The Soaring Eagle Show...Dismal

OK, I went to this show as the first leg of my summer vacation and it was great because everything got better from there. It was a tremendously bad show for Jon, who stumbled around the stage for the entire hour he was there (though it did get better), constantly getting drinks and turning from the audience. The setlist was pathetically short--as was the show at just over an hour. Richie was not on with all his vocals, but it was ok because he and Hugh and Dave had so much energy. They were definitly fun to watch. But then you'd look at Jon, who looked angry (yes angry) and in need of oxygen.

BUT, it was a 10000 person venue and I bet only 6000 or 7000 showed. Jon was obviously annoyed with the pitiful promotion for this event by the Casino (whos job it is contractually to promote this show)--who only a week or two prior didn't even list it on there Website, and only posted one advertisement in the paper a month beforehand. It was clear that Jon had no intention of 'Having a Nice Day' or going over the Casino's bare-bones minimum 75 minute setlist. And keep in mind that 75 minuted includes about 10 or 15 in much the band made us ooh and ahh for an encore and also the bows at the end.

The staff at the casino was rude to all of the people I was with, with security swarming the stands and kicking everybody out of not only their chairs, but out of the entire venue and lot immediatly after the show ended (I was told I had to wait at my car by security while my friend went to use the portojon) and not allowing any time to talk and laugh.

I will never go to a Casino show again. After hearing the rumors of more diverse shows this tour, I was left uninspired. They edited solos and bridges completely out of songs (Everyday and one or two others).

I am curious what was said about this show on the official BJ board. I was gone for a week and completely forgot about the show because my vacation was so amazing, but then I came back here and was reminded of the wasted 120 dollars I spent on my ticket that I could have used on the West Coast or for school.

Oh and we made a 12 foot long sign that took hours that we couldn't use because that twirp didn't start the show until quarter-to-9 and it was dark.

I must say, however, that I didn't realize how much Jon's voice has improved. After pumping my fists to Have A Nice Day and singing along, I realized how hard that song is to sing. So, I guess that is one positive thing about the show.

I was at this show and at the Milwaukee Brew Ha show the night before. Everyone agrees it was indeed a short show but I think it was more than 75 minutes. Maybe pure playing time was 75, I don't know. But, the casino dictated that the band would play a 90 minute set. I do agree that Jon was sluggish. Who knows why he was this way. There has been lots of speculation from he was having back problems to he may have been upset about a funeral he had to attend the next day for a family member. I think his inner ear mic problems in the beginning annoyed him. There were other equipment problems too. I am glad to see you mentioned that his voice was good because even if his energy was low his voice was very good that night. Milwaukee he was full of energy and all over the stage. That was the better show though the length was about the same. I wasn't expecting the SE show to be more than 90 minutes after having gone to the Hard Rock show in Vegas and it being a non tour show.

I agree that SE won't be a place I'll visit again. The security in the casino as well as out at the venue was fairly heavy handed and rude. Plus, once you got tired of gambling there was NOTHING to do.

I too went to Se for the weekend and have to agree about not returning to this venue. Security was heavy- handed, these people want you in the casino and no where else. They had lines painted on the floor next to the floor rows, if you stepped outside the line they were forcing you back inside it or telling you to leave.
As for the show it was short, hour and a half, but most non-tour shows are about that so I wasn't surprised by this part. The band did start late and Jon was very lethargic. His voice was strong but they had alot of trouble with mics and earphones. Jon was not very happy, it seemed like he wasn't feeling right, although I have to say he really did try. You could almost see him talking to himself btwn verses and songs pushing himself to find energy. He had little to say to the audience.
Richie too seemed to struggle. He played well but minus some of his usual bravado, and he struggled vocally.
Dave, Hugh and Tico were all in fine form, Dave in particular was very energetic.
' I wouldn't say it was a horrible show but it was just OK, they are definitely not tour ready yet. Alot of it was less good for me because of where it was. There is no real bar in this casino just a couple of small floor bars in the casino area and one small lounge type bar that closed up at 11pm!!! The restaurants closed early as well leaving just a small crowded snack bar again right next to the casino floor so it's hard to sit and talk. Not a very good place for a concert in my opinion, and not a place I'd go back to.

Damn!
And to think that I almost made the trip because my cousin who lives in michigan offered me the chance to go if I could play for the plane tickets but I said that I'd rather save for a tour show later in the year.
Guess I did the right thing.