Litany

Royal Albert Hall tomorrow! Bet you're excited, iadamh!

I just don't take pics. I'm too into the music to even bother getting my camera out. Here's a couple pics that I took that day though. This one's the closest I came to taking one during the show. Line. Big line. Big fucking line. So exciting, right?

I'm just a lucky mouse is all. I was standing with a group of fans in front of the venue and saw them! I think they really got the point across with this show to us die hards. I really do. It was amazing. I really fear concert-going may now be ruined for me. :lol:

New York: We got into the city relatively early, wandered a bit, and saw Colin walk by us! He was occupied so we didn't bother him. I didn't feel right to try to wave him down and I met with some other fans during this time. A little while later, Wes walked by! He stopped to greet us and shake hands, etc. I asked if he remembered me, and then after saying Mickey ears, he knew immediately who I was. I didn't get a picture as he was in a hurry, but he was very nice as per usual and I was grateful for him stopping to say hi! He's great. We stopped by the Heartland brewery after that, for beer and food of course, and the sheer amount of fans who'd converged from all over the country - even from overseas - was overwhelming to say the least. The place was bursting at the seams. One fan had created some little "pass" looking type things and sold them to other fans. They were a neat little thing and cheap too so I got one. Next stop: venue! The line was long. Like, ridiculously fucking long. Oh. God. What the hell was that about? There was a couple of fans behind us and they were talking about how they couldn't believe how many people really showed up, etc. It sometimes makes me laugh how there's these fans out there who just have no idea because they don't really look. Anyway, we got into the venue and the merch stand was a total clusterfuck. Ade wasn't running it. We had Radio City peeps running it. Three of them. And they looked very, very stressed. The cashier I eventually landed in front of ignored me. Even though I was right in front of the register, she refused to serve me because she had people coming up to her side to try to buy things, served one or two, and told us to merge. I was waiting and waiting, and she would not get to me at all. Other fans started to get mad at her even though I didn't know them and kept saying, "She's been waiting a really long time now!" pointing me out. Eventually, the gal I was traveling with got to get merch so she picked up what I wanted for me, and when she was asking my sizes, the cashier assumed I was her daughter and THEN finally started talking to me. I was very annoyed to say the least, but I bought a Recordings shirt, a Radio City exclusive Incident shirt, and an Anesthetize pen! Oh come on. That is awesome. Showtime! They did an acoustic, stripped down miniature setlist which they said they were self-supporting themselves, and hoped we enjoyed the headliner, etc. Set: Stranger by The Minute Small Fish Pure Narcotic Black Dahlia Futile Pure Narcotic had me in tears. I was so thrilled to have gotten to see it (it's my number one favourite song). The whole set though, wow. That was really neat. Black Dahlia sounded beautiful live. It was an honour to be there for the first play. I now have a whole new respect for it. Not that I didn't like it before. And just before Futile, Steven mused a little about how they were picking songs for the set but weren't sure, and they wanted, "the most inappropriate for this set up, we think this is it." and started playing Futile on acoustic. Richard did a rock on thing, I laughed, and then started to headbang. I think I got weird looks and was probably the only one doing it besides Richard but ... oh well. They left the stage after that, and the crew worked on dismantling that set to set up the real one. Which was awesome. They were really far back from the edge. The stage was MASSIVE! And while they set everything up, the background to Even Less was playing. When they got it sorted, the band came back and ripped into Even Less. I thought the music was just a teaser but no, they played it. And it gets better. After the number chanting, at which point I thought the song was over, they continued and Steven was suddenly shouting, "FUCK YOU! And your ... book too! You can ... have it baaaaaaack." I crapped myself to say the least. Open Car wasn't really a shocker, and neither was Lazarus. But boy oh boy, The Sky Moves Sideways ... :whistle: Steven got out the acoustic guitar again and then talked about the curfew imposed on them by Radio City, so he explained the lack of the entirety of The Incident for the evening but they would play most of it. He said they wanted to play as many oldies as possible. So they proceeded with I Drive The Hearse, and then Bonnie The Cat. My neck was toast by Bonnie The Cat. They did their usual ten minute intermission and came back with the first five parts of The Incident. I was dismayed at not getting the title track but it was replaced with Dislocated Day (!!!) and wow. The reaction to that was amazing. Many of us kept wondering how they could keep surprising us thus far and thus far and they just kept doing it. I expected Time Flies, and it appeared. I did not however, expect Anesthetize but they sure did the second section. I have heard it every time I've gone but it is never a bother to me. Always such a pleasure to get that one for me. I really got thrown for a loop at the end of that set, and then the encore ... Steven came back out and said, "We only have time for one more song, but it's a fuckin' long one." I looked at my phone's clock, gauged the time left (roughly 13 minutes) and immediately screeeeeamed at the top of my lungs, "ARRIVING SOMEWHERE!!!". Wouldn't you know, the little intro bit started playing. I started to headbang even though my neck hurt so bad from all the other thrashing. It was epic. Totally epic. I came out of that venue feeling like I was stoned. I was in awe. Amazing show. So glad that I went. So so very glad. I have a lack of interesting pictures this time, but I do have some of the venue itself and the line and fans and the clock during the intermission. But I have to wait until I get home. Setlist: Even Less (full version) Open Car Lazarus Tinto Brass The Sky Moves Sideways (phase one) I Drive The Hearse Bonnie The Cat Occam's Razor The Blind House Great Expectations Kneel and Disconnect Drawing The Line Dislocated Day Time Flies The Pills I'm Taking Up The Downstair Sleep Together Arriving Somewhere But Not Here

