The Great adventure - Part 1

[ralph]

Hey guys,

Well I'm back at home base after what has been an absolutely amazing 4 days.  To see The Jacket for the first time will be a memory that will sit up on the top shelf of my mind for a long time.  Each of the 4 shows so far have been a completely different experience, a few I'll mention for ya...

Brisbane: Having my MMJ live virginity taken by Golden was such a good start!  It was the first song of theirs that I become obsessed with and would quite often get stuck pressing the repeat button when listening to it on Okonokos.  The set at Brisbane was such a little tease but did serve to whet my appetite for what I knew was coming up at the Metro the next night.  Oh, and seeing Touch Me Part 2 that night made me realise just how good a song it really is.

Sydney Metro: OH MY GOD!!  Any preconceived notions of how good this show was going to be from 5 and a 1/2 months of anticipation were smashed away instantly.  A setlist to savour for sure.  Was lucky enough to be second from the barrier in front of Carl, but did have a perfect view of the whole stage thanks to some 'shorties' in the front!  Highlights were the Cobra > Run Thru (which for those that have asked, merged during the end of the second section if my memory is correct).  Phone Went West was also mind blowing and seemed to morph into a bit of an extended jam/improv at the end which was cool to see (this may happen all the time, but as I've only seen it once I cant compare with anything).  One Big Holiday blew the roof off the Metro...

Sydney BDO:  Front Row, in front of Jim.  Was a great tight and upbeat set that had everyone at the front rocking out.  Touch Me Part 2 again was the highlight along with a great long jam at the end of Off The Record.  (I also need to add here, that i was second from the barrier in front of Neil Young which means that this day is the greatest day in Ralph's music watching career - sublime!!)

Sydney last night: Such a relaxed setlist which gave a completely different vibe to the other nights.  It also highlighted just how hard they guys rock when the songs build up to their 'high' points.  I reckon this setlist will have won across quite a few more Neil fans as opposed to the the rockier set from Brisbane.  Dondante was a really great way to end what is so far the best 'shorter' set I've seen.  Oh, and Touch Me Part 2 was pretty awesome again!!

So, all up the first 1/2 of the tour has been more than I could possibly have hoped for, and I'm sitting here in a bit of a daze thinking that it is only 1/2 way through.  I still get to do this all over again.  Anyways, this has gone on a bit longer than I anticpated, and to those that are still reading along, thanks!!

I'll keep you all posted on the second half...  :o

[dragonboy]

Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading your report...& you're only half way through?!!

You're a lucky man Ralph  :)

[goose]

Definitely a lucky man Ralph.  Have fun and enjoy the rest!

[ms. yvon]

...I'm sitting here in a bit of a daze thinking that it is only 1/2 way through.  I still get to do this all over again.

;D ;D  ralph, your enthusiasm is palpable!  hope your travels are smooth!
i'll be looking for your part 2 write up!

[BH]

That's what I'm talking about!  Thanks!   Sounds amazing!

[ralph]

OK, about to head off to the Melbourne BDO!  Its a fine 23 degrees outside which will make the day a little easier than what lies ahead.  38 degrees tomorrow (100 degrees F), 39 on Wednesday (outdoors venue for Neil) and 39 on Friday (MMJ palying in a tin shed I believe).  Looks like its gonna get HOT HOT HOT...  I doubt the cape will get much of a workout in that kind of heat!!!  8-)

I wonder what setlist mysteries lie ahead?  Still got 4 chances left to get Steam Engine!  And Bermuda Highway would be a nice surprise too.

Boy, I do feel very fortunate to be able to do this. Starting to get the excitement butterflys again...

[hizzo]

Sounds like you've had an amazing time so far! Keep us posted and have fun (is it possible not to?)!   :)