18-08-98 show, Molson Center, Montreal, Canada
Just thought I'd use a few minutes ro give my impressions on yesterday night's show here in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
I came in a 7:30 sharp and Dream Theater had already started. I didn't know anything about the band but I must say I was pleaseantly surprised. These guys are heavy, tight and they put on a great show. A great prog-metal band that is definitely worth checking out..
After a short break to setup the stage ELP came on. These guys can still rock! Keith Emerson's Concerto was amazing. I heard that he has some problems with his articulations but that didn't show at all. He's a magician! Carl Palmer's drum solo has incredible. Almost as good as Rush's Neil Peart. But the encore really blew me away. Thay came back playing 21st Century Schidzoid Man seguing into Fanfare for the Common Man. Then Keith Emerson took out his organ and began abusing it like crazy. He then jumped on the grand piano and started playing Bach's Toccata and Fugue upside down! I was freaking out!! Great great set.
After another short break, Deep Purple came out blasting with Hush. Steve Morse is simply brilliant (although I find he throws in too many high notes and harmonics all the time). All the good old stuff was there except Child In Time, but nobody expects it anyways. I has happy that they did a lot of the older stuff since a lot of fans here older (especialy being teamed up with ELP and all...). The guys are in great shape, I really loved the improv between Ian Gillan and Steve Morse during Speed King. Pictures of Home was also excellent. The show finished off with Highway Star. I had read that Gillan's voice was bad in a few reviews but I found it was very good, especially toward the end of the show.
Overall a wonderful evening. I was very happy with the organisation of the show (starting on time, very short breaks (~15 mins) for setting up the stages). I hate shows where you wait an hour between each band. The sound was crystal clear as usual (I heard the Molson Center is one of the 3 best arenas (soundwise) in North America, and I have to agree 100%). An excellent show!
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