About an hour. In New York right now. Heading into the city for the Radio City Music Hall show tonight! Will have an update after the gig...

Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled by Porcupine Tree

I prefer Felt Mountain and Black Cherry. Supernature was good. I haven't given Seventh Tree enough listens to really say one way or the other, however ... must go do that ...

Orlando Pre-gig: Did a lot of wandering in Downtown Disney. Met Wes. http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389046134524_760784524_378873.jpg First time I've ever met a musician. I froze up. Fail. Quick summary: Bigelf were okay. The sound wasn't great. The crowd was hella obnoxious and one guy yelled out "This isn't worth $25!" which clearly irked SW. He later quipped that Bigelf alone were worth $25. This ended with comments from SW about how the front row crowd have probably spent $500 on PT stuff, and then he asked the fellow who said it wasn't worth $25 how much it'd be. "You'd remortgage your house?". The setlist was pretty decent. Nothing real special. I was at the rail between SW's keyboard and mic. Bad, bad vantage point. I couldn't see Gavin or Richard. The Incident (Disc One) The Start of Something Beautiful Russia on Ice (first half) The Pills I'm Taking (Anesthetize, second section) Lazarus Way Out Of Here Normal Bonnie The Cat The Sound of Muzak Trains Post-gig: I met Gavin Harrison who was kind enough to sign my copy of Illosaarirock and take two photos with me when the first one did not take. http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389053339524_760784524_378888.jpg Miami Pre-gig: Involved wandering around Miami Beach for food and queuing when there was not even a queue. However when we came back with food, one person exploded into roughly 30 or 40. Someone gave the go-ahead to let us in a little too early, so we made it in to see Bigelf soundchecking. Singer/keyboardist Damon Fox made a little comment about how they were the "new Porcupine Tree" when he saw us coming in. Quick summary: My new spot was on the rail between where SW's keyboard would end and Wes's mic, so I had a straight view of Richard. Bigelf freaking rocked this time. Their sound mix was perfect and they varied the setlist making the night interesting and fresh. Porcupine Tree soon came out and the crowd was a little better behaved than in Miami, except for the people who decided taking out those massive Nikons after being told no photography a bazillion times was a grand idea. The setlist was great, SW's commentary was cute as per usual, this time focusing on this being his first time playing in Miami. He said that he went to the beach and had to use SPF 5000 because he's British, then commented that he forgot to put it in one area, which got a lot of "Ohhhh"s out of the crowd and then he said, "Hey now.", following up to say that he'd toasted his eyelids. He asked the crowd how many people were at their first Tree concert. A good many cheered, and then he pointed down at those of us in the pit with wristbands and said "Everyone but these guys? They've seen us 400 times now ..." That got a good laugh out of us. They played a surprise track for Miami, Blackest Eyes, which got a huge roar of approval out of me since I commented earlier in the trip that I really wanted to hear it. This is the first tour I've seen them and I haven't heard it until Miami. SW also called these two folks up on stage, who proposed marriage just before Trains. The Start of Something Beautiful Russia On Ice (Part one) Anesthetize (Part Two) Lazarus Strip The Soul .3 Remember Me Lover Blackest Eyes The Sound of Muzak Trains Post-gig: After visiting the merch stand and almost buying Richard Barbieri's solo album, Things Buried. I ran into Damon Fox. He commented on my ears, as he did the previous night mid-set. I told him that show was epic and asked for a photo. http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389046164524_760784524_378873.jpg "I feel like I'm in Disneyland." Outside, Wes came out to greet us and the staff member who was outside queued us up in a line. I got in line since the first time I met Wes, I had an epic fail moment and forgot to ask him to sign my copy of Ilosaarirock. Halfway through the line, some fans were gathering over by the gate. Richard had come off the bus to say hi. I stuck around in Wes's line ... http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389053364524_760784524_378889.jpg Then I made my way over to Richard and waited. People began asking me for sharpies. Richard used my markers, rotating them out for others when he thought one was dying on him. I finally got my copy of Illosaarirock signed by him ... http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389053374524_760784524_378889.jpg Then posed. http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Dirntlover/PT%202010/29261_389053379524_760784524_378889.jpg He really liked my ears. I had chucked them on stage in Orlando and he ended up with them, but both pairs that were on the stage were booted back into the crowd and I had to recover them. At this point, I was kicking myself for not buying Things Buried. Tampa Pre-gig: Lots and lots and lots of driving. Neat sights. Sleeping to Bass Communion. I dropped my crap off back home on the way and then went to this quaint little Italian place down the way and got some penne ala vodka. Good stuff. Wes appeared in the restaurant (he's such a social butterfly, isn't he? Really lovely guy!) and greeted us again. He seemed a touch nervous, but I suppose that goes with the territory of "Hometown show". Gig was reserved seating, so need to rush to the venue. The need to rush came when it began to rain really hard. I went inside, and the woman who was seating me inspected my ticket ... row A. "Wow, someone got a good ticket!". My vantage point here was exactly the same as Miami, except in a seat. Quick summary: Bigelf rocked the roof off again with a slightly different setlist. PT could not use their visual setups in this venue and "hoped the music was good enough". If you ask me, I say it was better without them. Nothing to distract you from the band. I like the visuals but I prefer it without. To each their own I guess. They played The Incident in full once more, the only downside to it was that we had to remain seated lest we be heckled by people behind us to sit back down. At the start of the second set, after some gear problems on Wes's side, Steven Wilson told us to stand since he knew it was our preference and the audience bolted out of their seats. The second setlist was radically different and by far the best setlist I've witnessed thus far. To say it would be my favourite show to this point would be putting it MILDLY! Wes got special mentions and the crowd went wild for him. The Incident (Disc One) Blackest Eyes Buying New Soul Hatesong Stars Die Anesthetize (Part Two) Normal Halo Trains Post-gig: I met Damon Fox one more time. He greeted me enthusiastically, asking how I was doing etc etc. I told him he rocked once more and went to go buy Things Buried instead of kicking myself for not getting it in Miami. Exhausted and tired, we went over to the local Hub by the theater where Wes came in and so did his actual band, greeting people. Richard also slinked in at one point but went off to the obscure corner. We decided it was time to go. Reality awaited us in the wee hours of the morning ...

