Rush - Snakes & Arrows - Atlanta, GA - June 13, 2006

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

Counting down the hours until the concert tonight.

This just off the Rumor Mill - the projected play list for the tour - it is not complete, and I do not warrenty it's correctness. But I will try to update it after the show tonight in my review.

Limelight
Digital Man
Entre Nous
Mission
Freewill
The Main Monkey Business
The Larger Bowl
Secret Touch
Circumstances
Between The Wheels
Dreamline
(unidentified song... there was a long silence after Dreamline so we went to find a restoom and refreshments, upon leaving the gas station we could hear SOMETHING, but couldnt make it out before it was over - someone thought it may be 2112)

INTERMISSION

Video Intro (unable to see it... but was about 2-3 minutes long)
Far Cry
Workin Them Angels
Armor and Sword
Spindrift
The Way The Wind Blows
Subdivisions
Natural Science
Witch Hunt
MalNar
Drum Solo
Hope
Summertime Blues
The Spirit of Radio
Tom Sawyer

ENCORE

One Little Victory
A Passage to Bangkok
YYZ



WOW - that should be a night of it!

[PeterG]

Wow... that'll be great!

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by OverHillandDale

Entre Nous
Mission
Freewill
The Main Monkey Business
Circumstances
Between The Wheels

Workin Them Angels
Subdivisions
Natural Science
Witch Hunt
Drum Solo
A Passage to Bangkok
YYZ

Those songs in particular sound great, either not played for while or staples...

I'll miss them this year. Glad you're able to go!

[gr8sho92]

Thanks for posting. I'll be at show #2. I was told not to expect 2112 due to the amount of material they have to pick from, so if does get played it will be a bonus.

[cribguy]

See you in a few hours, OHD!

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

Well, The rumor playlist proved to be extremly accurate - in fact they were dead on. The set list exactly right as shown above. It was a very good show. I am a first time viewer of Rush, I am embarressed to admit. Now I regret all the chances I missed in the past. C'est la vie. I've heard them now.

Let me set the stage for you. All the equipment is covered as you enter. It is not until the start of the show that it is revealed. Guitar is set stage right (house left). Alex has 4 Marshall Heads, each atop a double stacked speaker cabinet. Neal's brand new drums sit dead center. They are something to behold in red with gold snake designs that glow when lit internally. Geddy Lee and bass amps are stage left. He has three custom made "Henhouse" cabinets with powerheads on top. They have a lit interior that are always on.

Above and behind the muscians are three video screens. Above the stage are a series of about 6 "cloud" banks with veri-lights and pulsar lights. These were flown in and out to many different positions for several different and imaginative effects.

Dramatic and comedic videos were used throughout the show to good effect. Sound guest vid shots include those crazy brothers from the Great White North (beer, eh), our friends from South park, and the band themselves in a scary nightmare.

The show is performed in two acts. Act I started about 7:50 (20 mins. late from ticket time). Being in outdoor venues it is the less scenic of the two, however, the lights cast a great warm wash through the show. Wonderful choice of colors by the designer. Not your usual range of colors. But then, when the performers are this old, you need to choose wisely to make them look good. Hide those wrinkles.

The show opens with a video and goes right into the first song. Here are a few passing comments and the show order:
1) Limelight - a good opener.
2) Digital Man - video screens are showing video cameras on musicians.
3) Entre Nous - personal greeting to audience followed the song
4) Mission - a video played in the background for this.

I must say the sound is excellent. Clean, crisp, heavy. Could understand all the lyrics and hear the nuiances of the music and layers or instruments when they were doubling up on foot pedals and keyboards and snyth pads.
Sound was neither too loud or too soft. Just Perfect.

5) Freewill - great bass and guitar dual in this song.
6) The Main Monkey Business - 1st S&A song, instrumental, funny video
7) The Larger Bowl - introduced by our great white north friends
8) Secret Touch
9) Circumstances - show was lagging a little here. Audience not real familiar with the new stuff and this song low on energy.
10) Between The Wheels - picked the up a little but energy still seemed low.
11) Dreamline - Okay, break out the lasers - good up end to the first act.

INTERMISSION - 25 minutes

1) Far Cry - Video intro with background music before this song.

This act was after sundown so the lights were a much bigger factor in this act. Unfortunately, there are several banks of pulsar lights on the stage level just above the amps. They would use these to create a strobe effect into the audiences eyes.

