Night 2. I was in row 2 of the pit this night in front of Richie. Oh yes, he's back, all the way back. He was having fun, and Jon was having fun with him.
This set was a bit more vanilla for me only because the five different songs weren't really surprise songs for me. But hey there were five different ongs in the setlist from the night before which is what Jon promised he would try to do, so I'm good.
The pit:There is never really a question that the pit is a great place to be is there??? LOL!!!
FYI though. If you are doing more than one show do one outside the pit so you can really get a feel and see the production, it's too good to miss. The pit is really pretty roomy once the show starts, and even more so after Jon goes out on the walk around and people move to the back of the pit to be closer to him and the band. Hint, If you are someone who wants to shake the bands hand or high five them at a show, the back of the pit during the acoustic set is the place to be. All of the guys walk back up to the main stage doing the hand high five thing with fans. Just sayin". Oh and if you are in rows 6 or 7 seven of the pit, when the acoustic part starts stand behind your chairs, it's safer that way, LOL!!
Highlights night two: Jon doing MAM out front. I know alot of you don't love it but he does it very well and it goes over here in the States.
Jon teasing Tico about being "rusty" when he went into the juke box part of Bad Medicine, said he guessed they needed a few more shows to shake the rust off.

The songsfrom the first two records. I'm not a huge fan of any of these, but they are getting better tha more they play them. Audience seems good with them, and the hits seem to be spaced out pretty well throughout the show.
Jon singing IBTFY with Richie out on the walkway.
WWBTF really sounds like it belongs live.
The video screen for Prayer!! These sent in vids are hilarious!!
Jon was in better voice night 2, He was coughing a bit night one, but his breathing and stuff was better night 2. He's very close to being in great tour voice!!
Overall, both shows were very good. The band sounds tight and well rehearsed, although I heard through the grapevine that there wasn't all that much rehearsal at rehearsals, mostly alot of talking about what songs to put in take out etc.Still they sound really good so I can't wait to see tham again mid tour when they are really well rehearsed on all these songs!! It was a good fun weekend in Seattle.
My two big obsevations from these first two shows.
I got the impression the last couple of tours that Jon felt the need to carry the shows, probably because of the struugles Richie was going through, but it's very obvious that that isn't the case this time out. Jon is more than comfortable having Richie step out and shine and he seems more reelaxed and happier on stage because Richie is back to being his old self. It's fun to watch guys, you're gonna love it I promise!!
Jon was right, the new songs were meant to be played live. The Circle is a very good record but live, all the new songs I heard are just really great.