Atlanta (Gwinnett) Show- May 11, 2008- VERY disappointing!

[UncleKG]

I just spoke with a friend of mine who went to the May 11 show at Gwinnett Arena near Atlanta, Ga., for the VH show.

I live a couple hours north and was not able to make it down, although I wanted to. From talking to him, I'm glad I didn't drop the $150.

Let me preface this by saying, he's a huge VH fan who would have liked nothing better than for the band to have ripped his face off. He's certainly not a hater.

He said that there must have been something going on that night.

Eddie stayed in pretty much one spot all night "staring at his shoes." No jumps, no head bobs, he just didn't seem into it.

Roth spoke to the audience just a couple of times (and we know Roth can be quite verbose when he wants to), did two kicks, and only walked down the ramp that comes out into the audience one time. Again, for a guy who epitomizes the energetic front man, he just didn't seem into it.

There was minimal interaction between the band members.

Roth addressed Wolfie a couple of times, and repeated several times, "Put down the bong, Wolfie," or something to that effect. Not sure what that means, but my friend said it was repeated enough to where there certainly was something behind it.

He did say Eddie's solo was very good, but all in all, the magic and the fire just wasn't there that night.

Hopefully, this was a one night problem. I haven't been able to find any reviews of the show online, so I don't have anything to back my buddy's review up, but being that my friend doesn't drink and is a musician himself, I have no reason to doubt the clarity of his recollection.

[Pelata]

It's also possible that your friend was expecting the "time machine effect", forgetting that they're all (except Wolfie) in thier mid-50's now...when he didn't get a 1982 experience, he was disappointed.

Not a slam...just an observation.

[UncleKG]

It's also possible that your friend was expecting the "time machine effect", forgetting that they're all (except Wolfie) in thier mid-50's now...when he didn't get a 1982 experience, he was disappointed.

Not a slam...just an observation.

Valid point, but I don't think that was the case. He's seen the videos on YouTube of some of the earlier shows on the tour, so he knew exactly what to expect. What he said was that they didn't offer up the enthusiasm or "fire" that he had seen and read about from some of the earlier shows.

[NealIsGod]

I'm seeing them on May 15th. I have several boots from this tour, so I will be able to give you an idea of whether or not they are on their game or if they are just coasting.

[Pelata]

It's also possible that your friend was expecting the "time machine effect", forgetting that they're all (except Wolfie) in thier mid-50's now...when he didn't get a 1982 experience, he was disappointed.

Not a slam...just an observation.

Valid point, but I don't think that was the case. He's seen the videos on YouTube of some of the earlier shows on the tour, so he knew exactly what to expect. What he said was that they didn't offer up the enthusiasm or "fire" that he had seen and read about from some of the earlier shows.

Very possible....could be the "honeymoon is over" effect from them too. They may not be fighting or whatever, just may be tired...

[VanRoth07]

hmmm, really? All the reviews at the links say it was a smokin show

[UncleKG]

Go check out the YouTube clips from the show and tell me how "smokin" it was.

[7 Wishes]

My best bud went to the show and said it was outstanding. So...

[PennyA]

I was there (finally) and I can tell you personally that the show rocked. DLR came out and started the show with a statement " Well, like it says in the bible...better late than never". Now I dont think thats in the bible, but being that Atlanta is smack right in the bible belt, everyone loved it and the fun started from there. True, Eddie was very mellow and did not do any jumping around at all. But his guitar playing and especially his solos were truly awesome. I dont have a song list, but I believe they played many more songs than I have seen listed for other shows. DLR is still a showman and great front man. Wolfie sound great and the drumming was the best of all.
Thanks to everyone who told me to hold onto the tickets ! You were right !!

[NealIsGod]

They rocked the house in Baltimore last night. Plenty of interaction between band members, Roth even said they "have been recording for the first time in a long time." Not sure if that meant new music or filming shows for a DVD. I don't know if it was the excitement of being there, but it seemed to be even better than all of all the boots I have seen of this tour. Easily one of, if not the, best concerts I have ever been to. The only one who may have seemed not too into it was Wolfie. He didn't interact with Eddie very much like he did before the break in the tour. Maybe there are problems there, I don't know. But the standout songs were "And the Cradle Will Rock", "Ice Cream Man", and "Jump" (not a big fan of that song, but the crowd and the band were sky high during this one). Just a magical night.