Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Christmas Concert (well, sort of)
I took Darby to the All American Rejects concert tonight as an early Christmas present. She's a big fan, like many her age. Compared to her first concert experience last month at U2, this was quite different, according to her.
Unlike the U2 show, where she says she had plenty of room to move around even though she was close to the stage, tonight we were squished like sardines. Think this looks bad? It got worse. This is not, by the way, a knock on the venue (OKC's Bricktown Events Center).
Add to that the fact that there were three bands and a small stage (meaning no room for multiple setups... each band had to take 30 mins plus to setup between shows), and we had a long, long night. From doors opening (which we were in line for) until the end of the show, it was four hours and ten minutes. That's right 4:10. Half a work day. Except standing the entire time. No sitting whatsoever (no room). Also? No beveraging. And no restroom breaks (for fear of losing our pretty decent spots). By the end of the evening, my legs were very, very sore. But then, I'm old.
So, the three bands were Anberlin, Taking Back Sunday, and, of course, AAR. I hadn't heard of Anberlin, but I liked them quite a bit. I may have to explore them further. Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of TBS, who I was personally there to see, as I caught them the last time they were in town.
TBS was actually more entertaining to me this time around, perhaps because we were so much closer to the stage. However, since they were not the headliner this time, their set was considerably shorter. But even with the shorter set, they managed to sneak in a few tunes from the new record as well as most of the favorites from the previous three. Though I will admit that I could have done without the newer tracks in favor of more of the favorites. The new album just hasn't grown on me as quickly as the previous releases.
AAR put on a very entertaining show. However, I have to say that I was disturbed with a couple things. First, I could have done without the lead singer being shirtless the entire time, and second, knowing that their music draws a large under-15 crowd, I think we all could have done without the over-the-top profanity and innuendo (I'm being nice in my wording here). That said, they really do know how to put on a show. As expected, they played all their big hits. I was a little disappointed there weren't more first album tracks. But their Last Song/Encore combo really put the show away quite nicely.
So, to sum up, it was a good show overall. A bit long. Maybe a little pricey considering the seating arrangements. But I'm glad we went, and most importantly, Darby says she had a GREAT time.
Unlike the U2 show, where she says she had plenty of room to move around even though she was close to the stage, tonight we were squished like sardines. Think this looks bad? It got worse. This is not, by the way, a knock on the venue (OKC's Bricktown Events Center).
Add to that the fact that there were three bands and a small stage (meaning no room for multiple setups... each band had to take 30 mins plus to setup between shows), and we had a long, long night. From doors opening (which we were in line for) until the end of the show, it was four hours and ten minutes. That's right 4:10. Half a work day. Except standing the entire time. No sitting whatsoever (no room). Also? No beveraging. And no restroom breaks (for fear of losing our pretty decent spots). By the end of the evening, my legs were very, very sore. But then, I'm old.
So, the three bands were Anberlin, Taking Back Sunday, and, of course, AAR. I hadn't heard of Anberlin, but I liked them quite a bit. I may have to explore them further. Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of TBS, who I was personally there to see, as I caught them the last time they were in town.
TBS was actually more entertaining to me this time around, perhaps because we were so much closer to the stage. However, since they were not the headliner this time, their set was considerably shorter. But even with the shorter set, they managed to sneak in a few tunes from the new record as well as most of the favorites from the previous three. Though I will admit that I could have done without the newer tracks in favor of more of the favorites. The new album just hasn't grown on me as quickly as the previous releases.
AAR put on a very entertaining show. However, I have to say that I was disturbed with a couple things. First, I could have done without the lead singer being shirtless the entire time, and second, knowing that their music draws a large under-15 crowd, I think we all could have done without the over-the-top profanity and innuendo (I'm being nice in my wording here). That said, they really do know how to put on a show. As expected, they played all their big hits. I was a little disappointed there weren't more first album tracks. But their Last Song/Encore combo really put the show away quite nicely.
So, to sum up, it was a good show overall. A bit long. Maybe a little pricey considering the seating arrangements. But I'm glad we went, and most importantly, Darby says she had a GREAT time.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review
Monday, October 19, 2009
Best Show on Earth?
