The Black Crowes - Tower Theater, Upper Darby, PA 9/29/05
What can I say? This show exceeded every expectation and even had a bonus surprise! Let's have a rundown shall we?
I was going to this show with my "future daughter in law" Renee as my buddy George had to back out 'coz of his sister's wedding rehearsal dinner (wait 'till the bastard hears about it!
). So I said this was her belated b-day present as long as she drove. Still had to take my car but was worth it. She called me up earlier yesterday to tell me she wanted to head out a bit earlier than expected to visit "my son" (who was at the hospital for reasons I won't share here). So when I go to pick her up she tells me he's now being released and we have to drop him off in center city Philly. I didn't mind as we had plenty of time. What concerned me was I was counting on Yahoo directions to get us there in the first place as I've been to a concert there yet. I need someone to get us directions from where we were dropping him off to the Tower.
Of course that got changed and we were now dropping him off at Shields and Pancakes house. At least Pancakes got the directions from his sister and had them ready for us. We were now on our way with still time to spare.
Surprisingly the directions went well. Renee admitted she was a little nervous getting them from Pancakes. Everything was going smooth until we got to Market St. There was contruction going on and apparently we missed a detour sign along the way. We were now heading off the path but somehow still finding our way. It's almost like we were being guided! I mean every turn we made was the right one. A couple misteps here and there but the signs were getting closer and sure enough I saw the lighted Tower sign. Hell even finding the parking was blind luck but we did it.
So we walk the short walk on over to the Tower. All the peoples milling about. We make our way inside. Absolutely gorgeous to my eyes. It's an old converted art deco movie theater built in the 20's. Holds 3,500 for concerts. And every seat in the house is good. We were in left center orchestra 2 seats on the aisle near the back. So basically my seat was dead center. Didn't have to wait long at all until the show started, maybe 10 minutes at most.
They opened up with a smokin' "No Speak, No Slave". "Sting Me" was in it's usual 2nd spot. Then I had a bit of cosmic-ness. I was hoping to hear "Horsehead" and sure enough they broke into it! Kooky! By the time they broke into "Ballad" I swear I got misty eyed. I was just wishing a special person who I really wanted to be there was with me. Oneday we will see a show together! I was totally shocked when Rich stepped up to the mic with an acoustic and said they were going to do a George Harrison tune. It ended up being "Long Long Long" from The White Album! Beautifully done with Rich singing. Got my "Soul Singing" which is really turning into a favorite of mine with the spacey jam in the middle. Got more long jamming with the intro to "Thorn". The song also featured a short drum solo from Steve who is an absolute monster. Thank God they got him back in the band. "Gonzo" is indeed a worthy successor to Bonzo! I thought the set would end on that but then they played "Virtue And Vice". Cripes, 1st set alone was as long as most bands whole shows!
After a quick break which I was so thankful for to finally sit down they were back. I couldn't believe my ears, "Title Song" to open up the 2nd set? Amazing! Saw a flurry of people rushing back from their beer runs and bathroom breaks for that! Marc Fuckin' Ford stepped up to the mic to sing a Ronnie Wood song "Cancel Everything". My first time hearing it and it was nice. Holy smokes! Then it right into "Sometimes Salvation"! Wasn't expecting that! I have to admit "High Head Blues" isn't exactly one of my faves but even I was digging that one with the long jam at the end. Rich took another vocal turn with Little Feat's "Trouble". Then bang! "My Morning Song" was next. This is where the real fun begins...
It's right near the start of the song and this dude says to me "I have to leave early, you want my stubs to move up?". I thought it was some kinda joke, but said "Sure! Thanks brother"! So Renee and I move on down! I was expecting to be turned away, but the security dude ushered us right in the 4th fucking row! The dude must of told the people next to him 'coz the first thing I know some dude is shaking my hand and there we are all rocking out! All the real freaks were down front. Wish I could've been there the whole time! I still was in kinda shock just soaking it all up. I thought well this will be the last song and we'll get the encore, but sure enough they played 3 more tunes then the encore! So close you can make eye contact with the folks on stage. So nameless dude from Row DDD, Seat 113 who did they most kindest act I've ever recieved in all my concert going years, thank you so much!!! And thank you Black Crowes for putting on one helluva show. Don't know how they can top that one but I guess I'll find out when I see 'em again tonight!