2) Workin Them Angels - good video in background.
3) Armor and Sword - lots of flashing lights, but excellent stage coloring too.
4) Spindrift - lasers made a repeat appearance.
5) The Way The Wind Blows (from S&A) cool tune, good background
6) Subdivisions
7) Natural Science
8) Witch Hunt
9) Malicious Narcissism - best instrumental of the night - good guitar/bass interplay and that is followed by a 20 minutes drum solo - including the drum stage pivoting to show the synth pad set up. It even includes a swing jazz section that really does swing. Neal is the man!
10) Hope (S&A) - a guitar instrumental solo. Very nice calmer after the solo.
11) Summertime Blues - Okay, I know they released a disc of covers. But this was the odd song out. Why is this song in the playlist - it just seems so out of place. Maybe it's the placement in the playlist. If it has to stay, please move it to the first act after the 3 S&A songs where it starts to slow down and drag a little. Here, it kind of stops the show, just when it's building such a nice momentum. I'm sure some real Rush afficianados could thing of about 15 songs to replace it with (not covers).
12) The Spirit of Radio - great rendition. Crowd really into this one.
13) Tom Sawyer - It's sing along time.

ENCORE

1) One Little Victory - Didn't recognize this song. Seemed a strange encore to me, but others were singing along.
2) A Passage to Bangkok - another one I didn't recognize, but some were singing with this one. Felt a little low.
3) YYZ - Now we're talking. This is the high energy encore stuff I was looking for. Good show closer.

I was not at all disappointed. The new songs blend in very well with the older material, musically. Lack of familiarity, however, brings the energy down during those songs. I would give the show a 7 out of 10.

Suggestions for the band: Get into it a little more and play the audience more - it took until the encore for Geddy to really connect with the audience by roaming further to the sides of the stage. I think they will get more at ease further down the road. It was a very technical show tonight, I think. They are still getting used to it. They'll be more comfortable and looser soon. That will get them in touch with the audience more and they will "perform" more than just play the songs.

Big Note: Enough with the Flashing Strobes. They gave me a migraine. You're going to send someone into epileptic shock or siezure with those things. Be sure the reason you're using them has a point. Don't turn them on just because they're cool. It's a good thing I did not bring my daughter who has epilepsy.

Well, that's one old hippies opinion. I think you will all have a great time. Enjoy, either live, or vicariously through your friends or your local favorite internet radio site (like Aural Moon).

[secrettouch2me]

You came through Dale! You said you'd let us all know about the tour, and WOW! in fine detail
I actually waited to see if you really would bring us all what you enjoyed and experience, surprized it was your first show. Commentary was right on. I appreicate your reviews and opinions. Sounds like it'll be a awesome tour this year. Thank you Dale

Dale you might want to change the date to 2007

[cribguy]

"2) A Passage to Bangkok - another one I didn't recognize, but some were singing with this one. Felt a little low."

Huh? Really? Wow! I'm surprised you didn't know this one OHD. This is one we all hope to hear live but they have usually skip it. It was good to hear this live. They resurrected for the R30 intro but hadn't played it since Moving Pictures tour.

It was also a first for Entre Nous. This song had never been performed live...EVER! We were the first! And they played Circumstances for the first time since the Hemispheres tour, Mission for the first time since the Presto tour, Witch Hunt since Power Windows,

I thought the new songs were great. Very strong stuff. I didn't have the lack of familiarity so, unlike most shows where the new stuff slows down the momentum, I didn't feel this to be the case. The movies/cartoons were great, I thought, especially the 'Lil Rush'. "A Modern day warrior named Tom Sawyer went down a river on a raft with a black guy!" "I'm Geddy Lee and I can sing whatever it is I want!"

Alll in all, I thought it was a great show and well worth the price of admission. I give it a 9.5/10. And my rating for the new stuff may have gone up a little too.

Oh, and sorry we weren't able to meet up. I went searching before the show but had no luck. I was also unable to find a guy I work with, so don't feel too bad.

[Rick and Roll]

A couple of observations from a Rush fanatic....

Great review Dale.....and thanks Crib, now I don't feel so bad about missing them....

I've seen Rush 15-20 times, on every tour but one since Permanent Waves. 1980 was the first. I am certain they've played Entre Nous in the 80's. Unless they specifically said they have not...I think they have. I used to write down set lists. Maybe I can dig one out that would be fun. yesspaz and I compared King's X setlists from 15 yrs ago until now.... and I know Circumstances was played more recent than that. Dale, that and Natural Science are their more powerful songs. Surprised the show lagged there, but maybe they're old and tired!

Speaking of that, they used to jump around a lot. Geddy, since the late 80's, has had a lot to do, with his keyboards engulfing his area and he's singing, doing pedals, bass, and keys. He's seriously multi-tasking. I would like to know how the new songs are played, cause there's no keys at all save for one tune.

I'm just happy Neil is still into it. He's never been big on live shows, and all of the shit he went through about 10 years ago, he got through and is still into the band. Bravo!

Thanks again for the review.......we need more like that!

[PFD]

I've seen Rush on every tour since Subdivisions. Looking forward to seeing them do their "home" gig in Toronto in September.

Set list looks interesting. Nice to see them do Entrenous and Circumstances. Wow, they've really dumped Vapour Trails, haven't they? Like you, I could do without Summertime Blues. Waste of a song.

All in all a good set. You can't please everybody.

