Hi everyone! Just arrived home after a really wonderful couple of shows at the RAH! Both nights were brilliant and it would be difficult to choose which was best. Of course, Sultans was played on the first night and it sounded great, as did TR (both nights). As you know, Gator Blood was played on the second night instead of Sultans, but that didn't bother me one bit, because to me it is a great little song and I enjoyed it immensely and it's nice to have some variety. I think it's good that SOS isn't played every night, because it doesn't get taken for granted that way!
The audience was very enthusiastic, especially on the first night and there were many standing ovations, especially from amiters, who were mainly in the front rows. After TR, on both nights, there was a terrific stage rush and people seemed to emerge from everywhere. It was necessary to be extremely quick, which I was, and I had a place at the stageside both nights!
Marbletown was played especially well and was very well received, in fact I really think it became even more elaborate the second night. I absolutely loved it and hope it will remain on the setlist for a long time. John, Glen and Mike were terrific.
I loved Ruth Moody's 40 minute or so set and her band is really good and it was nice to hear her again, with MK, on Seattle, KOG and IDUAD - they all sounded wonderful.
Seeing MK at the RAH was a very special experience and there is nowhere quite like it for that very unique atmosphere and if there is another tour, I would like to attend more than two concerts next time. Mark was in a wonderful mood and everything was played with such energy - it was lovely to see him so happy!
Apart from the two shows, it was really great to meet up with friends from this forum, some who I have already met before and also some who I met for the first time. You are all such great people and I am proud to be a member here!
BTW The Stanhope Arms was a great meeting point (good food too)!