--- Daniel Park, a former student who now works at Wolftrap, recognized me (from Driver’s Ed??) and enthusiastically says hello.
--- I also met a couple who immigrated from the Philippines in 2022. I recognized the Tagalog!
--- Frontman John Rzeznik: “Everyone, get off your ass”: amen!!!
--- “Naked”: the vocals are lackluster, but it’s great to hear straight guitar, and we’re just getting started.
--- “Slide”: cool mini solo and aww at the crowd choruses.
--- “Think About Me” is forgettable — too mid-tempo.
--- “Here Is Gone” soars more, so it’s better. It’s surprising he’s barely said anything to the audience yet, when that was such a strength last time. I’ll be patient.
--- “Black Balloon”: “I think you guys know this one.” “Oh yeah” from Manuel. That, the actual floating black balloons, and a lower rhythm makes it official: the concert has begun!!
--- “Miracle Pill” is newer (from 2011) and has a cabaret vibe. It sounds great and earns the guitar battle at the end!!! Manuel shouts, “ROCK AND ROLL.”
--- Hahaha at “this is a new one.” His inflection feels like it adds scorn. “Nothing Lasts Forever,” including, fortunately, this song.
--- The second guitarist croaks out “January Friend.”
--- “Big Machine” retains its catchy melody.
--- “Dizzy” shifts from red darkness to “everything you are” in a distinctive way I don’t remember. I approve.
--- “I might be losing my voice a bit, but we’ll ride it out.”
--- “Sympathy”!!! Intriguing ACTUAL INTRO where he describes in a room for 30 days.
--- HA: “We have the nicest fans in the whole world. Except that guy -- he’s a d---.” That’s the NY I remember!!
--- “I f’d up. I didn’t remember the words. Can you forgive me? I don’t believe you.”
--- “That’s where the s--- hit the fan, or the s--- hit our fans.”
--- “Name”!!!! “I’m incredibly lucky, but every time I want to quit, I meet you guys. This song was at my wedding; I heard this song when my arm came off in Afghanistan. Everyone’s so on edge right now. This is what’s it about: humanity.” YES. The vocals finally sound great -- and the way it brings other instruments back. Perfect. HA at “oh, and F AI.” “Thank you for keeping this band alive.”
--- “Over and Over” from 2016 lacks an intro.
--- “Reverse” pushes the show forward — a new plinky, edgy vibe. By far the best new one!! 2016, but still.
--- “Run All Night” flies — especially by the end!
--- The frog croaks out “Life’s A Message” and “Bringing on the Light” in tune. The latter brings an “oh yeah” from Manuel, which is followed by an “oh yeah” in the song’s lyrics?!
--- Heh, “you still here? This is a sticky love song.” “Come To Me” has solid momentum.
--- “Broadway”‘s “dark tonight.” In reality, it’s bright! The keyboardist kills it — then harmonica and electric — such variety!!!
--- Cool warm electronic heading out of a seven-second wait for the encore.
--- Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” followed by . . . "Iris"!
Grade: B+
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