New Orleans: UNBELIEVABLE

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Just when you think they can't get any better, they go and get better. Seriously. They played so hard tonight it was shocking.

It's 2:45 AM and I have to catch an early morning flight so I'll post cameraphone vid later, but let me tell you: Stewart may have been the best I've ever seen him. The showoff: drumstick and xylophone hammer twirls galore, but mostly just really intent concentration. I had a great side seat where I could see all the fun in "Ring" and "Footsteps"...I really hadn't realized what a showman he is, but I gotta admit I'm getting into all the flourishes.

I had a pair of binocs so I could really see what he was doing, and wow. I've got even more admiration than I had previously, which we all know was plenty. He's giving it 110% out there, that's for sure. Wish I'd realized when buying tickets how much better I'd be able to see Stewart from the sidestage, I probably wouldn't have been so eager to get hold of a seat in the first few rows. Not that it's been pure torture to watch Andy just shred out there night after night or anything.

They've sped up "ELTSDIM" and "Truth". "Bed's" was AMAZING tonight, best I've heard it. I was sorry to see the re-arrangement of "Truth" go tonight, but they still just burned it down.

Fiction Plane's also getting lots better and really growing on me. "Two Sisters" in particular.

The crowd was really into it, everyone on their feet, smiling and cheering. Sting made a couple of comments about the difficulties that have consumed this city, to a righteous wave of applause.

We had a flag sighting. Twice, I think.

In other great news, New Orleans looks much better than it did last year at this time. You'd really not ever know the Superdome complex was the site of so much tragedy. Kudos to our guys for playing here and pumping some much-needed cash infusion into the local economy. I had a shopkeeper tell me today that dozens of people mentioned they'd come to town to see The Police. I think they really deserve some credit for that.

All right, more later when I've had some sleep and I'm not under the influence of that purple concoction some friends of ours from ThePolice.com message boards kept feeding me and Gina down on Bourbon Street.

[New Zealand Promoter]

[quote="Divemistress of the Dark"]

They've sped up "ELTSDIM" and "Truth". "Bed's" was AMAZING tonight, best I've heard it. I was sorry to see the re-arrangement of "Truth" go tonight, but they still just burned it down.
[/quote]

thanks for your early report, DM!

now i'm curious - what did you mean by "sorry to see the re-arrangement of "Truth" *go* "? Have they changed it again?

... and with 'Beds', was it just played in top form in the present 2007 arrangement, or did they break out a jam in the middle and extend it beyond 5'43?

thanks again, i love these early reports! it's like live news....

[johnnyjumpstart]

Thanks God ELTSDIM has been sped up since it was dreadful in vancouver to the point that nobody could follow the song to sing along with it! Gradually the songs are all returning to their original nature to allow fan participation.

[kimmy]

Divemestress thanks for the report!

I love reading everyone's stories they are so great and I cannot wait (though I'll have to) see them when they hit London!!!

Waiting for your full report!!

Kim

[Spec A!]

They are going to be amazing by the time they hit Europe!!! Sounds like an awesome time, looks like the shows keep getting better and better!

Johnnyjumpstart- I have audio from the Houston show, including ELTSDIM, which as Dive said was just like the original- awesome!

[DirtyMartini]

Thanks for the report, Dive! Safe journeys to you both!

Sidestage seats are annoying because you don't get the full picture of the band, but they are GREAT for getting a closer view -- seeing faces (if in profile a lot), seeing technique, seeing the drummer who is always stuck in the back. Plus, because you're elevated, you're positioned closer to the level of the band. Good sidestage seats will get you closer to the band that most of the floor sections.

[nancyrose]

Thanks for staying up late to share your impressions with us, Divemistress. I have really enjoyed starting my day with the enthusiastic reports people have shared here (so much so that I'm feeling guilty about not having done so after Phoenix...but that's a separate issue!). It's amazing how happy it makes me to know people I like are having such an awesome time...almost as good as being there myself!i

So cool to hear that the band just gets better and better! That was my impression as well when I heard them again after having been in Vancouver.
They are so NOT phoning this tour in...no surprise...and I can't wait to hear what the weeks and months ahead will bring.

I am also so happy to think that this event contributed to the economic and psychic recovery of New Orleans. It's been a big issue for me as I've been involved somewhat with some ongoing efforts there and I know there is still much to be done. Glad to think folks ate, drank and shopped with just a bit more abandon...it's all for the greater good!!

Hope you continue to have a great trip!

[elayblooze]

Boy! I thought I was luckier than the Canadians and Seattle by Dodger Stadium!(of course, they were great experiences 2- I was just happy to see Dave Grohl 2!)

Now it sounds like they're going beyond even that!
Anyways, its all great news, and I predict this tour will be so successful that they'll all be reenergized to create even more awesome stuff- solo or together!

Gearing up to see the live earth broadcasts! I know Smashing Pumpkins and all the newer bands will be there but the Police are closing the show-
If Dodger Stadium is any indication they'll be up to the challenge- I love Foo, but the Police just blew everyone's mind!

Cheers!

[Divemistress of the Dark]

I'm still a bit slaphappy and exhausted...did I post about driving past the Saenger Theater, site of Oysterhead's May 2000 show? It's still shuttered, sad to say.

Sting had some choice words about government failure vis a vis New Orleans, but everyone screamed so loud I couldn't tell what he was saying. I think it was essentially "fuck you and your war machine"....

OK, working on an upload of "Next to You" as taken on my cameraphone....I'm telling you, Stewart played his heart out. Amazing.

Edit: here's the upload:

http://www.gigasize.com/get.php/-109999 ... 7_1_07.mov

[policefan]

RE: I'm telling you, Stewart played his heart out. Amazing.


Thanks DM for sharing!!!

[English-lion]

Thanks for the review Dive!!!!! I'm starting to think I better start saving my pennies for a US show!!!!! and sneaking out of the house for a week (do you think my family would notice?)

[empty]

Thanks Dive- love your reviews- just in depth enough for me without getting too down in the technical rabbit holes (though I appreciate those too!).

I've been itching to get a seat BEHIND the stage. Turned one down for Anaheim (I dragged my family 2x in one week) and have regretted it ever since!

Going to make Boston(trying to scrounge tix for both nights)and Cardiff but no rear seats (wait, that sounds bad!).

Make all the jokes you want about trying to glimpse Stewart's bum- my spouse did (damn high back chair- good for Stewart, bad for sneaking a peak)! However, I noticed he made several concerted efforts at Staples to interact with the crowd behind- and I am sure they got an awesome view!
OOOOooh, I am so happy for everyone who gets to see multiple shows- but a bit jealous of the personal freedom that I don't have to be able to just take off!

Enjoy and thanks for sharing your freedom, if in just sharing the love here!

[jdmatt99]

NOLA was my first chance to see them on this current tour (saw them once in '83). I was a bit concerned after reading some of the early reviews, but after last night it's apparent that they found their groove. I had a fantastic time.

BTW, after the concert I said "Nice socks!" to someone wearing green-striped socks. Was that you Divemistress?

[Divemistress of the Dark]

(edited to remove DEBUG mode error and multiple post)

[Divemistress of the Dark]

(edited to remove DEBUG mode error and multiple post)