Just a short review tonight, I'm still flying from Mister Charlie! Susan, please, please, please, re-arrange your schedule and stick with the guys as long as possible! Anyway on to the review, I have one quick question: did somebody declare today to be Pigpen Appreciation Day and I didn't get the memo? It sure seemed like it from tonight's show. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I didn't think I'd ever get to see some of these songs live. Susan did an awesome job on Hog and Mister Charlie, the boys rocked out Midnight Hour, and, I blush to admit, I didn't even realize that it was Caution that followed Schoolgirl. Speaking of Schoolgirl, I'm sorry, but that was the one weak spot in the show. Bobby just doesn't have the menace to pull that song off, and, besides, the way it was sped up, just didn't work for me. You should let that one stay retired. The Jack Straw was possibly one of the best I've ever seen, the energy on stage was unreal! Always a joy to see UJB, and Playing into Scarlet/Fire was fun as well, although I really think we need to hide Mickey's mic. Golden Road was possibly the last song I expected as the Encore, but it still got everybody dancing as they made their way out into the Philadelphia night.
One final note, the security at the Spectrum was terrific, I didn't see anybody getting hassled, and the staff i encountered were all really friendly and helpful. Well Done!
Now, when do they start planning the Spring 2003 tour? *GRIN*
Howard Kammerer, Newark, DE
I always remember the Fall shows at the Spectrum as being particularly lively and full of unexpected treasures. The shows tended to give me the emotional and musical lift to take me into the summer. Not having been to see the boys since their '95 stop in Philly, I was a bit wary about how they would sound and if they could rekindle the magic that has long since been absent from the Spectrum (including the 50-show banner). The Sunday show certainly did not disappoint. From the opening romp into Cosmic Charlie, the crowd seemed primed for some heady numbers, despite the ubiquitous feeling that something was interminably missing. After "Caution" into "Jack Straw," the feeling proved ephemeral as the gang helped us soar through the rafters and catch the "Lightin' out of Santa Fe." It was truly powerful and was, indeed, the best I heard them sound in such a long time. The added musical touches and talents augmented the rhythmic wheel. Robert Hunter presented us with a generous musical interlude with a reflective version of "Ripple" that seemingly helped many of us to remember why we started this "journey" in the first place.... It was strikingly beautiful! The second set only built on the pleasantries of the first set...."UJB" into "Playin'" kicked things into higher gear, while "Scarlet/Fire" brought back so many memories. I didn't even mind Mickey on the mic.... It all seemed to fit just perfectly that night! "Mr.Charlie" and "Rider" were the surprises of the evening that sent us all into a tizzy! Whew! Susie Q... baby, we love you! As the real topper, everyone hopped back on the bus on the "Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion." To those naysayers who missed the show, shame on you! I only hope this music never stops... even though it's taken a couple of detours along the way, the boys still know how to fill our souls sweet supplication! Amen.
Eric Gershman, Philadelphia, PA
I thought the show started out a little slow, but it did improve. Cosmic Charlie was very nice, but not a jawdropper. I also could have have gone the rest of my life without seeing Queen Jane again, and been content. There was a bit of Throwing Stones tease at the end of Queen Jane and I was extremely happy they did NOT go there. Hog For You Baby and Schoolgirl were not the jawdroppers I was looking for, but my mouth soon was hanging open. That's because the Caution was incredible!!! The jam was just amazing. I can't tell you how great it was to hear this nugget from the past performed so well. If there's anything you have to hear from this show it's the Caution>Jack Straw. Jack Straw was wonderful as always, even without Jerry's vocals.
The second set was very good and speaks for itself. Uncle John's>Playin and Scarlet>Fire are always great. Mr. Charlie>Rider>Midnight Hour kept the rocking tunes going after a very short Drums, and non-existent Space. (I really wanted to see Mickey go nuts back there during Space like in the old days.)
I read in the paper that Bobby had problems with his electric guitar the night before and was barely audible for most of the show. Well, he had guitar problems again and spent the majority of the second set trying to fix it... not good. But a wonderful cure-all for any problem is whipping out The Golden Road to encore. It's all smiles after that.
CJ Harper, Havertown, PA
