The VH Trade Site Forums Archives

[HalenUpNorth]

Finally have a couple of minutes to share some thoughts on what I thought was an excellent show. Approximately 9,000 people showed up, (a bit disappointing but at $100 a crack for a ticket, what can you expect ?), and frankly, this was the best show VH did in Montreal since '86.
The band was very tight, up, and happy. If there's all kinds of in-fighting, it certainly didn't show. Even between songs with the lights down, Ed and Sammy were constantly high-fiving, and hugging. (Trust me, I could see all this, because I started off in the 20th row on the floor, and slowly made my way to the first row, right in front of Ed).
The set-list was the usual, no surprises. Songs that went over really well included Dreams, Right Now, Unchained, and people really went insane over ATBL, and Panama. I couldn't understand why, but Up For Breakfast got a rousing ovation too. Personally, I thought it is/was a kind of crappy song, but hey, to each their own.
Mercifully, the bass, and drum solos were kept short. I dare say Alex got the biggest ovation of the night solo wise, (the guy was really in the pocket). Unfortunately, Ed's solo wasn't very sharp ; he spent about 7 to 10 minutes expounding the Cathedral part of his solo which, frankly, was boring. However, the crowd revved right back up when he dove into the finale of Eruption. Ed also approached the mic a couple of times during solo to comment on smoking, ("cigarettes don't give you cancer", and "don't start cheering, 'cause I might f**k this next part up, and everyone knows I'm a f**k-up !").
Sammy worked really hard, signed a lot of autographs, and was having fun. Whatever anyone thinks of the guy, you have to give him credit for working hard, and trying his best.
On a personal note, (and one of great satisfaction !!), I caught a pick that Ed flicked right at me. It's the black and yellow striped version, and it's nicely scratched up, (you know, "game used") ! That went straight in the front pocket !! BTW, Ed did have a few pops in him, but he still managed to play very well, and he genuinely appreciated his fans. I'm glad I saw them one more time, and hopefully, a boot of this show will show up, 'cause I dare say, it was probably one of the better shows from the tour.

[macdon22shipp]

Wow front row!!!! Good for you Halen. Well sounds like your take on VH there is about the same as mine here in the PEG i thought it was very good and Ed's playing was right on for most part. Sammy what can you say about the man he seems to just wanna have some fun at least that's the way it seems to me. Likes his SMOKE, likes his Tequlia, likes his beach and you can't fault a guy for that. Maybe EVH puts to much pressure on himself i donno. On another note let's salute the Vetrans of the great wars on this Canada's Remembrance Day. My family just had our moment of silence!!! Have a great day all!!!! And again good for you Halen glad you enjoted the show. :thumb: :thumb: