I originally had tickets to the November show at the Keswick, and was pretty disappointed when it was canceled. Needless to say, I was psyched when I saw they were coming on tour again. I was able to get a couple of primo seats, right up front!! Let me also mention - this was my first live Bunnymen show.
The day of the show arrives, and I am pretty excited. We arrived at the theater and hung around outside chatting with a few nice mates, and then proceeded to make our way inside. First stop was the bar. It was VERY easy to find, since it was right inside the door. The line wasn't too long, got to the front of the line - ordered a couple of drinks from the meanest bartender ever. I visited the bar twice more, each time she got nastier.
We decided to find our seats at this point. I will say, the gentleman who showed us to our seats was very friendly - at least the Keswick, employs someone who knows how to smile... The seats were GREAT! Right up front. Very exciting, particularly since I planned on taking tons of pictures. We didn't have to wait long for the band to come out on stage. Immediately we were on our feet - up at the foot of the stage. And a second later, the rudest bouncer came over and told us to take our seats...Umm, this was a rock concert, correct? Never have I been to a concert where they told you to take your seat - it wasn't like I was at the opera or anything!! Shortly after that, some guy 2 rows back tapped my friend on the shoulder and asked him to sit down, because he was trying to watch the show. Uh huh - right! Finally Ian told everyone to stand up and have a good time. Most people finally dropped their snuggies and pretended to have a good time - I guess that is the best you will get out of a Philly crowd.
I personally enjoyed the show - they focused on the older hits - only playing one song off the new album, probably because - well I can't lie, the new album just really isn't that great.
After reading a couple of these reviews, I find that I was the "overeager front row fan" that was ungraciously threatened to be gagged with gaffer tape. In my opinion, had the rest of the crowd woken up, I wouldn't have appeared "overeager". Perhaps Mr. McCulloch should have been a little more excited to have such an enthusiastic fan in his audience on a rainy Sunday night in a Philly Suburb. I doubt you will find that very often.
I basically tuned everyone out, and had myself a fine time. I enjoyed the music and myself. I probably should have hit up the DC show instead, where the crowd would have had a pulse
