[MickD]

A totally rockin' show in PVD last night. It's 11:30 a.m. and I'm just rolling out of the rack. Funny, I got all these dada tunes floating around in my head. Anyway, the band played for about two hours, taking the stage at 11:00 and wrapping up around 1:10. It was a GREAT show! Is it possible they get better every time I see them, or is it just me?

The setlist was pretty much the same core they've stuck to on tour with the regualr one or two alterations/additions. In particular, Mary Sunshine Rain (not played since 1964? - good one, Mike). Also, there were two new tunes thrown in back-to-back. I didn't get the titles, but the first was a cathcy thing that Phil and Joie got going (Joie on vocals) while Mike was offstage for about 8 minutes. Then Mike came back, chimed in on vocals for a while, then picked up his guitar and brought the thing home in typical fashion. Sweet. The next tune was that one about "Steven." Again, totally solid. Either song could've been from any earlier work because each was classic dada - distinct, melodic, and rockin.

Although I'm somewhat biased, I really believe the band loves to play PVD. Every time they've come they've received raucious welcomes and played superbly, always expressing their love for this place. Last night was no exception. The crowd was on fire and the energy between the fans and the band was undeniable. Mike wondered why they waited so long to return. Every person in the crowd was a true dieahrd dada fan and sang along every word to every song. HTGT - carried by the crowd while the boys played behind. The best on tour to date according to Phil. Awesome.

All three were totally on their game. Joie was off the hook whith his head shaking. I think his hat lasted all of one song. Phil was totally smashing the skins. There's no doubt he was born to drum. Mike . . . well, what can you say? The guy does stuff with a guitar that I have NEVER seen anyone else do. It's truly mesmerizing. The combined talent just makes for the best live rock band you'll ever see.

At the end, I nabbed a stick from Phil which all three graciously signed. Ya know, you meet the boys after the show and none of their love for the fans is bullshit. They take the time to talk about anything. Just great.

For all those champing at the bit to see the band as they make their way across the country, the live disc will be available in the next 10 days or so at the shows and on this site. A quick shout out to Steph and bro and all the regulars. I'll bet were back to see the guys in less than a year. Can't wait!

[JC]

MickD,

You summed it up perfectly, so I won't add too much more.

I finally caught up on my sleep. Just woke up around 11:45 or so. I was pretty hurtin' over the past couple of days...

Providence. As I predicted in my Boston show message, The crowd size and enthusiasm were over the top, as I've always come to expect. RI has many, many, rabid dada fans. It looked like a full house to me, and the boys seemed genuine in their "we love this place" comments.

The new songs: I finally got to hear them play "what's happening to steven" live. they skipped over it the previous night in Boston. Awesome tune. I had already heard the studio version down in Virginia, which was cool, but this live version rocked highly as well. Now that I've heard it twice, I can remember how to play it too... too bad I suck at remembering lyrics... oh well. WHEN'S THAT CD COMING OUT AGAIN??? not soon enough!

They played "it's all mine" again. Same arrangement as before, with joie and phil solo for a couple of minutes, then Mike came and joined them on vocals only, adding some killer harmonies. On the third? verse, he's singing a really low part that sounds awesome. Then he strapped on the strat and blew us all way away at the end.

I think that's about all the notable comments I have. The rest of the setlist was standard, though they did play for a long time, about 2 hours or so.. I don't think the Boston show was quite that long.

GURLEY UPDATE: he was looking and playing great last night! not even one hint of trouble with the arm. the man was at 100% and on fire! yay! think i'll go edit my other post now and take out my previous gurley update, since it seems he may just have good days and bad days, and i dont want to scare anyone he's doing fine.

That's all for now...

[bryanp]

I was just listening to my bootleg from when they played in providence back in 98 and Mike said, " we just played Jersey...and I like Jersey and all....but it's no Providence". It was the last show of the tour.They were exhausted but played with such energy.Joie almost collapsed at the end of moon. Cool memories.

Bryan