Post by flutestobranches on Oct 5, 2012 9:10:40 GMT -5
Wow! The show at the Mohegan Sun Arena last night was FANTASTIC! Not perfect, as detailed below. But...what an amazing performance. Ian and the guys were SIZZLING, particularly on the original "Brick." I don't remember Ian Anderson being this energized in years, and Ryan O'Donnell is AWESOME, full of energy and his vocals were perfect, along with his endless bouncing around the stage. The rest of band cooked, as well. I'm almost sorry to say that I didn't miss Martin Barre at all. I have nothing against him, and I like a lot of what he plays, but...he is not the main draw for me, and never has been. Just my opinion. 
The venue was filled (almost of capacity?), and to see Ian fill a 10,000 seater these days did my heart good.
"Brick 2" was excellent, too...well, what they played of it. As I feared, the time constraints imposed by the casino (confirmed by a quick chat with Mike the sound guy) meant that parts of TAAB2 were dropped, as was, amazingly, the beginning of side two of the original "Brick" (No "babies wearing nylons" or drum solos last night)! There was no intermission, and no prostate check skit. I find it a shame that casinos limit the times on performers so that, presumably, the concert-goers can get back out to the slots and gaming tables to gamble, but what can you do?
Whatever, "Kismet in Suburbia" really stood out from the second "set," and has been a favorite since the album came out. Amazingly, "Aqualung" and "Locomotive Breath" featured as encores. My friend wished these numbers were dropped in favor of more TAAB2, and, while I would have liked that, the overall concert left me feeling so good that I couldn't complain, really. I guess IA or the casino figured that such a large crowd needed to hear those "hits!"
Overall, an amazing night and one I will always remember. It's incredible to think that Ian is still out there doing it, and giving us so much pleasure. Thanks, Ian!
The venue was filled (almost of capacity?), and to see Ian fill a 10,000 seater these days did my heart good.
"Brick 2" was excellent, too...well, what they played of it. As I feared, the time constraints imposed by the casino (confirmed by a quick chat with Mike the sound guy) meant that parts of TAAB2 were dropped, as was, amazingly, the beginning of side two of the original "Brick" (No "babies wearing nylons" or drum solos last night)! There was no intermission, and no prostate check skit. I find it a shame that casinos limit the times on performers so that, presumably, the concert-goers can get back out to the slots and gaming tables to gamble, but what can you do?
Whatever, "Kismet in Suburbia" really stood out from the second "set," and has been a favorite since the album came out. Amazingly, "Aqualung" and "Locomotive Breath" featured as encores. My friend wished these numbers were dropped in favor of more TAAB2, and, while I would have liked that, the overall concert left me feeling so good that I couldn't complain, really. I guess IA or the casino figured that such a large crowd needed to hear those "hits!"
Overall, an amazing night and one I will always remember. It's incredible to think that Ian is still out there doing it, and giving us so much pleasure. Thanks, Ian!
