I knew what I was getting into this time.  If you read my review from Richmond, you will know I was a little leery about the theater format.  This time I Knew EVERYTHING was going to be GREAT.  The hardest part of this night was knowing that I didn't have any more shows to go to.

John's voice sounds incredible and he really seems to be into this show.  There are so many highlights, that you can't give a review justice without giving the entire night away.  Nearly half of the songs are hits from before 2000, so many casual fans will still have a good time.  Everyone will go home wishing that he had played (insert song title), it's a fact.  You can not have a 30 year career, putting out new material every 2-3 years, sometimes faster, and play everything.  That's one of the benefits of being a fan from the start.  Early on you get to hear everything.  Later on, you don't care if he plays "X", because you've already heard that one live and it's time to move onto something new.  To be honest, I sort of blanked out during "Small Town", a previously looked forward to song, I have heard it in every concert that I've gone to.  I'd like to hear something a little different, which is why I like it when he plays his new songs and changes up little ditties from the past.  I was amazed how far into "Jack and Diane" they had to play before people knew, or for that matter, cared what was being played.  He actually had to get to "Diane" before they caught on, and then of course they decided to stand.  CONCERTS ARE MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED ON YOUR FEET PEOPLE! 

Take my advice - GO, you will be transformed into a teenager again if you let yourself go.  For a few hours you get to relive being young, if you do it right, it will last quite a bit longer.  No amount of botox will do the same for your soul. 


But...Take John's advice, and use his gift of the download.  Don't be caught on your tush, not knowing the songs he's playing.  They really are his best work.  I will forever love "Jack and Diane", my first house was a "little pink house", but, I think I may take a stroll on "Easter Eve" every now and again. 

I drove 4 hours each direction most of it in the rain to go to a place I've never been to before, to see a guy that I've seen approx half a dozen times over the last 28 years.  I was a little concerned about the format, I've never seen a rock show in a theater before.  Was it going to be good?  He always had been before.

John was INCREDIBLE!  Miriam, Mike, Andy, and the rest were just wonderful to listen to.  The "No Better Than This" CD seems a little slow, due to the method that they purposely employed to get that early sound.  In the Theater the sound was full, and I believe the clearest I have ever heard any band play.  I posted earlier that the 80's were gone and the shows, while still impressive, would never have that excitement again.  I was wrong!  If you are a true fan, not just a radio favorites, but a true fan, you will have your mind blown on how perfectly everything  was put together.  John sets up the songs so that you can understand their true feeling, he plays, belts out lyrics, dances around. 

If you are a true fan, do not miss this opportunity to turn back the hands of time and become a teenager again, if only for two hours.

There are still plenty of songs for the radio crowd, nearly half were hits, but beware, while you may want to sit to "Right Behind Me" because you don't know it, you may have someones tush in your face, dancing away.   

Here I go dating myself again...I was 13 or 14 when MTV was huge.  The first time I heard "Little ditty...."  I was hooked on "Jack and Diane".  I had to get a copy.  So, I walked the 3miles or so to the 5&10 and tried to buy a 45, they only had the entire album!  Curses, I'd have to spend way more than I wanted to, but I got "American Fool".  There was no going back.  He's been my favorite ever since.  For years he was the only one I've seen in concert more than once, but that is no longer the case.  I've seen him far more than anyone else though.  Starting with the Scarecrow tour.  Two arena tours, two amphitheater tours, and the minor league stadium tour.  I'm pretty sure I was at the show that he had his heart attack.  I won't lie, the first two were the best in a few ways that will never be again.  He was younger and even though he still moves great, it was slightly more, you can't beat the '80's arena shows, and the biggest thing....back then he only had a few songs, so he played most of them, now, with so many hits and deep cuts, you are bound to feel like you wanted just one or two more songs....But, I took his advice and am still trying to 'hold onto 16' even though '17 has turned 35" and then some.

Hi,
How close would a $133 get you?