MAS Chicago 08/09/04
Setlist – basically the same setlist as the other shows, with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday for Pete Thomas
(Photo from Electric Magic from Anaheim, 07/30/04.)
The concert started a little late for what we were expecting, but it was a great turnout, and surprisingly, the most polite audience I’ve ever experienced at a concert. There were all sorts of people there, younger, older, families and couples. It was a nice mixture of people, and there was a very pleasant vibe before any instrument was picked up to be played.
I was there for John Paul Jones of course, I traveled up from Jefferson City, Missouri for the concert and the trip was well worth it.
The size of the Metro worked very well with the instrument choices, and it was pretty easy to hear everything going on, and everyone sounded flawless. One thing that made this concert special was the level of musicianship onstage. Everyone in the group is incredibly talented and can do amazing things with their instruments. Their interplay was great and no one was left in a corner doing their own thing.
The between song banter was hilarious, with a mention of the Cubs, then a mention of Manchester United by Jonesy. He seemed to be in a great mood, and gave a demonstration of the proper way to make the metal sign later on in the show, as well as being goofy and pretending he was a plane. At the beginning of Going to California, he remarked that it sounded like a jungle at night inside the Metro. There were a lot of JPJ fans there, a lot more than I expected, and I’m thinking a lot more than he expected too. It was nice to not be the only one screaming at the top of my lungs for him, although some other audience members apparently objected to the enthusiasm. It’s okay, I think as the show went on they realized how awesome he truly is.
There was a lot going on offstage during the gig as well, the usual shifting of the audience, a few people being pulled out for not being of age to drink alcohol at the show, and a Larry the Cable Guy impersonator who was yelling ‘Git-r-Done!’
Pete Thomas was in top form and it was a pleasure to get to see him play as well. I’m sure it was an interesting way to spend his birthday, and it was a treat for us because we got an extra song in.
Everyone had their time in the spotlight. Sara played her song Anthony with help from Glen, Jonesy and Chris, and Chris played a Bach piece on mandolin, which blew my mind. I just stood there in disbelief, it was absolutely amazing.
I only wish I could have gone to more shows, it was worth it and I’m glad to say I was able to see this tour, because it was a wonderful experience.
--SER, Thursday, 12 August, 2004
MAS Links
Mutual Admiration Society
John Paul Jones
Nickel Creek
Glen Phillips
Pete Thomas
Back to Grind
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