petergabriel.com

The Detroit concert seemed to follow the set list previously posted with the show opening with Peter and Tony, Peter offering the caveat his wife suggested about explaining the song without lyrics, O But. Initially, listening to the song on line sounded quite a bit like Randy Newman type of song. Live, it was a beautiful piece of music that will take on an even greater beauty when Peter assigns lyrics to the emotion. Come Talk to Me was up next with the rest of the band moving onto the stage. Sancious was playing accordion and the band was still playing in a fairly restrained yet tasteful tempo and amplitude, almost teasing for the onslaught. Shock the Monkey was up next and the house lights remained on and the tasteful presentation was still restrained. Then, Family Snapshot and the house lights went out during the song and the band flexed their musical prowess. It was dynamic and felt like a punch in the chest with an energy level that was clearly intensified for full effect. Wow! Game on! From the front row it was clear from their expressions the intent was to assault the senses and the concert for me from that point on was in full force. Digging in the Dirt was up next and I would characterize the presentation as ferocity and attack with Gabriel’s facial expressions accentuating the hard driving rendition, “Don’t talk back. Just drive the car. Shut your mouth. I know what you are. Don’t say nothing. Keep your hands on the wheel. Don’t turn around. This is for real”. Gabriel’s aggressive body language and the expression in his face, his eyes conveyed a ferocious, emotional energy that permeated the entire arena. The truly spectacular band was cooking. Secret World was up next and, of course, anyone who was not up already was elevated to their feet and dancing as if on command. The band driving hard. The Family and the Fishing Net up next and the ability to take notes was quickly slipping away as the music was drawing one into a trance-like state. No Self Control was up next and the band had a really nice funky groove on this one with Manu fully in his element, a smile beaming across his face. The notes stopped there. Maybe eight songs later Mercy Street came up and the characterization of the production written in the forums previously was on target. It was not effective. Peter sang the song beautifully, but the images projected on the back screen with him lying on the floor were really indiscernible. Still, a great song. Peter did ask the crowd to sing Happy Birthday to Isaac telling us that he does not typically do things like this with his children and apparently telling Isaac that “we were really nice people”. And, the crowd obliged in a very heart-felt manner. At the end of the concert, It occurred to me that I had not turned around once to take in the crowd behind me. My attention had been riveted to the stage throughout. What a show!

Singing the song on his back has teh added advantage of giving the guy a bit of a rest for the last part of the show. Clever devil that PG.

Mister, A valid point! Being that close on the rail I could see the fatigue and his efforts to regain breath and strength at many junctures. The camera work could have been more straightforward, less esoteric, but really not a big issue with me as the song was beautifully sung, a wonderful night in Detroit

Thank you OZ.

I was in Detroit, second row center. Loved it, of course. This was my 5th PG show, 3rd close up but this was the closest I have ever been. I was reading about the Chicago show on the Live page, and really felt for the people who were not surrounded by other respectful fans. I had that experience last year when I saw Blood at the United Center. I was on the floor but 2 sections back. There was a row of extremely drunk, obnoxious people who obviously didn't know it was an orchestra concert: "If he doesn't rock out soon, I'm going to leave...I'm going to stand up and scream Red Rain!". I actually told them to please be quiet. They were disturbing everyone in their near vicinity. They left at intermission, thank God! Anyway, I digressed. I was very pleased with the crowd, the show, and my experience on Wed night. I didn't see anyone glued to their phones. We were standing the majority of the show (my feet hurt wearing 4 inch heels. I'm short, I had no choice!). The performances wer magnificent. I was a bit concerned about Peter looking at the lyric monitors so much during the show. I know he has a huge repetoire, but it seems that his musical memory would lock those lyrics in. He did foget the lyrics to Solsbury Hill when I saw him in Detroit for Secret World. Anyway, it seemed odd to me. I'm getting out of my post show funk. Anyone else ever experience a let down after the show. I just love him so much-have for 25 years, and miss him when he goes, hoping I'll be able to see him again. I'd love to hear from other Lunatics who were at Auburn Hills. The people around me were so nice, awesome, and true fans. Peace

I think the reason PG(and other musicians) need monitors to remember their lyrics is they probably never listen to their own stuff in the time period between tours. We listen all the time so we know all the words by heart.

Thanks, Progressive jen. That makes sense.

bump

Thanks for bumping this LR. I'm so glad OZ was able to attend a show this year and from his review, he really enjoyed it.

bump with great respects.

Yes much respect for Oz .

I'm sorry I missed this and didn't post while Oz was still with us, making the mistake thinking there is always time to catch up. Oz really knew how to put things to words. I am really going to miss those words.

As for the lyrics monitors, it's also, and perhaps more so, because of the the many distractions, lights, fans shouting out, prop hick-ups, etc... to help re-find their place in song should they become distracted and/or forget where they are at in a song. Helps keep things flowing. That and like has been suggested since they do limited amount of shows a year or, um, decade, likely helps getting the words right too. Especially, when changing set the set list periodically at fans requests. After all, your local cover bands and upcoming bands that have concerts weekly or more all year round are going to better remember their songs and generally have a preset set list they stick with. OK and they almost have to, because lyric equipment like the ones Peter uses, I'm pretty sure, don't come cheap.