I had pre-ordered the Instant Live recording of the show. I was in front of the table for a bit when I found out I had to get in line. Well the line snaked all the way up the stairs and around! Gotta give them people credit, the wait ended up being not long at all and I soon had the show in my hands. Also will have tonights show which should be easier 'coz I know the routine now!
The trip back was kinda confusing 'coz of the detour but we found our way again. Had to pick up Mike but he wasn't there. Had to wait for a bit 'till he came back. I was then jokingly booted out by The Dead Milkmen fans who heard how I don't really like them. After a quick Wawa pit stop we were on our way. Didn't hit the sack 'till a little after 3:30. Now I'm rested and ready to go again!
S E T L I S T :
- Set One -
No Speak No Slave
Sting Me
Horsehead
Jam -> Black Moon Creeping
Ballad In Urgency ->
Wiser Time
Long, Long, Long (1st time played)
Soul Singing
Jam -> Thorn In My Pride
Virtue And Vice
- Set Two -
Title Song
Cancel Everything
Sometimes Salvation
By Your Side
High Head Blues -> Jam
Trouble
My Morning Song
She Gave Good Sunflower
Jealous Again
Remedy
- encore -
Shake Your Money Maker
Rich played 12 string acoustic and sang on "Long, Long, Long"
Marc sang lead and Chris played acoustic on "Cancel Everything"
Rich played acoustic and sang on "Trouble"
No Chris on "Long, Long, Long" and "Trouble"
S H O W L E N G T H :
170 minutes
S O U R C E :
DAUD
C H R I S ' I S M :
none reported
F A N N O T E S :
Comin' Home was dropped from the original setlist. Debut of The Beatles "Long, Long, Long" from The Beatles (1968)
What can I say? This show exceeded every expectation and even had a bonus surprise! Let's have a rundown shall we?
I was going to this show with my "future daughter in law" Renee as my buddy George had to back out 'coz of his sister's wedding rehearsal dinner (wait 'till the bastard hears about it!
). So I said this was her belated b-day present as long as she drove. Still had to take my car but was worth it. She called me up earlier yesterday to tell me she wanted to head out a bit earlier than expected to visit "my son" (who was at the hospital for reasons I won't share here). So when I go to pick her up she tells me he's now being released and we have to drop him off in center city Philly. I didn't mind as we had plenty of time. What concerned me was I was counting on Yahoo directions to get us there in the first place as I've been to a concert there yet. I need someone to get us directions from where we were dropping him off to the Tower.
Of course that got changed and we were now dropping him off at Shields and Pancakes house. At least Pancakes got the directions from his sister and had them ready for us. We were now on our way with still time to spare.
Surprisingly the directions went well. Renee admitted she was a little nervous getting them from Pancakes. Everything was going smooth until we got to Market St. There was contruction going on and apparently we missed a detour sign along the way. We were now heading off the path but somehow still finding our way. It's almost like we were being guided! I mean every turn we made was the right one. A couple misteps here and there but the signs were getting closer and sure enough I saw the lighted Tower sign. Hell even finding the parking was blind luck but we did it.
So we walk the short walk on over to the Tower. All the peoples milling about. We make our way inside. Absolutely gorgeous to my eyes. It's an old converted art deco movie theater built in the 20's. Holds 3,500 for concerts. And every seat in the house is good. We were in left center orchestra 2 seats on the aisle near the back. So basically my seat was dead center. Didn't have to wait long at all until the show started, maybe 10 minutes at most.