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

Originally Posted by OverHillandDale

I was not at all disappointed. The new songs blend in very well with the older material, musically. Lack of familiarity, however, brings the energy down during those songs. I would give the show a 7 out of 10.

Well, that's one old hippies opinion. I think you will all have a great time. Enjoy, either live, or vicariously through your friends or your local favorite internet radio site (like Aural Moon).

Don't let my "7" disappoint you. I'm a very stern critic. You have to know I was in the theatre business most of my life. I have very high standards. A 7 is a very high rating in my book. And the musical end of the show was top knotch. Sound was impeccable. But then, I'm also too old to stand for 3 hours too for no real reason. It may have just been my section that were non afficiandos and pulled the energy down. Other sections of the theatre may not have been that way. And I did have the B&C with me. She's not a big Rush fan so she wasn't 100% into the show either.

But as I said, this is just this old hippie's opinion.

[cribguy]

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

A couple of observations from a Rush fanatic....

Great review Dale.....and thanks Crib, now I don't feel so bad about missing them....

I've seen Rush 15-20 times, on every tour but one since Permanent Waves. 1980 was the first. I am certain they've played Entre Nous in the 80's. Unless they specifically said they have not...I think they have. I used to write down set lists. Maybe I can dig one out that would be fun. yesspaz and I compared King's X setlists from 15 yrs ago until now.... and I know Circumstances was played more recent than that. Dale, that and Natural Science are their more powerful songs. Surprised the show lagged there, but maybe they're old and tired!

Speaking of that, they used to jump around a lot. Geddy, since the late 80's, has had a lot to do, with his keyboards engulfing his area and he's singing, doing pedals, bass, and keys. He's seriously multi-tasking. I would like to know how the new songs are played, cause there's no keys at all save for one tune.

I'm just happy Neil is still into it. He's never been big on live shows, and all of the shit he went through about 10 years ago, he got through and is still into the band. Bravo!

Thanks again for the review.......we need more like that!

I may be 'new' and 'young' for the Moon, but I know what I know. I would assume seeing anyone 15-20 times you would begin to expect certain things. This is not the previous tours. This is the tour for Snakes and Arrows. Things change.

And, by the way, Entre Nous has never been played live before last night except for sound checks. The list now does not include it as 'not played live' but it has been updated. Check with the webmaster to verify.

http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/Tours.htm

[Sintetista]

Nice review.-

Tanks Hill

I don´t think they´ll be coming to Mexico so this is as close as I´ll get to the concert.

Thanks again

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by cribguy

And, by the way, Entre Nous has never been played live before last night except for sound checks. The list now does not include it as 'not played live' but it has been updated. Check with the webmaster to verify.

http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/Tours.htm

Crib, not to get into a back and forth, but the following are on the list attached, as not played live and I've seen them live. I can check with a few friends who would know but seeing so many songs on the list I doubt the validity...

Take A Friend (in a medley)
Losing It (I saw FM open for Rush in 1980 and Ben Mink came out to do this with them)
Second Nature
Tai Shan
High Water
Chain Lighting
Presto
Face Up
The Big Wheel
Neurotica
Cut To The Chase
Totem
How It Is

The rest of the above I only remember as being on that tour the songs were on.

I just wish i saw them prior to 1980...that must have been something!

[secrettouch2me]

Dale, excuse me for feeling giddy. I just overwhelmed by how informed you all are. And yes, where you sit or stand plays on how you enjoy the entertainment. Went to see Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, FleetwoodMac..I forget who else, and abunch of us we're rocking but a set of people in the back seats ...threw wad of paper at us. They look like mass of lumps. Rick And Roll, you sounds like you would really enjoy this tour...

[gr8sho92]

http://lpe.accessatlanta.com/gallery...rts/0607/rush/

Getting psyched for the show... A little late, but I built a playlist off what Dale provided and now listening. At this course and speed, I'll barely be able to get one pass before I have to leave for the show...

Since I am not a Rush-head perse, a lot of what the URL I posted has was new to me.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by gr8sho92

http://lpe.accessatlanta.com/gallery...rts/0607/rush/

Getting psyched for the show... A little late, but I built a playlist off what Dale provided and now listening. At this course and speed, I'll barely be able to get one pass before I have to leave for the show...

Since I am not a Rush-head perse, a lot of what the URL I posted has was new to me.

Great shots..

Is that a monitor for the lyrics in front of Geddy?

Are there any keyboards this tour?

Anyone know whatever happened with that NYE 2006 arrest where Alex allegedly hit a female cop?

[Rick and Roll]

Wow it was 2004, that long ago? Viva Google....

http://www.chartattack.com/damn/2005/06/1001.cfm

[gr8sho92]

http://music.yahoo.com/ar-262327-news--Rush

Apparently this issue is still a problem for him.

[gr8sho92]

Oh Dale, please fix the date of the concert if you still can edit it.