tucson... wtf? let's set the record straight...

[jsandr1]

Just got done w/ both Tempe & Tucson shows. What a great pair of complementary setlists. 10 different songs in tucson that were not played up north = great surprise from the guys!

I have no idea what the guy complaining about the sound was smoking... it was phenomenal, especially on the Rialto's totally refurbished system. if you want to talk about poor sound... go to the Marquee Theatre - they have issues. if that dude actually writes to band management about how poor it was, i'm happy to send the exact opposite sentiment...

In no way was Tucson's set standard! (and this coming from a guy who happily waited 4 hours to hear the Bonnaroo set from right up front) I could care less if MMJ busts out "deep covers". give me good performances of their own friggin tunes! Sure, I loved the covers w/ horns at the Roo, but that's a completely different animal when you're trying to fill 4 hours.

"The Bear", "War begun", "Just One Thing", and "Into The Woods" were excellent surprises for me. Sure, War Begun has become a tour staple, but i certainly wouldn't take it for granted. "Steam Engine" was stupendous. I still can't believe that in the last 2 shows, I've heard Rollin Back, J1T, Cobra, The Dark and Steam Engine.

These guys are rockin' the back catalogue, which is great. sure they are not going to play 10 songs from Tenn. Fire every night! they're supporting Evil Urges (in FACT, my main "gripe" would be not to hear 2 halves, Remnants or Aluminum Park in 2 shows!). I think I'm still in awe that Run Thru was scratched in back-to-back shows!

I know the show was far from sold out, but major to props to the guys for sticking it out and rockin' our asses off w/ a varied setlist. Tremendous effort!

CAN'T WAIT FOR NYE! :D

[shimsham]

Everyone is entitled to express an opinion, but yeah, to set the record straight. SOUND IN THE RIALTO WAS OUTSTANDING! Spent time in the balcony (perfect mix and levels) and 10 ft back on Carl's side (typical close-in sound issues). Lighting was great, energy was good considering slightly disappointing turnout, and hard to find any fault with the setlist. I sensed a VERY POSITIVE response from all attendees that I came into contact with.

[blucas]

went to pho and tuc back to back and must say the sound at rialto blew the marquee away-  saw both shows with several friends

was truly bummed at beginning of marquee show but the boys kept ramping up the energy and the sound got better and better through the show for a frantic ending

rialto was magical start to finish

[foco]

I went to both the Phoenix & Tucson shows and totally agree with the last entry. Phoenix started with the band requesting tweaks to the sound (the Marquee is a big, echo-y concrete box), but they figured it out and the setlist was amazing. It was also well over 100 degrees that day . .  and they ripped with as much energy as I've ever seen. Tucson was magic, start to finish, with a great vibe in the house, Jim was hilarious, and the band was powerful as usual. Even Patrick got in on the action by screaming at the guy who wouldn't stop yelling requests!