They opened up with a smokin' "No Speak, No Slave". "Sting Me" was in it's usual 2nd spot. Then I had a bit of cosmic-ness. I was hoping to hear "Horsehead" and sure enough they broke into it! Kooky! By the time they broke into "Ballad" I swear I got misty eyed. I was just wishing a special person who I really wanted to be there was with me. Oneday we will see a show together! I was totally shocked when Rich stepped up to the mic with an acoustic and said they were going to do a George Harrison tune. It ended up being "Long Long Long" from The White Album! Beautifully done with Rich singing. Got my "Soul Singing" which is really turning into a favorite of mine with the spacey jam in the middle. Got more long jamming with the intro to "Thorn". The song also featured a short drum solo from Steve who is an absolute monster. Thank God they got him back in the band. "Gonzo" is indeed a worthy successor to Bonzo! I thought the set would end on that but then they played "Virtue And Vice". Cripes, 1st set alone was as long as most bands whole shows!
After a quick break which I was so thankful for to finally sit down they were back. I couldn't believe my ears, "Title Song" to open up the 2nd set? Amazing! Saw a flurry of people rushing back from their beer runs and bathroom breaks for that! Marc Fuckin' Ford stepped up to the mic to sing a Ronnie Wood song "Cancel Everything". My first time hearing it and it was nice. Holy smokes! Then it right into "Sometimes Salvation"! Wasn't expecting that! I have to admit "High Head Blues" isn't exactly one of my faves but even I was digging that one with the long jam at the end. Rich took another vocal turn with Little Feat's "Trouble". Then bang! "My Morning Song" was next. This is where the real fun begins...
It's right near the start of the song and this dude says to me "I have to leave early, you want my stubs to move up?". I thought it was some kinda joke, but said "Sure! Thanks brother"! So Renee and I move on down! I was expecting to be turned away, but the security dude ushered us right in the 4th fucking row! The dude must of told the people next to him 'coz the first thing I know some dude is shaking my hand and there we are all rocking out! All the real freaks were down front. Wish I could've been there the whole time! I still was in kinda shock just soaking it all up. I thought well this will be the last song and we'll get the encore, but sure enough they played 3 more tunes then the encore! So close you can make eye contact with the folks on stage. So nameless dude from Row DDD, Seat 113 who did they most kindest act I've ever recieved in all my concert going years, thank you so much!!! And thank you Black Crowes for putting on one helluva show. Don't know how they can top that one but I guess I'll find out when I see 'em again tonight!
I had pre-ordered the Instant Live recording of the show. I was in front of the table for a bit when I found out I had to get in line. Well the line snaked all the way up the stairs and around! Gotta give them people credit, the wait ended up being not long at all and I soon had the show in my hands. Also will have tonights show which should be easier 'coz I know the routine now!
The trip back was kinda confusing 'coz of the detour but we found our way again. Had to pick up Mike but he wasn't there. Had to wait for a bit 'till he came back. I was then jokingly booted out by The Dead Milkmen fans who heard how I don't really like them. After a quick Wawa pit stop we were on our way. Didn't hit the sack 'till a little after 3:30. Now I'm rested and ready to go again!
S E T L I S T :
- Set One -
No Speak No Slave
Sting Me
Horsehead
Jam -> Black Moon Creeping
Ballad In Urgency ->
Wiser Time
Long, Long, Long (1st time played)
Soul Singing
Jam -> Thorn In My Pride
Virtue And Vice
- Set Two -
Title Song
Cancel Everything
Sometimes Salvation
By Your Side
High Head Blues -> Jam
Trouble
My Morning Song
She Gave Good Sunflower
Jealous Again
Remedy
- encore -
Shake Your Money Maker
Rich played 12 string acoustic and sang on "Long, Long, Long"
Marc sang lead and Chris played acoustic on "Cancel Everything"
Rich played acoustic and sang on "Trouble"
No Chris on "Long, Long, Long" and "Trouble"
S H O W L E N G T H :
170 minutes
S O U R C E :
DAUD
C H R I S ' I S M :
none reported
F A N N O T E S :
Comin' Home was dropped from the original setlist. Debut of The Beatles "Long, Long, Long" from The Beatles (1968)