Concert Review: A Perfect Circle
A splendid experience. On a spontaneous whim, I got to go with cineman to this show (thanks again for driving) and had an absolute blast!
Such a rarity for someone like myself to hook up with someone I've never met and drive for an hour to go see a band I was only vaguely familiar with. The night was a success!!
At Long Beach's Shoreline Ampitheater, there are no bad seats. The sound and view was just as good from ten feet away as it was from 2/3 of the way back. Cineman's trained ear for good music found the "sweet spot" for the speakers, where we resided for the opening act, Mars Volta, who totally blew me out of my mind as well. Vocals and guitars akin to Paige and Plant, with a fully orchestrated band that brought out late 70's acid rock reminiscent of Frank Zappa's long-ass solos, yet still with an unidentifiable modern twist. Perhaps it was the dynamic presence of their lead singer that captivated the moment.
The phenomenon that kept me riveted was the fact that Maynard never stepped into the light. He kept his arms and microphone close to his face, so we couldn't even identify him. I was beginning to wonder if it was even him, and not just a lip-synching lookalike. Regardless, Maynard's character shone through with his epically unparalleled voice and lyric. James Iha stole the show with haunting and captivating guitar solos. All of which was timed to a spectacular light show using equipment that I can't even put a name to.
If I were to put any complaint out, it would only be to the pot-smoking rabble-rousers nearby. During Mars Volta, I could hardly breathe (ironic, since we smoked cigars in the parking lot after the show) and the instant APC came on, people just got rude trying to rush the stage. Apart from that, I saw children who couldn't have been more than 13 enjoying the show with their moms. As I was mentioning how I felt sorry for that mother having to put up with this loud stuff to cineman on the way out, a woman turned around and said "I am that 56 year old soccer mom, and I had a blast!" I had to kiss her feet in appreciation.
Addendum: In and Out Burgers are the only way to go after a concert!
A splendid experience. On a spontaneous whim, I got to go with cineman to this show (thanks again for driving) and had an absolute blast!
Such a rarity for someone like myself to hook up with someone I've never met and drive for an hour to go see a band I was only vaguely familiar with. The night was a success!!
At Long Beach's Shoreline Ampitheater, there are no bad seats. The sound and view was just as good from ten feet away as it was from 2/3 of the way back. Cineman's trained ear for good music found the "sweet spot" for the speakers, where we resided for the opening act, Mars Volta, who totally blew me out of my mind as well. Vocals and guitars akin to Paige and Plant, with a fully orchestrated band that brought out late 70's acid rock reminiscent of Frank Zappa's long-ass solos, yet still with an unidentifiable modern twist. Perhaps it was the dynamic presence of their lead singer that captivated the moment.
The phenomenon that kept me riveted was the fact that Maynard never stepped into the light. He kept his arms and microphone close to his face, so we couldn't even identify him. I was beginning to wonder if it was even him, and not just a lip-synching lookalike. Regardless, Maynard's character shone through with his epically unparalleled voice and lyric. James Iha stole the show with haunting and captivating guitar solos. All of which was timed to a spectacular light show using equipment that I can't even put a name to.
If I were to put any complaint out, it would only be to the pot-smoking rabble-rousers nearby. During Mars Volta, I could hardly breathe (ironic, since we smoked cigars in the parking lot after the show) and the instant APC came on, people just got rude trying to rush the stage. Apart from that, I saw children who couldn't have been more than 13 enjoying the show with their moms. As I was mentioning how I felt sorry for that mother having to put up with this loud stuff to cineman on the way out, a woman turned around and said "I am that 56 year old soccer mom, and I had a blast!" I had to kiss her feet in appreciation.
Addendum: In and Out Burgers are the only way to go after a concert!
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
wuvmonki:
Man everytime I turn around you are going out. Glad you had a good time. 
raspberrygirl63379:
I'm so friggin' jealous......lucky lucky dude. I saw him in 99' and he wore a bullet bra corset and a fake ponytail like Madonna on the Blonde Ambition tour. It was cool, but my friend freaked out after taking too much acid. I had to sit in the bathroom with her for half the show. Damn those little shadow people trying to eat her. 