I feel I must disclaim that U2 is NOT my favorite band. They're among my favorites. And I have many of their albums, including the latest. But I actually did not plan on going to this show initially. And had a friend not picked up some tickets, I'm not sure that I would have. That said, I am SO very glad that I did go after all.
From a raw production/entertainment value perspective, this had to be one of the best shows I have personally ever seen. Ridiculously well put together. Jaw-dropping in nearly all regards. Well intended otherwise. And if you said to me that, of the active tours in the world, U2 360 was presently the best show on Earth, I could certainly see why you would think that. And I'm not sure I'd be able to disagree.
The opening band, though not one I'd listen to on most days, was wisely chosen from a "pump up the crowd" perspective. Aside from a few glaring omissions (Pride, Desire, New Years Day, All I Want is You), the set list was well chosen and executed. Everything was so great, in fact, that I had to tell my oldest daughter, who was attending her first concert, that all of what she had experienced was NOT typical of what she should expect of future shows, lest she be infinitely disappointed in her further concert going exploits.
According to Bono, U2 had last performed in Norman 26 years ago in 1983. While I can't speak on behalf of those lucky ones to have seen them back then, I'd like to believe that if I had been among them, I would have felt that they made it well worth the wait. I can't imagine that anyone left that show feeling terribly disappointed. Unless perhaps Pride was the all time favorite song of a loved one recently departed or some such scenario.
Unfortunately for you, if you were at all like me and did not get off your butt to make this show happen for yourself, you missed out on what would likely be considered a once in a lifetime concert event. And though I'd guess that U2 will keep performing until Bono's larynx falls out, I don't know that they have many shows of this caliber left in them. So there may not be a next time for you I'm sorry to say.
The set was a massive endeavor. Referred to as the "mothership" by Bono. In the very center was the stage, and there was an additional stage area that formed a "ring" around the main stage, with 3 bridges that crossed over to the ring, two of which moved during the show, going OVER the audience making up the "inner ring". Bono talked about this arrangement, saying it was for us, the audience, to get closer to us. He said it was "intimacy on a grand scale". And I'd have to agree. The "360 degree screen" was an amazing centerpiece to the show. Without which I'm certain the show would have suffered. And the lights, wow. They did not fail to amuse.
Obviously, by the pictures below, my seats weren't that intimate, but my daughter had better luck than myself. She went down to Norman earlier in the afternoon with a friend's sister and kids to stand in the general admission line. Sounds like a worse deal than mine, but she was one of the lucky first 1200 folks to get to stand inside the "inner ring" and experience Bono intimately, though fortunately it was the kind of intimately a parent prefers. She texted me during the show... "OMG this is intense" and "This is magnificent". Let me just point out that my teenage daughter used a big word. Voluntarily. So, she really meant it. She was genuinely impressed. Tough to do with kids these days.
And now for the pictures. Due to the quality of my seats, these are mostly about pretty lights. Mostly.
Here is the set before the show. Nice, huh? Certainly big enough.
Here's a zoom of the lucky people in the inner ring. My 13 year old daughter is among them. Her first real concert and she's spoiled already.
I really like this picture, taken during the Black Eyed Peas opening performance, with the lights out and the cell phones on. The mothership analogy fits right in with this snapshot of the U2 fan universe.
My friend Rob, who I've known since college, and I during intermission.
Me, during intermission, apparently wearing the mothership on my head.
Perhaps more amazing than the mothership itself was the screen. It changed shapes and sizes and moved up and down. A very neat, and probably crucial, piece of the experience.
Another view of the screen. Even though I didn't have the intimate Bono experience, I still had a nice view of what was going on up there.
The rest of the pictures are to give you an idea of the different lighting arrangements and the different shapes and positions of the screen.
This video is from intermission. I guess we got bored enough to get a wave going.
And here is the beginning of the show. You're not really supposed to be able to enjoy the show. Just giving you a taste.
