Ya know, this was what the doctor just ordered. The past few days I've been fighting off a little bug. And the last 5 months has been topsy turvy to say the least. I hadn't seen the band since May (Ray's first returning gig) and was quite anxious since the band's Iowa show in August fell through. Good things come to those who wait
Damn, I needed this. I wish I had remembered to snap some photos on my phone so I could upload them, as well as have the band sign my copy of Brand New World. That's ok. The music was and is far more important. I'll admit that I am not one for being poetic or having a backlog of superlatives. But all 5 guys (Ray, Gil, Floyd, Mike and Randy) have a great rapport onstage and it shows in the arrangements. The sound mix was quite good too. I could hear everyone clear as a bell.
I don't recall the exact order of the songsbut I do recall what was played:
Hey Big Brother Born To Wander Papa Was A Rolling Stone The Love You Save Tobacco Road Give Me Shelter Game Of Love (I Know) I'm Losing You (complete w/Ray playing with his teeth) Get Ready I Just Want To Celebrate
What a fantastic way to spend 90 minutes and fill my head with dirt . They played three new songs and that was cool. They sounded great. I talked to Ray for a few minutes afterwards and I have to say this: Ray, you're a humble guy. "Working the bugs out"? The new songs sounded tight and funky. "Big John Is My Name" and "Smiling Faces Somtimes" were dropped and the three new tunes were added. I had no problem with that. The new songs fit well with the older material.
What can I say? These guys still have it. Go see 'em if they come to your neck of the woods. Thank you guys.
As great as everyone was, Ray deserves the "game ball". He had a technical snafu or two early on with his guitar pedal I think. But he took it all in stride. The roadie came out and fixed it. These guys are pro's. Do not miss these guys.
Certainly wouldn't dream of missing them when they visit our neck of the woods Mike. Trouble is, I'll probably be wearing incontintent pants by then (I'd need them too lol) and arrive bat the gig on one of those mobility scooters!!
I guess I'm saying that it'll unlikely to happen in my lifetime but if it does I'll be so excited I'll wet myself.
I'm not knocking the guys. There has to be a market to make a tour worthwhile, and for whatever reason, RE never really took off here. Lack of promotion? I don't know but there's more chance of a mainland Europe tour for RE and I'd happily make the trip.
I did, saw them twice in Amsterdam Holland. I made the trip from the UK and stayed with a good friend who lives just outside Rotterdam for a few days who is also a big R.E. fan.. They were awesome on both occasions, we both had backstage passes as well so that was an added bonus, so we chatted with the band at length..what memories..
No, I had no idea. What makes it even more painful was that around that time I made 3 or 4 trips to Amsterdam. Imagine, they might have even being playing there whilst I was visiting!!!
I was in Dublin, Ireland in the summer of 1992 and missed Billy Connolly by on day!! Oh noooooo.....And I missed Eric Clapton by one day in the South of France in 1986...oh well, "stuff" happens!
That's great you got to do that. Aren't RE the nicest guys in the world. All the origials and all the replacements. Just the most down to "Earth" guys. I saw Wayne a few times, but never got to talk to him. What was he like?
