound this good during Lawn Boy.
, comment by runmikeanantelope
runmikeanantelope Don't bother writing reviews if you're going to phone it in like this one. Brutal. CTB felt like it was almost rewritten. That wasn't even mentioned. There was beautiful subtlety in the first set - that billy breathes sounded incredible and you could hear harmonies that are often lost in the mix. It's not what they're playing but how they're playing them
, comment by your_neighbour
your_neighbour Thanks for the review and all your work for the community. I was posted up just off your port bow for the entire show. The sound was excellent and playing also strong throughout.
, comment by Piper72
Piper72 @Phishsx78 said:
My dream Mike's Sandwhich: Mikes > Tide Turns'd > Waiting All Night > Friends > Snow > Waking Up Dead > Weekapaug. My life is nothing until this happens...
You've seen too many Stephen King movies methinks...and I can dig that. (ha, I just saw what I did there.)
, comment by Piper72
Piper72 @SaintAndrew said:
I loved seeing Phish in that venue a few years back--great sound and intimate size that leads to welcome break from impersonal sheds during summer tour on east coast.

Reviewer could have afforded to note more than sonics of the show--like quality of playing, sense of cohesion by band members, etc. While the setlist looks interesting enough it is sad to hear the band has yet to 'click' this tour for an entire show. Great moments here (Stash, Tweezer, CTB) but little in the way of relaxed flow or 'listening' amongst band members.

Seems like the community (even this one) has soured a bit on the lack of evident practice this tour. No reason to avoid acknowledging it (esp. in name of 'vibes'), but look forward to shows that make us gush again.
I dunno, I hear some weak spots, but a lot of places they are stronger - vocals are one, the amount of bust-outs played WELL, more new material (It should not be lost on anyone that they've basically introduced three albums worth of new material in that many years), playing accuracy (Guyute hasn't sounded that good since 2.0 IMO), and being able to do more in less time - take the 9 min. Breath and Burning for example. And the long jams harken back to the unpredictability of '95 (which I'm revisiting this year) - where '13 and '14 were about live 'composition' of jams, these new ones since '15 are more unpredictable and exciting. I may be overly positive and wanting to see the glass half full, but I think it's better overall to talk about and build up the positives rather than dwell on the negatives and ways in which they don't "measure up" to previous years.
, comment by Piper72
Piper72 @eggsalad81 said:
Flubs are not new, but given the increasingly truncated list of songs they are choosing from, you'd think they could practice a bit. They did "flub" parts back in 1991, but You can be darn sure it wasn't due to lack of practice or band cohesion. These guys don't have to dig ditches all day or work for tips at Shenanigans like their fans do in order to pay for a 75 dollar ticket and a 120 dollar hotel room, so maybe they could take a little time time to go over their songs, old and new. I assure you they could silence the "haters" and these message boards would be a lot more "positive" if they did. Many of us just don't find it endearing that their OWN SONGS are seamingly too difficult for them to play.

Highlights included:
A "not terrible" Guyute
A well-played "Wingsuit" in the worst possible spot.
The least interesting "Fluffhead" of all time.

Low Points:
Everything else
They were also 25 years younger, had no (or were just starting) families, were young and hungry and putting it all on the line coming from anonymity (and Vermont), had 200 less songs, were playing 120+ shows a year, and also sober Trey. The list goes on...
, comment by Piper72
Piper72 @jessPHenry said:
We all know the saying about opinions...everybody's got one.
Personally I'm happy to hear whatever they choose to share with us. Of course I love the old songs and the way they used to be delivered to us back in the day, but I love the new songs too; Not because they're exactly like what we cut our teeth on in the 80's & 90's, but because I respect these men as working, creative, dynamic, and changing human beings that have feelings and needs, too.
I've played in several bands, one of which stayed together for just over 5 years. I know first-hand how sick & tired one can get of playing the same material show after show, even though I KNEW deep down that our fans loved the songs that I was growing weary of. So isn't it better that our favorite band share new material and new means of delivery with us instead of the alternative?
I understand that folks get vocal about subjects when they care a lot about them, and it goes without saying that we care a lot about this band!
But the only consistent thing in life is change, and it's best not to hold on to anything too tightly. Just let it be what's it's going to be.
I know I've probably come across as preachy here, but I just want to try and put everyone's mind at ease a little, because I care about you all. We're cut from the same cloth and that's why we gather here.
I can't speak for everyone, but I know I'm going to follow this bus until the damn wheels fall off, and all the while feel lucky that I'm able to share a moment in the infinite space-time continuum with these guys!
^^^ SO much this. Thank you!!!
, comment by Piper72
Piper72 And by the way thanks LazyLightning55 for your review. Big fan of you from the YouTubes!!!
, comment by Home_Slice
Home_Slice I thought it sucked. Arguably the worst show I've ever been to, close to Coventry.

And the Old Port smells like straight tuna when it is that hot in the summertime.
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