From a raw production/entertainment value perspective, this had to be one of the best shows I have personally ever seen. Ridiculously well put together. Jaw-dropping in nearly all regards. Well intended otherwise. And if you said to me that, of the active tours in the world, U2 360 was presently the best show on Earth, I could certainly see why you would think that. And I'm not sure I'd be able to disagree.
The opening band, though not one I'd listen to on most days, was wisely chosen from a "pump up the crowd" perspective. Aside from a few glaring omissions (Pride, Desire, New Years Day, All I Want is You), the set list was well chosen and executed. Everything was so great, in fact, that I had to tell my oldest daughter, who was attending her first concert, that all of what she had experienced was NOT typical of what she should expect of future shows, lest she be infinitely disappointed in her further concert going exploits.
According to Bono, U2 had last performed in Norman 26 years ago in 1983. While I can't speak on behalf of those lucky ones to have seen them back then, I'd like to believe that if I had been among them, I would have felt that they made it well worth the wait. I can't imagine that anyone left that show feeling terribly disappointed. Unless perhaps Pride was the all time favorite song of a loved one recently departed or some such scenario.
Unfortunately for you, if you were at all like me and did not get off your butt to make this show happen for yourself, you missed out on what would likely be considered a once in a lifetime concert event. And though I'd guess that U2 will keep performing until Bono's larynx falls out, I don't know that they have many shows of this caliber left in them. So there may not be a next time for you I'm sorry to say.
The set was a massive endeavor. Referred to as the "mothership" by Bono. In the very center was the stage, and there was an additional stage area that formed a "ring" around the main stage, with 3 bridges that crossed over to the ring, two of which moved during the show, going OVER the audience making up the "inner ring". Bono talked about this arrangement, saying it was for us, the audience, to get closer to us. He said it was "intimacy on a grand scale". And I'd have to agree. The "360 degree screen" was an amazing centerpiece to the show. Without which I'm certain the show would have suffered. And the lights, wow. They did not fail to amuse.
Obviously, by the pictures below, my seats weren't that intimate, but my daughter had better luck than myself. She went down to Norman earlier in the afternoon with a friend's sister and kids to stand in the general admission line. Sounds like a worse deal than mine, but she was one of the lucky first 1200 folks to get to stand inside the "inner ring" and experience Bono intimately, though fortunately it was the kind of intimately a parent prefers. She texted me during the show... "OMG this is intense" and "This is magnificent". Let me just point out that my teenage daughter used a big word. Voluntarily. So, she really meant it. She was genuinely impressed. Tough to do with kids these days.
And now for the pictures. Due to the quality of my seats, these are mostly about pretty lights. Mostly.
Here is the set before the show. Nice, huh? Certainly big enough.
Here's a zoom of the lucky people in the inner ring. My 13 year old daughter is among them. Her first real concert and she's spoiled already.
I really like this picture, taken during the Black Eyed Peas opening performance, with the lights out and the cell phones on. The mothership analogy fits right in with this snapshot of the U2 fan universe.
My friend Rob, who I've known since college, and I during intermission.
Me, during intermission, apparently wearing the mothership on my head.
Perhaps more amazing than the mothership itself was the screen. It changed shapes and sizes and moved up and down. A very neat, and probably crucial, piece of the experience.
Another view of the screen. Even though I didn't have the intimate Bono experience, I still had a nice view of what was going on up there.
The rest of the pictures are to give you an idea of the different lighting arrangements and the different shapes and positions of the screen.
This video is from intermission. I guess we got bored enough to get a wave going.
And here is the beginning of the show. You're not really supposed to be able to enjoy the show. Just giving you a taste.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review, video
Friday, March 02, 2007
Taking Back Thursday
While work was hell today due to new-contract-extension-madness that's not worth getting into, it was a great Thursday in all other regards. Good fun at lunchtime bowling Thursday (119, 157) was followed by a cool concert Thursday night.
Doors were supposed to open at the venue at 6pm, so we were surprised to find a line at the door when we got there around seven, when the first opening band was due to be on stage. Turns out Al Gore was at the same venue (University of Oklahoma's Lloyd Noble Center) at 4pm, and it took a long time for that crowd to clear out. Fortunately, that seemed to only have delayed things by about thirty minutes.
