Just got back from the concert and thought I would post my review whilst everything is fresh in my mind!
But first a few words about the venue and the recording policy...
I have been going to the NEC for a few years now and I have to say that they have made some much needed improvements. Park at Birmingham International and walk to the Arena is my advice, it will save you £2 on parking (normally £8) and they have built a new covered section that takes you most of the way. Inside they now put you into a 'holding room' before you go through to the arena itself! This is much better as everyone is not cramped like they just to be - well done NEC! They made a few announcements about not recording the concert and I think it was Paul himself who came onto the stage before the band and told everyone in the audience they would be thrown out if caught filming! They were not joking... a guy not far from me (who looked to be causing no harm) was taken away by a security guy for using what looked like a normal camera - I was pleased to see him return about 10 minutes later, but without his camera. You have been warned - security staff must love this new policy, it gives them something heavy handed to do!
Anyway, now onto the concert...
I have to admit I was not looking forward to this as much as I have the previous tours, I got the impression from previous posts that Mark was a bit off form and some of the downloads I heard lacked attitude - but I should not have been concerned! This concert was superb and included what could have been the best version of Sultans I have heard in a very long time. I was in the front block a few rows back and the tone coming off the guitar was awesome - some reviews have stated his solos have been a bit weak, this was one of the best.
The set list was pretty much the same as the other nights, but they didn't play knoxville - however he should have played Money For Nothing, it would have gone down really well and if he used the STP Tour version it would have sitted well with the rest of the songs. I would say that the versions of the songs they played tonight seemed to contain more improvisation than normal from all band members which was great. John McCusker was superb and a real asset to the band - watch out for him he really gets into it!
There was one thing that I will not mention as it will spoil it for those who are due to see Mark and that is what happens during Speedway (I assume this happened at the other concerts judging by the photos I have seen) - it was very cool!
Anyway, I am sure others will contribute a review of this concert so I will not take up to much space - I am off to don my red headband and practice my sultans of swing solo...!
But first a few words about the venue and the recording policy...
I have been going to the NEC for a few years now and I have to say that they have made some much needed improvements. Park at Birmingham International and walk to the Arena is my advice, it will save you £2 on parking (normally £8) and they have built a new covered section that takes you most of the way. Inside they now put you into a 'holding room' before you go through to the arena itself! This is much better as everyone is not cramped like they just to be - well done NEC! They made a few announcements about not recording the concert and I think it was Paul himself who came onto the stage before the band and told everyone in the audience they would be thrown out if caught filming! They were not joking... a guy not far from me (who looked to be causing no harm) was taken away by a security guy for using what looked like a normal camera - I was pleased to see him return about 10 minutes later, but without his camera. You have been warned - security staff must love this new policy, it gives them something heavy handed to do!
Anyway, now onto the concert...
I have to admit I was not looking forward to this as much as I have the previous tours, I got the impression from previous posts that Mark was a bit off form and some of the downloads I heard lacked attitude - but I should not have been concerned! This concert was superb and included what could have been the best version of Sultans I have heard in a very long time. I was in the front block a few rows back and the tone coming off the guitar was awesome - some reviews have stated his solos have been a bit weak, this was one of the best.
The set list was pretty much the same as the other nights, but they didn't play knoxville - however he should have played Money For Nothing, it would have gone down really well and if he used the STP Tour version it would have sitted well with the rest of the songs. I would say that the versions of the songs they played tonight seemed to contain more improvisation than normal from all band members which was great. John McCusker was superb and a real asset to the band - watch out for him he really gets into it!
There was one thing that I will not mention as it will spoil it for those who are due to see Mark and that is what happens during Speedway (I assume this happened at the other concerts judging by the photos I have seen) - it was very cool!
Anyway, I am sure others will contribute a review of this concert so I will not take up to much space - I am off to don my red headband and practice my sultans of swing solo...!
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