Season?

Porcupine Tree Gazpacho Pure Reason Revolution God Is An Astronaut Sigur Rós

Gazpacho.

A little over a week to go! :dance:

I have moments where I prefer Normal over Sentimental too. I haven't listened to either of those discs lately. Note to self: Spin them! I think my favourite track from either of those discs though just has to be What Happens Now.

Incredible Expanding Mindfuck God Is An Astronaut Explosions In The Sky

Pure Reason Revolution

Seems the tour dates has been updated even more ... looking a lot more extensive now. April 2010 Apr 09 2010 MONTERREY, Mexico: Escenica Apr 11 2010 GUADALAJARA, Mexico: Teatro Diana Apr 13 2010 MEXICO CITY: Mexico: Teatro Metropolitan Apr 14 2010 MEXICO CITY, Mexico: Teatro Metropolitan Apr 17 2010 California, USA: Coachella Festival Apr 20 2010 DALLAS, USA: House of Blues Apr 21 2010 HOUSTON, USA: House of Blues Apr 23 2010 ORLANDO, USA: House of Blues Apr 24 2010 MIAMI, USA: The Fillmore Apr 25 2010 TAMPA, USA: Tampa Theatre Apr 27 2010 ATLANTA, USA: Tabernacle Apr 28 2010 CHARLOTTE, USA: Amos’s Southend Apr 30 2010 CHICAGO, USA: Riviera May 2010 May 01 2010 CINCINNATI, USA: Bogart's May 02 2010 DETROIT: The Fillmore May 04 2010 BUFFALO, USA: Town Ballroom May 06 2010 QUEBEC CITY, Canada: Capitole Du Quebec May 07 2010 MONTREAL, Canada: Place De Arts May 08 2010 TORONTO, Canada: Sound Academy May 10 2010 PITTSBURGH: Mr. Smalls May 11 2010 RICHMOND: The National Theater June 2010 Jun 19 2010 GERMANY: Hurricane Festival Jun 20 2010 GERMANY: Southside Festival July 2010 Jul 01 2010 DENMARK: Roskilde Festival Jul 10 2010 FINLAND: Ruisrock Festival October 2010 Oct 14 2010 LONDON, UK: Royal Albert Hall http://porcupinetree.com/tour.cfm

Enjoy Eternal Bliss - Yndi Halda

The Intention Craft - Pure Reason Revolution

My Debt To You - The Pineapple Thief

Chiaroscuro - Bass Communion

God Is An Astronaut

Amor Vincit Omnia - Pure Reason Revolution

Deus Ex Machina - Pure Reason Revolution

Kneel and Disconnect - Porcupine Tree

Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape - Porcupine Tree