In September I bought tickets for the 11/4 show in Columbus, Ohio, where I lived for 17 years, only to realize after the fact I was scheduled to be at a conference and I had to give those 8th row seats to a friend there. What was more frustrating was I was also shut out of the Louisville show. My definition of shutout is vastly different now then what it was back then. I could have gotten a nosebleed, but years of seeing shows up close thanks to the greatest network of Tramps has completely spoiled me, so I did not buy one. I would wait for the infamous ticket drop and let the ticket gods do with me as they please.
On the day of the show, at about 11:15, I pulled up a 3rd row seat that was released online!
I was seated on Clarence’s side (a direct nod to my fellow Tramps,) 3 seats in.
The show started off on a bad foot as they built up the momentum of walking out with the crowd cheering only to have a false start with “Roll Me Away” when they had to bring another bass out. The other issue with this opener was when Bob held the microphone out for the fans to sing the refrain. This just does not work well on this song.
“Trying to Live My Life Without You” did not help build the momentum.
“The Fire Down Below” was fairly solid, but it was at this point I was really bothered by the muddy mix. Bob’s voice was also drowned out in the mix. It was lacking strength and it was not loud enough.
Then it sort of came to a halt losing any momentum he gained by sitting down to do “Mainstreet.” But before it could even start, Bob experienced a guitar problem. They had to run out a replacement and Bob joked that it can’t possibly happen a third time [that something needs to be replaced.) I like the song, it just killed the tempo they were trying to build. The vocals were still not strong and I was not into the show at all. People were not engaged and seemed to be chattering quite a bit. Springsteen never has this occur this early. This is why a show should open with 5 to 7 rocking songs.
The show had zero flow at this point.
So the hope would be the “Old Time Rock and Roll” might pick it up. The crowd responded well, but I still had not. What was wrong? The band was not at all tight, vocals were weak, the sound was muddy. I was actually contemplating leaving it was that much of a cluster.
I'm not Mikey. I don't always like everything, but I love live music and almost never say anything negative about an act, but this was that bad. Could it get more detached than what it was?
Yes.
“Little Drummer Boy” brought to an end any momentum that the old war horse had gained. And I just hate the song to begin with. Sigh. It was completely out of place. It also featured a microphone malfunction that delayed the song starting as they brought out a new one.
The show finally took a step in the right direction with “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” although I think Springsteen performed it better when I saw him in Detroit in 2008. Still, I decided I would stay for another song.
The show took a swing for the better with the audible “Long Twin Silver Line,” one of my favorites off “Against The Wind.” It definitely was not on the setlist as someone sent me a photo from the back stage (see below.) The band was more in sync although the sound was still a little muddy, but it seemed improved. I got goosebumps if only because I love the song and never expected him to perform it. I decided I would stay for another song.
“Hey Hey Going Back to Birmingham” rocked. I decided I would stay for another song.
“Travelin’ Man” finally was where the show finally hit its stride. It was awesome. "Beautiful Loser” closed the first set. Overal it was unsatisfying for me. I had seen better performances from opening acts before. I was a little disillusioned.
At one point early in life, I was a bigger fan of Bob Seger than Bruce Springsteen as the songs all seemed to tell stories that had happened to me along the way. I really wanted this to be a good show. Could Bob and the band salvage the night?
The second set was vastly different. The band was tight, the sound was better and Bob finally sounded better as they tore through a set of classics. He must’ve ripped their ass at halftime because they came out and were very solid for the rest of the show.
“Nutbush City Limits” set the tone for the rest of the evening. It’s a favorite of mine and they did it justice.
“Come to Poppa” used a guitar riff that sounded similar to a Kinks riff, but if Jimi Hendrix was playing. It was really cool. Kenny Greenberg was on guitar and was, for me, the exceptional musician on the stage. He is apparently a session player in Nashville and added a lot with his lead guitar to every song.
“Her Strut” was really strong.
“Betty Lou’s Getting Out Tonight” is another favorite and was the best song of the night up to this point. I was immediately transported back to a memory in high school when Tim O'Brien heard the song for the first time when I was driving around and it didn't leave his head for days.
“We’ve Got Tonight” followed and then the classic “Turn the Page” was actually haunting as the opening sax sent chills down my neck.
“Sunspot Baby” became a sing-a-long with the crowd as they were very engaged at this point.
“Katmandu” ended a very strong 2nd set. It was very clear to me how much Bob really enjoys performing on stage during the entire second set.
The encores were very strong. “Against the Wind” may be my favorite Seger song and it was majestic. The second verse in particular stuck with me tonight.
“Hollywood Nights” was quite awesome.
“Night Moves” was nice.
“Rock and Roll Never Forgets” closed the night and was a powerful anthem, much more so considering how badly the show started. It was actually one of the best closers I've seen outside of a Springsteen show.
His performance was 2 hours and 20 minutes. The lady next to me took some photos I hope to post here after Sunday.
11/17/2011 – Yum! Center
1. Roll me away
2. Trying to live my life w/o you
3. Fire down below
4. Mainstreet
5. Old Time Rock and Roll
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. Ramblin' Gamblin' Man
8. Long Twin Silver Line
9. Hey Hey Going Back to Birmingham
10. Travelin' Man
11. Beautiful Loser
12. Nutbush City Limits
13. Come to Poppa
14. Her Strut
15. Betty Lou’s Getting Out Tonight
16. We've got tonight
17. Turn the Page
18. Sunspot Baby
19. Katmandu
20. Against the Wind
21. Hollywood Nights
22. Night Moves
23. Rock and Roll Never Forgets
