Alright, I admit it's been a long time since I've posted... and I mean a REALLY long time!

SO.... here's a nice concert review for y'all:

Steven Wilson and company have done it again, they’ve created an album that defines what has become the New Prog. Hard driving instrumentals, silky smooth vocals and thought provoking lyrics haunt the tracks of Fear of a Blank Planet, Porcupine Tree’s newest, critically acclaimed musical contribution.

Their current tour is in support of this album and support it they did, they played the entire album straight through! Now that’s something you don’t hear everyday, that’s for sure. After playing the title track Wilson announced that they would play the entire album and then have a 5 minute break and come back for some older tunes. It was a great plan that had the audience on the edge of their seats. The new songs do an excellent job of showcasing each of the members of the band: Wilson’s driving vocals and hard driving guitar licks, Richard Barbieri’s rhythmic keyboards, Colin Edwin’s steady bass, Gavin Harrison’s spot-on drums and John Wesley’s lush guitar solos and gorgeous backing vocals. The lyrics of these songs illustrate the numbness that technology has created in our youth and Steven Wilson’s stage presence was like an ominous portent of what might lie ahead if we turn off and get back to reality now. That pointing finger of his is an effective communicator and I felt its icy touch all the up in the balcony. They did the new album justice to be sure, a unique treat of a concert experience.The second half was chock full of lovely older tunes that included Lightbulb Sun, a searing rendition of Blackest Eyes, Trains (a fan favorite), Mother and Child, Open Car and Gravity Eyelids (one of my personal fave, wonders why!). Steven introduced a song from the In Absentia era that has never appeared on an album but “the Uber fan will know it”. Drown With Me was fantastic and is compelling me to seek it out! Halo had every single person in the audience screaming:

You can be right like me
With God in the hole you're a righteous soul
I got a halo round me,
I got a halo round me
I'm not the same as you
Cos I've seen the light and I'm gaining in height now
I got a halo round me,
I got a halo round me
I got a halo round my head

It was an amazing moment to be sure! All in all it was a wonderful show and it was obvious that the sold out crowd was loving every second of it!The lightshow was great as usual, with Lasse Hoile’s haunting (and often grotesque) images flashing on the large screen behind the band. The video for Blackest Eyes is as disturbing now as it ever was, a testament to its longevity and impact. It’s obvious they put a lot of thought into the show and the audience is appreciative of it. The opener for the evening was 3, a young group of long hairs with a distinct, almost metal sound. The lead singer has the voice of a young Geddy Lee and he belted out his vocals with passion and flare. Their performance was a surprising treat for overly anxious PT fans.

I’d have to say that if I had to pick out a highlight of the evening it would have to be watching John Wesley and hearing his contribution to the band. He sang just about every high part and he did it to perfection. His voice was lovely and his background vocals rounded out Steven’s sound. His guitar playing is getting better and better, he could certainly give Alex Lifeson a run for his money. My little group had the pleasure of speaking with John after the show at a pub and he told us that he has been working really hard on his vocals. It’s paid off John, and in spades. We asked him when he was going to actually join the band and he laughed --- I think he’s vital part of the group and can only add to their sound. Good show John, and great jacket!

It was another wonderful evening seeing one of my favorite bands of all time. And a special shout-out to Jon, George, Mike, Barry, Brian, Reed, Kevin, Alex, Ryan, Jesse and the rest of the gang --- you guys made an already fun night all the more special for RJ and me. Max and Poodledoo you were missed, next time, eh? I can’t believe there are so many cool PT fans in Cleveland…. Guess it just goes to show you that miracles can happen.