So last night was the third show this year I've seen, and I have enjoyed all three, starting with the snow show, then Gillette this summer and Mohegan again last night. Gates were supposed to open at 7, and at 7, the gates did not open and word was going around that the band was still doing soundcheck, but I can't confirm that rumor. Gates opened around 7:15, and at 8:30 the screen flased "Showtime in 1 minute" but it actually took about 15 minutes to start from that point. I didn't expect Lost Highway as the opener, I would've put money on Water but that song came second. Jon's facial expressions during Water and Bad Name were painful to look at, but overall I thought Jon sounded pretty good. Radio and Superman were nice surprises and they are two of my favorite songs so I liked hearing them. JBJ said we would be in for a few surprises and we did get a few songs that hadn't appeared that often in sets this year. Like someone else said, I'd Die For You was listed on the setlist, as was HAND but I suspect that they were dropped due to Mohegan's strict 11 PM curfew. The end of the main set seemed rushed and the encore was quick and abrupt, again I think that is because of the curfew. Lemma was on fire last night, and I hope a video of Radio surfaces because his backing vocals were especially excellent in that song. Phil X was fired up all night and delivered a great show. He looks more and more comfortable each show and he's getting better and better. Only negative of the show was Bobby during his solos, can't recall which song but at one point he jumped up and down and looked like a little kid trying to put on pants, and his side to side wave during Captain Crash was just awkward, but his backing vocals were superb. Thick as Thieves was great, and it worked very well in a small arena. All in all, the show was good, it was short due to curfew, but performance-wise, I couldn't ask for much more.

I would just like to say that the band that I saw last night was the farthest thing from a "tired old has been" band. I was expecting absolutely NOTHING from this concert. I was more excited about the company I was keeping and the food and drink than I was about the music - BEFORE the show. The reports have been so dire that I figured that they would finish the tour and crawl away home to lick their wounds. Once again these guys have sucked me back in.

This was an awesome show, done by a bunch of professionals who were genuinely having a good time together playing music. Jon gave a few nice speeches but most importantly he said (and I am paraphrasing) "We ain't goin' nowhere." He also said that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. He also gave a nice speech about Phil and his new baby and how he came right back to the tour (not letting anyone down).

I finally got to hear more songs from the "new" album, there were 5 of them played last night. No Jon didn't attempt Always or Dry County but what he did do he did well - I loved Thick as Thieves.

Was it the best show of theirs that I have seen - nope - not even close. But it was a good solid show albeit a bit short. I knew it was a casino going into it and they are always short. It was happy and enjoyable and I heard some new stuff - good enough for me.

First I should say, I've felt like crap the past couple weeks so that had an affect on my enjoyment. I just couldn't get into it. However, the band (Jon aside) sounded fine. Phil has really come into his own. My friend who was with me and is just a casual fan missed Richie's stage presence but agreed, close your eyes and Phil sounds better than Richie.

The set was obviously short, but it was nice to hear Superman and Thick as Thieves sounded great.

Jon was off and on all night. Some songs he sounded fine (Army of One was great), and some he sounded like crap (It's My Life). Some, it didn't matter how he sounded (Prayer) because the crowd was so loud. Wanted, was rockin'. Phil tears that solo apart. I loved Jon giving Phil props for being at the show. His speeches seemed sincere.

Bobby, what can be said? This guy has no business being on tour with this band anymore. He butchered every lead solo he had. He has no stage presence. Then again, neither does Hugh. He is the most un rock n roll performer I have ever seen play in my life. David sounded great on backing vocals. Tico's drums at times sounded like a very loud cow bell. Couldn't figure that one out. BTW, why does he insist on wearing that woman's sparkly shirt?

All in all, it was OK. I liked getting 5 songs from WAN and was pleasantly surprised by how good they all sounded. Any real complaints about the show I have, like I said, would be from me feeling like ass and being half drunk.

I agree with this. Make A Memory I like but we didn't need Captain Crash, Saturday Night acoustic and Who Says.) I'll Sleep When I'm Dead was a waste as well. Had they played I'd Die For You and HAND and one more from WAN (I'm With You anyone?), the show would have been very good.

I was wondering what you thought of the show. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I'm also glad to hear that Jon gave props to Phil for making the show despite having a brand new baby waiting at home. I wondered if he would mention it or if it was one of those things they'd consider private.

Glad you all enjoyed the show. I think if you go with an open mind and plan to have drinks, dinner etc with friends - therefore making it part of the night, not the whole night, it is more enjoyable.

Army Of One
http://youtu.be/_7sB45JLem4

Radio Saved My Life Tonight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYDjW...ature=youtu.be

I wondered the same thing Becky but Phil was absolutely grinning from ear to ear for the whole show. His enthusiasm was infectious (it always is actually) and all of the band obviously wished Phil the best. Jon seemed particularly grateful to Phil for making the extra effort to get back for the show.

I've seen a video of it. Phil is beaming!! He is still wearing the hospital arm wristband on his hand and he put his arm in the air. Jon welcomes Xavier Joshua Xenidis into the world and said how Phil got straight to the hospital was there for the birth. Then he kissed his wife and son bye and came back to the show. He didn't want to let the fans down, the band down and Jon down.

Phil X genuinely deserves all the credit he gets. Not only has he filled in and made the shows carry on but to fly back to the band and carry on the show when his wife has just had a baby is a very kind thing to do. Football players don't play a match when they are in the same position so I think this is a great thing from Phil.