The Meme Mistress is going to a concert tonight, so that's going to be our theme this week.
If money were no object, what band would you see in concert?
Where were the closest seats you've ever had for a show (that was non-general admission)?
What type of venue do you prefer to see a show?
Hmm - was hoping to have a short and easy one to do tonight but I can get a bit verbose when it comes to discussing concerts. So here we go:
If money were no object, what band would you see in concert?
For many years we traveled to New York to see Gov't Mule's multiple night New Years Eve run. These are historic shows featuring tons of special guests and a three set themed extravaganza on New Years Eve. It's an insane amount of music, typically over the three nights there are no repeat songs.
This year they are doing 4 shows - 2 acoustic shows on Dec 27th and 28th followed by 2 full on electric shows on the 30th and 31st. Once again, 3 full Mule sets on New Years Eve.
I would so love to be there.
Where were the closest seats you've ever had for a show (that was non-general admission)?
I was front row for Rush back in '86 but it was really a miserable experience. I was smashed up against the wall with the stage high in front of me and a crowd of folks pushing me forward even though there was no place for me to go. Marillion opened which actually made the show worthwhile.
A much better experience was 2nd row for The Allman Brothers Band at the Chicago Theater. We were right in the middle of Warren and Oteill and it was stellar. The thing I remember most was hearing the stage sound rather than the PA - brilliant!!
What type of venue do you prefer to see a show?
I'm a big fan of theater shows although I don't mind an occasional large club. I prefer crowds in the 1500 - 2500 range. With the smoking ban here in Illinois I am not quite as picky as I used to be.
I hate outdoor sheds with a passion and am not a particular fan of Arenas either, although I understand they are a necessary evil for some performers.
A stadium show can be fun but I've grown to dislike the large crowds so I usually end up just getting frustrated at the idiots around me.
Well, that actually wasn't as long winded as I thought. How would you have answered?
Recorded during their Beacon Theater residency, it is a chronicle of a band that despite tragic loss and many personnel changes is still at the top of their game. The guitar duo of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks is incendiary. For a band famous for their live performances and their classic Fillmore East recording, the bar is set pretty high. They prove here that they are more than up to the task. The version of Whipping Post here is quite possibly the strongest one I've ever heard.
I have always really enjoyed this album, probably more so than Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I love how it was basically out there and available before release, yet was still a big seller as fans made good and made it official. I can't choose a standout track - this is one that should be listened to in its entirety. 
This was probably the biggest surprise of the year for me. I wasn't surprised that it was good - but that it was released at all. Frank Marino was off my radar until I heard a track from this on XM Radio. A quick online search and I found this outstanding collection featuring some of the most incredible guitar playing I have ever heard. We saw Frank a couple years back and the show was just stellar. Buy this, and go see Frank if you ever get the chance.
We were in New York at the Roseland for the album release party when they did the live debut of this material. I loved it then and I love it now. My Separate Reality and New World Blues are standout tracks but the whole album is pretty strong.