The first opening band, Armor for Sleep was FANTASTIC. I have their first album, which I have come to enjoy, but they were surprisingly good live. I'd say better live than in studio. MUCH more energetic. The fact that they played a short set was the only real disappointment. We'll never know if the set length was impacted by the delay of the venue's availability or not (thanks A LOT Mr. Gore).
The second opening band, UnderOATH, was decent, and put on a VERY high-energy and entertaining show, but as I had not heard them before, I have nothing with which to compare. I will say that the crowd was definitely much more into UnderOATH than Armor. The entire place came to life when they hit the stage, and everyone seemed to know who they were, in contrast to Armor (during AfS's performance, I heard several people say things like "who are these guys").
The main event, Taking Back Sunday, got off to a rough start. Not sure how long they've been on tour, but the lead singer clearly had some voice issues, which took a few numbers to get smoothed out. I'm a HUGE TBS fan, so I loved the show, but I was a little worried at the onset. Things did improve, and if the below photo is any indication, the crowd was very into it. In fact, we witnessed several folks get past security and make it on stage only to be dragged away. Overall, they put on an entertaining show, but I will say that in contrast to AfS, their live show was not quite as good as their studio performance. Of course, I'd go see them again in heartbeat, so don't let that statement take anything away from the entire concert being a good show to see.
In closing, I'd like to send out a special thanks to my friends angry Vicki and astonished Vicki for joining me on short notice. It was a good time. And while it was a pretty young crowd, I was pleased to see folks much older than myself at the show, so I didn't feel entirely like a old fuddy-duddy.
Doors were supposed to open at the venue at 6pm, so we were surprised to find a line at the door when we got there around seven, when the first opening band was due to be on stage. Turns out Al Gore was at the same venue (University of Oklahoma's Lloyd Noble Center) at 4pm, and it took a long time for that crowd to clear out. Fortunately, that seemed to only have delayed things by about thirty minutes.
The first opening band, Armor for Sleep was FANTASTIC. I have their first album, which I have come to enjoy, but they were surprisingly good live. I'd say better live than in studio. MUCH more energetic. The fact that they played a short set was the only real disappointment. We'll never know if the set length was impacted by the delay of the venue's availability or not (thanks A LOT Mr. Gore).
The second opening band, UnderOATH, was decent, and put on a VERY high-energy and entertaining show, but as I had not heard them before, I have nothing with which to compare. I will say that the crowd was definitely much more into UnderOATH than Armor. The entire place came to life when they hit the stage, and everyone seemed to know who they were, in contrast to Armor (during AfS's performance, I heard several people say things like "who are these guys").
The main event, Taking Back Sunday, got off to a rough start. Not sure how long they've been on tour, but the lead singer clearly had some voice issues, which took a few numbers to get smoothed out. I'm a HUGE TBS fan, so I loved the show, but I was a little worried at the onset. Things did improve, and if the below photo is any indication, the crowd was very into it. In fact, we witnessed several folks get past security and make it on stage only to be dragged away. Overall, they put on an entertaining show, but I will say that in contrast to AfS, their live show was not quite as good as their studio performance. Of course, I'd go see them again in heartbeat, so don't let that statement take anything away from the entire concert being a good show to see.
In closing, I'd like to send out a special thanks to my friends angry Vicki and astonished Vicki for joining me on short notice. It was a good time. And while it was a pretty young crowd, I was pleased to see folks much older than myself at the show, so I didn't feel entirely like a old fuddy-duddy.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review, Tinker AFB, work
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
DISCLAIMER:
Principally intended for use by our friends and families, our news blog is sometimes a record of our memorable family moments, sometimes a place for me to rant about something or other (usually inconsequential), and periodically I simply wax satirical for no apparent reason. By reading these accounts, you agree not to be offended, and not to use this information against us in any way, including for legal prosecution, because for all you know, it could all be made up. :-)
