I picked #3. I don't know if the word "essential" is appropriate, but I do travel for shows--it's the only way I'll see them. I definitely WANT to see them every tour. But if they do the same old setlist with Bad Name, Sleep/Bad Medicine/Shout, etc... and don't have enough variation to make it exciting, then I won't go out of my way for multiple shows. They don't have to vary the songs to vary the show, but even the way they play each song is stagnant and the banter is the same, so once would be enough. Well, that's what I think now. After I see them again, I might think, "I've GOT to see them again NOW." Even the well-oiled machine is highly entertaining. I'm more likely to take in more shows if I can make trips that are about more than just the band, like visiting friends.

Becky