Just for context; I’ve been a fan since about 86 and have seen every tour from Lovesexy onwards. Have collected the bootlegs, joined the NPGMC (which I got kickass tickets out of, no complaints here) done multiple gig stands (all 3 ONA’s in London) etc etc, blah blah. Like most of y’all I’ve found P’s output since TGE a little patchy, but I ain’t hating, and I do kinda subscribe to the view that P is pretty much a live artist these days, at least that’s where MY interest lies.
Have done two of the shows so far (4th and 14th) and got two more to go (28th and 9th). Haven’t made it to any of the Indigo2 afterparties yet, but gonna risk at least one. Went to both of the o2 shows with fellow longtimers who I’ve been to loads of P shows with in the past, and who I think are pretty good barometers for these things, IE they are pretty BS free, neither haters, nor apologists (how I LIKE to view myself). Just wanted to wade into a few of the issues that people have been throwin around.
Firstly; the ticket fiasco; that sucked. I get it when a lot of people say stuff like “Just relax and enjoy the funk” but we did get pretty f#cked there, all I’m asking for is a little transparency when you’re booking, but hey, I don’t blame P. On the 4th I was in block 116, row bb; yes the infamous ‘drummers ass area’ and whilst I enjoyed the show (has it REALLY been nearly ten years since P played ‘the hits’ in the UK?’), I did feel a little depressed the next day, and not in a good ‘post-show comedown’ way. I felt like a spectator and not a participant, and it seemed P didn’t really work that side of the stage at all. I’m sure he put on a great show, but I will have to take others words for that. It also felt a little short, but THAT is a more complicated issue. I agree that it’s quality NOT quantity that is important (as I will demonstrate when talking about the shorter show on the 14th) but I am not down with folks saying things like ‘well he’s doing aftershows, he has to save his energy’ (NOT an excuse, if that’s the case then, erm don’t do ‘em, or only do them when you wanna, y’know; spontaneously !) and most ridiculously; “Well, he IS DOING 21 NIGHTS”, sorry but isn’t that what people do when they tour? Y'know, a lot of gigs? The fact that it is a massive stand at one venue (which is a HUGE achievement, well done P!) is no different than a tour, insofar as how it should effect his energy at each individual gig But I put a lot of m feelings in regards to the gig length issue down to simply being spoilt by some epic shows I was lucky enough to witness in the past. 90 minutes is fine by me, any shorter is a little… naughty, but hey, I’m not the ‘gig police’
So with a slightly heavy heart I went to the gig on the 14th, first thing I noticed, block 112, sooooo much better a position than 116, I may have been further away, but I felt PART of the party. Everyone around me was partying, and despite the staff at the o2 being, well how can I put this… oh yeah; UTTER FACISTS (jesus, give someone a torch and a badge and watch the transformation begin!) everyone I encountered at both gigs were top, I didn’t see any of the drunken lariness I’ve read about at all, people were ‘loose’ but nothing bothered me, but maybe I’ve got that to ‘look forward to’ at the aftershow, if I hit one. The show on the 14th was crazy tight, had a good balanced set and in some ways benefited from it’s briefness, and also featured “Forever In My Life’. Nuff said. Faith rewarded!
Clearly I don’t have any opinion on the ‘snippets’ of songs issues of the hour twenty sets, because these weren’t really present at the two show I went to. I agree that having the band in an orchestra pit kinda sucks (miss the interaction) and the ‘Twinz’ just make me laugh, but screw it I had a blast. P has never played better guitar, and the sheer joy of seeing how much love the crowd have for him is great, whilst I am mindful of some of the negativity that has (in some cases justifiably) left a little sourness in the mouth I’m looking forward to my next two shows. Just throwin my opinion into the pond, for what it’s worth. There’s haters. And there’s apologists; somewhere in the middle is reality.

Oh, and did I mention HE FU#KING PLAYED “FOREVER IN MY LIFE”. Sometimes it’s the little things.

peace
[Edited 8/21/07 10:02am]

Spot on comments MJP.

I have been to 2 nights so far - Aug 4th in 116 and 14th in 102(with aftershow) and enjoyed both nights MASSIVELY - especialy as we got lucky with the aftershow which, lets face is random as to what your gonna get ?!?!
Block 116 was an average view and he didnt come around that many times but when he did we all went mental ! - 102 was far better view-wise and the sound was slightly improved too.

As with any massive, corporate purpose built music venue people are gonna get stiffed on occasion whether it's bad ticket allocation 'drummers ass area' etc or some mini-facsist staff member getting on their high horse ! In that respect it is a lottery and unfortunate if punters run into that sh#t ?

On reflection I realised we have been lucky not to get any of that crap and I felt like I was totaly lost in the music and watching P and the band playing some great jams and in some way was pretty oblivious to my surroundings. I have also really noticed the intense energy at the gigs from the crowd, pretty powerful stuff and when I remember that feeling I do find it difficult to understand alot of the negative comments. But I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion ?

As for the set lengths I agree that less than 90 mins stage time is a bit cheeky even with an aftershow ! Doing 21 nights is no excuse for cutting set times - at least they are in one venue/country and not travelling.

I do like the fact that P does get so much reaction from fans and non fans - he really can divide opinion and is truly unique in that he has produced so much music that I find myself arguing with myself and other friends about what does it for me and what I dont dig !!
He is without dought the best live guitar player I have seen and never fails to give his all.

I hope you get a result on your aftershow !! Good luck !! -- I am booked up for 3 more shows - aug 25th-28th and sept 12th (with aftershow) and cant wait !

Repect to your comments. and yeah FOREVER IN MY LIFE did it for us too !!

Peace.

'Forever in my life'.... Id pay 31.21 just for the guitar outro...you lucky bastards!

Good read, thanks.