Wheels Within Wheels

I had noticed and commented in another thread that Alex has seemed very reserved. I had thought that maybe he was ill during the Tulsa show, having acted very workmanlike in comparison with his usual outgoing stage persona and it's continued in Lincoln. I did see some of the apparent problems that Geddy was having with his ear monitors, but I wasn't aware of any instrumental problems or cutouts (except for the occasional missed note). Could be just working out all the kinks that are common at the beginning of a tour. BTW, I'd love to go through a thread that doesn't constantly segue into Periscope. It totally gummed up the Lincoln spoiler thread last night. Don't care about Bob or his girlfriend or if he's puking in the bathroom. Not being cranky but it would be great for a thread to not immediately veer off on some tangent and instead remain focused on the topic intended by the original poster.

Yes, especially if they swap out Xanadu for Madrigal! I'm just as geared up for tonight's set list as Tulsa's.

For fun I looked at the twitter feed and if the timing is about correct, the first and second sets both lasted an hour and four minutes with an encore of 14 minutes; total playing time (not including intermission or interlude before the encore) of 2:22. That's not bad for a band who said they were going to dial it back.

Did Alex seem a bit subdued in Tulsa? In the footage I've seen, nowhere was he emoting at all or engaging the folks in the front rows as I usually see him do. Is it possible he was under the weather? He seemed to be drinking fluids and toweling himself off during every interlude where he was not actually playing (Jacob's Ladder, the beginnig of Cygnus X-1 etc.). It might explain some of that. Not quibbling with his performance at all...just seemed a little different in his stage persona. (and I know he's in his 60's, so please don't respond with "blah blah blah After all the guy's in his 60's blah blah blah...") :-) Thanks all and have a good evening...seeing them in San Jose for set list B2 or whatever else they decide to play!

prelude from hemi and cygnus was the first 3 minutes or so, then a drum solo, then the last few minutes. no vocals in cygnus x-1 Thanks--very kind.

Can someone tell me which parts of Cygnus they played? From the very beginning or when the bass/drums kick in? And was the rest of the song played after the solo or were any parts skipped? Thanks!

One set for 33 years of material, one set for 7 years of material--completely clueless as to what they'll play and I kinda like that.

New as a posting member of this forum; please don't flame me if you don't agree. I'm just venturing a humble opinion and would welcome constructive Feedback (see what I did there?) Cheers! 5 Songs I Hope They Play (being real) -Natural Science (last played on Snakes And Arrows tour); just a great song showcasing their individual and collective talents. -Xanadu (last played R30 tour); even the abbreviated version would be a "worth the price of admission" moment. -Hemispheres; Prelude (snippet played on R30 tour; full version not played since Counterparts tour); I think it would a great first set closer. -The Pass; (last played as an alternate on Clockwork Angels tour); one of my favorites and I think one of the band's as well. -The Enemy Within (last played on Power Windows warm-up tour); hoping for a "deep cut" continuation (like The Body Electric or Grand Designs from CA tour) Honorable Mention -The Trees (last played on Snakes And Arrows tour); great song---not epic length but filled with grandeur; perfect song for a "greatest hits" tour _______________________________ 5 Songs I Hope They Skip (being real) -Limelight (played on every tour since Roll The Bones); one of Alex's favorite solos so it will probably reappear; just think it needs a rest. -Animate (last played on R30 tour); this to me is a "bathroom break" song, but I've read the band likes it and it's probably at the top of the rotation. -Roll The Bones (last played on R30 tour); love the chorus, hate the verses/rap but it's probably due again. -Working Man (last played on Time Machine tour); I can't see them leaving it off this anniversary tour, but I can hope. -Force Ten (last played on Clockwork Angels tour); nothing against this song; I just think they could fill up that time with something else. Honorable Mention -Red Sector A; (last played on Clockwork Angels tour); it isn't played every tour but it has that "This one again?" feel that I can't explain. _______________________________ 5 Songs I Hope They Play But They Won't Because We Don't Always Get What We Want (being completely unreal) -Jacob's Ladder (last played on Moving Pictures warm-up tour); seems this the new Rush fans' "White Whale" (replacing The Camera Eye); too challenging. -Prime Mover (last played on Hold Your Fire tour); recorded but only released on video; my favorite "keyboard era" song; not enough guitar for Alex. -Afterimage (last played on Grade Under Pressure tour); terrific guitar solo; would be a crowd pleaser live; imagery of loss makes it not likely considered by band. -Emotion Detector (never played live); listened to this the other day; haven't heard the fans clamoring for it and obviously the band is uninterested—pity. -Countdown (last played on Grace Under Pressure warm-up tour); again, not much interest out there or seemingly among the band. Honorable Mention -Hemispheres (entire); (last played complete on Hemispheres tour); because, you know, Hemispheres.