I've been to more concerts than I could list. Seriously, I don't even remember all of them at this point. But I can tell you that last night's Blue Man Group show at The Q in Cleveland was the best I've ever been to.
Catherine was blown away, and that's saying a lot because I think her musical standards are a lot higher than mine. We agreed that the show blows away what they do in their stage shows. Kara loved it too, and since she has been obsessing over The Complex for the last year, I should hope so!
Tracy Bonham opened, and she delivered. I was relieved when I heard she was on the tour because she really made The Complex (the DVD anyway) feel more legitimate. She knows how to capture a crowd's attention and keep it (not hard when you say "Go Cavs" in The Q). She did most of her set by herself, using a sampler to play then loop her own stuff. She plays guitar and of course the violin, and she does both well. A few members of the band, or at least their shadows, joined her on a few songs.
She did the three songs I was hoping for, including "Mother Mother" from 1997ish, as well as "Naked" and "Shine" from her album last year (my two favorites). I love "Shine" because it's one of those songs that you want to play for people that don't realize their value to the world. Makes you feel good about people and what they have to offer.
The Blue Man set was largely The Complex, with the expected covers. The totally new thing they added was Pink Floyd's "One Of These Days," and it was absolutely insane. The bass line came from the tubes, and it absolutely rocked. They worked a gimmick into the song about over-zealous guitar solos, and with one of the greatest lighting moments really realized all of the visual potential that goes with such a great, classic rocker.
There were several blow me away moments, the first being "I Feel Love," which went just fine with Tracy on vocals in the 40-pound lighted dress. The crowd was not nearly as into it as I expected, but they were lame most of the show (only empty seats were in the nose bleeds).
"Exhibit 13" was very moving, and it gave me goose bumps to hear/see it live. Baba O'Riley was easily the high point in terms of energy, from the sheer speed of the drumming to the way Tracy shred the violin. Totally amazing.
If they come to your town, you need to go see them.
I saw the show last night in CinCity.
Very much like the last tour, somewhat different set list (see Jeff's comments). The addition of Fred "I was a Blue Man once" Armisen and the woman whose name I didn't get, was a nice diversion. I did not get any of the Mobkast text messages. I followed the fool-proof directions, but alas - I was the one fool they didn't think of.
Overall, an excellent evening. The CinCity crowd was smallish. They did not sell upper level seats on the sides, only the back. I would estimate maybe 5000 people total. I brought home some mylar streamers (from getting wasted), many comments and odd looks on the way back to the car. The area was very busy for Tall Stacks so many on the streets had no clue.