Originally Posted by undivided_aus

Hey guys

I've had some time to reflect now so thought I would post some thoughts on the two recent Sydney concerts. I've seen the guys before in 93, 01 and 03 so have some good comparison material.

Firstly, any doubts over Jon's energy should be forgotten. At no stage either night did he look bored or tired or like he didnt want to be there. Vocally he's definitely not as good as in the past but I was expecting him to be worse. He hit pretty much all the high notes he had to and never sounded like he was battling.

The Richie songs. First night when he sung These Days everyone (including me) sat down. I personally dont like him doing that song and the way he sings it is completely different to the original. I thought it was kinda funny when Jon introduced him doing the title track from 'my' 95 record These Days. Obviously not giving the other guys any credit for that one!! Second night when he did I'll be There for You everyone stayed on their feet and it was a highlight of the night. I think he should give These Days the flick and stick with a song that he sings normally and everyone knows and can sing along to.

Surprisingly, the Lost Highway songs came over really well. I'm one of the people who didnt really want to hear too many of them but certainly the first nite had a good mix and they sounded great. Could have maybe done without Summertime the second nite but all in all they sound heaps better than on the cd.

One song that seemed to go over really well both nites that I didnt expect was Have a Nice Day. Awesome live song and should never be left out. A couple that were surprisingly downers were Who Says You Cant Go Home both nights and I'd Die For You the first nite. I dont think Who Says was even a hit here so considering where they play it in the set, nobody really knew it that well and a lot of people sat down. Also as the first song of an encore I dont think I'd Die For You is the perfect choice. It sits better towards the start of the set.

Lots has been made of the encores and I have to agree with most people's comments. To quote Jon on the second nite 'ive got more hits than a prize fighter!' maybe he should use some in the encore. Second nite wasnt too bad with HAND and Wanted but was a little disappointed to end again with I Love This Town. First nite encore got off to a bad start with I'd Die For You. Came good with Hallelujah and Wanted but again fell flat with I love this town. Even swapping Bad Medicine and ILTT could maybe work.

Anyway, dont wanna be too down on the guys because overall they were two awesome concerts. The atmosphere was great, the band was great and there's probably near on 40000 people who saw them who will definitely go back next time they're in town. I also notice LH has made a return to the charts. Amazing what a little publicity can do...

Sorry this was so long.
Cheers
Steve