syndicate wrote:Am I the only one that noticed that all the security at that show were acting like Nazi Bastards? Watching those assholes harrass everyone almost made me sick. Other than that not a bad show. With the exception of Reptile & Right Where It Belongs I thought Chicago was a better overall show, but that's just my opinion.
The security were unbelievably gracious and attentive to the people near the stage. The only people being pulled were the assholes trying to cause trouble or those who wanted out. Many of the security were passing out cold bottled water to people near the barricade. So, no, I don't think they were nazis. I've been on the floor to many shows, and in many ways, security makes or breaks how enjoyable a show can be.
But I digress. . .
I just arrived home after a near six hour drive from St. Louis. Last night's show was nothing but amazing. Autolux had a short but concrete set list, and QOTSA were very fun and energetic to watch. Alas, Josh only harrassed the crowd during one song.
Me and my friend were on the front row, just to the left of Trent and in front of Aaron. Watching Trent perform at such a close distance can be surreal and absolutely mesmerizing. He was often walking back and forth between the mic stand and drumkit--or table full of water--like a cat on the prowl. I really like the stage setup, especially the minimalism of it; at times the show felt like a club date with the spotlights hung low or the stage bathed in smoke and lights.
The absolute highlight for me was the screened section of the setlist. I've read many comments on Trent's choice of imagery during the songs, but I found the visuals to be more subtle in their directness. The overall message was that there are things and people fucked up in this world, and people choose to ignore them.
The emotional nadir was Right Where It Belongs. Now, I have to admit, I naturally go soft whenever I listen to this song, but it's more been more diffult of late to listen to it without pulling upons personal feelings and situations centered around Katrina. Whenever the song began, I could feel the tears and sadness rise within me. However, instead of trying to suppress such feelings, I just let them come out. When music moves you, you should express it and not be embarassed by how foolish or silly you may be to strangers. (Okay, I'm starting to sound pretentious.) I'm looking at the montage of imagery and the tears won't stop. Whenever Laura and George Bush appear, happily dancing at an Inaugural ball, the crowd started booing loudly. Given any other situation and I might have as well, but instead I let out a huge cry of anguish. End psychobabble.
I have to give credit to Trent for choosing such a gutsy move. Gutsy for not only putting out such an straightforward message on the current politcal and social attitude in this country, but also in its selection in the setlist. It's an intense section of the setlist, and if it was handled by anyone less competent, it could either kill the mood of the concert or come off as a pompous gesture from an ass with a mic. You may disagree with the message, but you have to admire Trent for constantly sticking to his guns.
Anyways, on to less depressing matters! There were some funny moments in the show; a couple of which have been addressed already (Starfuckers and the lights going off during THTF). However, I have personal anecdote to share. During "Suck" a girl right behind thought it would be clever to throw her black, push-up bra onstage. However, she had terrible aim and instead of landing near Trent, it landed at the edge of the stage beside Aaron. Neither Trent nor Aaron acknowledged it's prescence, teehee. But during the next song, Trent picked it up and placed it on Aaron's mic stand. I then get an earful of gleeful screams from said girl, verbally exclaiming her excitment of their *cough* acknowledgment of her tacky gesture. Oh boy!
Also, Aaron almost got a face full of Trent's mic stand during MOTP.
I'm a bit tired after the long day I've had, so I'll fill in more details later as they reemerge from my fatigued mind.
i was in section 101; pretty much side stage parallel with the drummer. i loved the club shows in chicago wayyyyyyyyy better, but this one was closer to home so it was worth it 
goddamn am i thirsty as hell. must drink more water. oh yeah, nin needs to stop playing suck. for real. i'm so damn sick of that shitty song 
