Saratoga Review 9/1/09
This is a little late – but better late than never!
Now you may not have guessed this for yourself, but the boys totally rocked at Saratoga!
ILAA—
While I’m not totally supportive of the ILAA program, they do a good job. Out host, Thomas, was friendly, fun, and cool. This year’s swag bag was better than previous years -- a nice tote bag, a flask, a white beater and Sully’s book. Also the “pre show party” was access to a VIP area with REAL food – not just cheese & crackers. Don’t know if this was the program or the venue – but it was really nice.
The meet & greet was brief, but the whole band was there and they were their usual wonderful, generous selves. Robbie seems to be enjoying the family thing. Tony seemed relaxed and did quietly share his sense of humor. Sully was gracious and willing to sign anything that people brought. Seeing Shannon was special because it waqs so soon after the quilt gift had been delivered – He let it be known that he appreciates his fans as much as we appreciate him.
For the old timers – I was glad to see our old security chief back on the job—he seems well and happy. He told me that our old videographer/tour goddess is well, too. (Won’t name names to protect the innocent, but many of you know of whom I speak – and I’m SO happy to know that these good people are doin’ good!)
The set itself was pure Godsmack – no surprises, the standard set list – solidly delivered. You always get exactly the level you’d expect from this band. A few notes – Robbie’s live sound seems to be changing a bit. I’m not a bass player, so I couldn’t tell you what he was doing, but there was a bit more growl in some passages and also a deepening of his very melodic approach to some lines… I’m not describing it well – but he is sounding GOOD. Shannon’s theatrics were unparalleled – the man dances behind that kit, and he is as much a pleasure to watch as to listen to. Robbie—solid and stable as usual – playing two instruments – his guitar and his wah pedal. Sully really came out on Whiskey Hangover. This song was MADE to be played out and they hit it with all of the kick-a$$ it needed. Sully moved like he did in years back and hit the vocals with raw power. On the last album, I had wished that “Shine Down” would have been this song – The writing was intense and I wanted it to be “that moment” in the show – it never was (to me). Whiskey, however, blew me away . I didn’t expect it. It was honest, fresh and powerful. A REAL highlight of the show.I’m hopin’ that it’s a sign of things to come on the new album. Even Voodoo was good – truthfully, over the last few tours it had shown some stale moments – it sometimes felt obligatory – the song they had to do. At SPAC, they seemed relaxed with it. It was delivered smoothly and well.
I’m not gonna talk about the drum battle, Whatever, etc. If you’re a fan, you KNOW what they were.
A final note – After all these years… I got a PLAYED Shannon stick. The god of the drums walked right down and handed it to me at the rail. It is a kind gesture I will always remember and a gift I will cherish. Shannon – if you read this – know that you are totally THE MAN!!! Thank You!!!!!
Peace to all – lookin’ forward to doin’ it all again on the next tour!
Aargh.... Back to school.... Am I ever gonna freakin' graduate????
