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RUSH: Snakes And Arrows Tour 2007 Tweeter Center, Camden NJ July 6, 2007
It's been 5 years since I last saw RUSH perform live, and I can definitely say, I've missed 'em- so many performers today rely on audio enhancement to "fix" their voices when they perform live, because without the studio they can't carry a tune in a bucket.. I am proud to say that after over 30 years of performing, RUSH still blows most other groups' live performances totally away. I made the trip with nezzjo from the BTDT Forums, and we got inside the center around 7:15-7:20PM. The ticket said the show was scheduled to kick off at 7:30PM, so we wanted to be sure we didn't miss ONE second of RUSH.. The weather was simply perfect- clear skies, sun just beginning to set behind Philly so no glare, temp was a sweet 80 degrees.. Great day for an outdoor gig. The band actually didn't come on until closer to 8PM, with all of the radio DJ hub-bub that was required before- but that still beat having to wait through listening to an opening band first (I personally am not a big opening band fan- when I come to see a group, I don't want to see anyone else first. But that's just me...) When the band came on, the stage had a slightly different look than in '02- no washers were seen, just tall rotisserie cabinets full of chicken! At one point a woman even came out wearing a chef's hat to check on them! They must have been for the after-party.. 8^] The show's set list consisted of the following, which seems to remain consistent since the band launched their tour on June 13th (spoiler warning):
Set
One
Limelight Set
Two
Far Cry Encore
The crowd was multi-generational, with everything from older guys using canes and stumbling nervously through the crowd, right on down to kids that appeared to be in the 10-15 yr bracket. Being around for 30+ years sure attracts a large number of fans. The thing that definitely keeps bringing people back again and again is simply that RUSH remembers all of these folks when putting their set list together, and plans accordingly- for example, nezzjo is a veteran multi-concert attendee, and has been fortunate to see RUSH play live many times over the years. He advised that he even recognized some graphics up on the big screen going back to RUSH shows he'd seen in the past. They definitely try to cater to all of those fans who have helped make them what they are today. Below are some song-specific highlights:
Far Cry: I was looking forward to hearing this one live after picking up the new CD in May- it was one of the first tracks on the CD that I felt had the "old-school" RUSH feel to it. And, as expected, it sounded excellent. The Main Monkey Business: This was great to see live- the video accompanying this instrumental was comical too.. the vid sequence closed with the perfect ending- one chimp atop another, making more little chimps.. Witch Hunt: This was my first time getting to see this one live from the Moving Pictures album-it was fantastic. Along with many other fans, this was the first album that actually introduced me to RUSH, so anytime I get to hear something played live from it I'm always very psyched. The vid displays and lighting definitely created an eerie atmosphere to accompany the music. Malignant Narcissism: Another great instrumental piece to hear live!! Great drums with quick high-hat drops, fills, and all-around Peart-purdiness- this went right into Neil's drum solo, which I can never say enough times was BEYOND impressive.. what can you say about this guy? He AIN'T. HUMAN. If he continues to play drums into his 90s, I'll still show up to watch. Hope: This piece seemed to be a hit with nezzjo- he's a bonafide guitar enthusiast, and to see Alex using alot of acoustics in the show appealed to him and many other guitarists out in the crowd.. Good stuff. Summertime Blues: Many dedicated RUSH fans don't seem too thrilled about the band playing this piece from what I read- I on the other hand, think it's a great piece to hear during an outdoor summer event. If I had to hear it in October, maybe it would have a different effect on me- but to hear it at a July gig is appropos in my book. Tom Sawyer: Let me just say that the South Park intro was absolutely hi-larious... This tune is always a great one to see live, and to have it prefaced with the little South Park bit was perfect. You can actually see the clip here (*spoiler*) One Little Victory: I became partial to the dragon that was used as the mascot for the Vapor Trails CD- it was good to see him back on the vid screen for this one, and as always to see him "shoot" fire that makes its way onto the real stage... you've gotta love fire at concerts!
The night's set list was obviously met with global approval, considering how many fans I saw playing their air guitars, basses, and drums. The band should simply allow fans to bring their own instruments into the concert, even if they aren't allowed to plug into anything- it would save alot of people from making themselves look like total idiots.. Myself included 8^] The only "disappointment" I can list, and this is coming strictly from my own personal bias, is that for the first time that I can recall, the show didn't close down with Working Man- that's one of my personal favorites, so it was greatly missed.. But subbing it out with YYZ? OK, twist my arm- I'll take it *grin* I've seen these guys live before, and have watched their live DVD's many times- but I have to say that during this performance, it appeared beyond a shadow of a doubt that ALL 3 MEMBERS were truly enjoying themselves.. I don't know if it was the weather, the new material, the crowd, or all of the above- it was just great to see that at this point in their careers, these guys are still having fun! Geddy even took video footage of the crowd, and asked all present to shout out "HI CANADA!!!"- wonder which forthcoming DVD that footage will make its way onto (hint hint). Keep it coming, RUSH- we'll take as much as you can shovel us!! Thanks again guys for another great show.. (pics courtesy of LaurieJ)
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