First off, to say the show was incredible would not do it justice. As much as I love Styx and Night Ranger, these two guys have something quite special and they should definitely spend more time building it. I'd forgotten what great musicians these guys were.
Secondly, we were treated to a nice surprise as the very great Venice opened the show. Anyone who doesn't know this band - get to know them! Check them out at www.VeniceCentral.com
Third - I was able to meet and shake hands with Jeff. I figured he'd be there as the place is his old stomping grounds. I managed to get a word in (he was surrounded by fans all night). As I have always heard, he was very polite and open.
Fourth - finally met Rockin'-Deano. Very friendly guy. Well, once he realized I wasn't an enemy.
So I have this great night of friends and music - they way music should be played by the way - and then I signed on to this board and it was very clear how insane it has gotten. Thank God that it's only a small group of fans that get involved in these boards. I enjoy the insights from a lot of you and even chuckle at the occasional jabs, but mostly I think you are all nuts! Like me!
I have no advice. I doubt there is any way to constructively communicate with this much chatter. If we always waited for something important and positive to add, I guess the board would simply die off. I think no fighting means boredom to too many of us. How many times can we talk about the same crap? However, I was able to spew a lot of music news to my friends because of what I learn here. MR is a great sight!
Every now and then, I get a jolt that reminds me to focus on the music. That is where the heart and soul of all this lies. Fortunately, Shaw-Blades were so good - it was a major jolt. They did that shit right. I hope Journey's next album impresses me like that. For me, Arrival and Generations could have been written and recorded in their sleep. Shaw-Blades showed how you can still be relevant after all this time. I've seen hundreds of concerts and these guys added a highlight last night.
