I had no issues with the set list going in; but I was really shocked at how awesome some songs came off that I just thought were "Meh". There is always sooo much to take in on every song; musicianship, crowd interaction, video, lights, sound, 'strings'...i was very surprised which songs lit me up....you just never no till you GO, despite how much an expert Rushian you think you might be.
For Me, after reading everything here & RIAB I figured I had it down....but the EXPERIENCE still had some surprises.
First Set: Grand Designs and Territories held up well. Analog Kid with the slower chorus/keyboard section was tremendous. Thought I was over Bravado, but in the moment of Ged's nod to 9/11 it was peaceful and pleasurable. Interesting that The Body Electric was the track I was most looking forward to in the first set, but even though it sounded good, there was something lacking...maybe cauz Ged did the whole thing from center Mic and triggered the keys...maybe cauz the lights or film didn't show up like they did for the second set...you just never know till you go
Second Set: waiting for it to begin....thoughts of 'caravan': "heard it already, but guess what....with the video-lights-pyro-& strings-it had new life and I was shocked how much I enjoyed that performance. The rest of Clockwork Angels was phenomenal. The kind of show that drew me to rush-so much to take in with each song-what a production!
Clockwork Angels (song), The Garden, worth the trip alone.....and just when I thought...Ok, i'd seen everything left in the set before.....SHOCK...Red Sector A this time around (esp last night) came off with a light show and slightly different drumming as in the past....and in came new life....Was shocked how much I enjoyed that song last night....never thought I would say that as seeing how many tours they've played it on! Just a reminder why I ACTUALLY go see these guys even though I digest all the spoilers ahead of time!!
I write this for all the people waiting to see them, but thinking they know how it's gonna be....DON'T BE SWAYED till you soak it up yourself! You might surprise yourself even though you think you know how you're gonna react....after 30 years seeing this band....YOU JUST NEVER KNOW TILL YOU GO!