they're holdin out on us Shannon.

I just got back from my road trip home. Saw all 3 nights...and all I can say is wow. Each night was incredible. Even on night two where the dude behind me was snorting coke and thought I was his best friend. I'll detail more later...but I'm recoviner.

Hi all,
I had only been to the Gorge one time before... DMB one night last year. Dave's energy level sure picked up and he was hitting all his high notes. He sounded well rested (which is amazing considering the tour).

This time I went to the first two shows only, so I missed Say Goodbye. I was really looking forward to that one, but oh well. They also played my first favorite song from Stand Up, which is Out of My Hands. The songs they did play were outstanding. So tight. Carter was a monster on the drums, as usual. Boyd was absolutely awesome. What a performer! Stefan was great as well. I'm about ready for a new keyboard player, however. As back up, he's okay, but he just doesn't seem to fit the group as much as I'd like to see. Dave is the man, but you all knew that already.

It was hot at the Gorge. (Yes, Shannon. I know it's hotter in Phoenix. LOL!) Waiting in the sun for hours on end takes its toll. On Saturday, Dave was launching water balloons into the crowd. Most popped before leaving the launcher, but many sailed into the terrace area where I was. (One guy wasn't paying attention and got nailed in the kidney area. Nice welt on his bare skin.)

I tend to dislike crowded situations and the terrace was hoppin' with half naked people. (If you have to be in a crowd, I highly recommend that the young women always be half naked, at most.) Many people didn't leave walking paths, so people trying to get to bathrooms and such were forced to walk on people's blankets and whatever got in the way. Kinda strange that it's so difficult to traverse. But when the show starts, everybody's up, so less of a problem.

I was in row 43 on Friday night. Not great. Again kinda crowded, but when I sat on the terrace, it dawned on me where perfect seats were. There's one more terrace inside the reserved section that most people ignore because they have assigned seats. Next year (unless I get really close seats), that's where I'll be.

I still think Friday (Aug 12) in San Francisco got the best song list from any I saw or heard, but I can't complain. I think I'm just going to have to make that trip and see it for myself.

It's amazing to see the kind of energy that these guys can muster every night. So many great songs (that I don't need to list).

Counting down to next year...

BTW - I couldn't log in yesterday. I tried. Sorry to keep you waiting for my post. :)

Shannon - Do let us know how the Phoenix show is. Row 2!!! I couldn't be more envious!