Philzone.org Discussion Board: Archive 2004: Non-PF/Dead Show Reviews Archive 2004: Vote For Change Tour - St.Paul MN - 10/5/04

I had been debating about going to this show for weeks but then figured when would I ever get the chance to see John Fogerty and The Boss together again.Well not only did I get to see them together but also with special guest star Neil Young!! Ouch!! This show was great for many reasons but none more so than the inspired playing that all the bands brought to the stage. First up was Bright Eyes who were very good and musical for such a young group of musicians. Featuring a horn section,pedal steel/dobro player,and a tight rhythm section the band played a short but well received set of their emotional country pop which reminded me of late 70' era Dylan with the large band arrangements and skittering nervous energy. Next up were REM augmented by long time sideman Scott MCCaughey from The Minus Five and Young Fresh Fellows. Tearing through Exhuming McCarthy and Begin the Begin they opened the show rocking hard and then slowing it down after pulverizing their way through What's The Frequency Kenneth wher Michael Stipe shouted out "Rove's Out To Get Ya Dan Rather!"which brought a large cheer from the crowd.After two numbers from the new album Stipe brought out Neil Young who showcased his distortion rack skills during a brutal version of Country Feedback from their Out Of Time album.Followinmg one more new song the band brought out Springsteen for great versions of It'sBeen A Bad Day and Man In The Moon where Bruce lent his best church voice for the"Egypt was troubled by the horrible asp"verse"and chorus.After Bruce left the band ended their set with a lively version of Losing My Religion which became the sing along grand finale to their 65 minute set. Following a brief breaak the lights dimmed and Stipe came out to introduce the E Street Band who were met with a Dead like roar from the crowd and the lowering of the lights and Bruce playing an acoustic version of Star Spangled Banner before roaring into Born In The USA and Badlands. No Surrender and Lonesome Day set the tone for Neil's reemergence for a touching To The Souls Of The Departed which led into the night's highest point a killer,snarling 12 minute romp in the stratosphere via a cover of All Along The Watchtower with Neil spurring Clarence Clemons into the best solo I've ever seen him take with either his band,The E St.,or JGB. Spitting out hard phrases The Big Man was a cross of Eric Dolphy style notes followed by some Miles style muted warbles as they negotiated their way back into the song's enduring main riff.
Man,I didn't know that he could blow like that - Yowsah!!! The band played a sweet version of Prove It All Night before bringing out John Fogerty to join them for Centerfield,Deja Vu All Over Again,Fortunate Son that ripped like The Ramones or Dead Boys,and a killer Promised Land .Bruce's gospel rap was followed by The Rising which led into Michael Stipe coming out for Because The Night(the first of two Patti Smith songs or collaborations to make it into the set).After thanking all the bands,crowd,and candidates The Boss brought out Mike Mills and Peter Buck from REM for a spirited and transcendent Born To Run!! THen they brought out all the bands for the encore of Proud Mary>Keep On Rocking In The Free World>Taps>What's So Funny 'Bout Peace,Love,and Understanding>People Have The Power!!!! Man what a set!!! This show was great from start to finish and the genuine affection between the bands,the fans,and it all added up to a show I will try to truly remember. Thanks to all of them for giving us shuch a great show and good time! Tonight I'm off to see The Zombies and Love - can't wait!! - Peace

wow!!!.....man that show is coming playing here in Orlando this Saturday night.....I'm supposed to be working spots for it, gonna have to sneak in a few puffs on the job for this one.....nice!!

Enjoy the show Fred - I hope that you guys get a good one!!! Still on a mental and emotional high from that show!!! Have a great evening on Saturday - Peace!

That sounds purely awesome.

It was!!! It was!!! Now next week I have a benefit for Karl Mueller the bassist from Soul Asylum who was recently treated for throat cancer.The lineup for that shindig is Golden Smog,Soul Asylum,Bob Mould from Husker Du,Paul Westerberg from The Replacements,The Gear Daddies(long time Mpls faves in a reunion show) and special guests which I'm sure will include Kraig Johnson from The Jayhawks,Jessy Greene from Geraldine Fibbers and,The Boquist Brothers from Son Volt.Should be another great night of music!!