The band has picked up right where they left off over the summer. They are a finely oiled machine, but they play with such reckless abandon you might not know it. Alice still delivers like only he can with total command over the show and the audience. A master showman.
The beautiful and amazing Orianthi is a real coup for The Coop. It is a real treat to have her as a member of Alice's band. In addition to being a simply amazing guitar player, her beauty serves as contrast to Alice's beast. I had the pleasure of being front and center for both shows and it's so much fun watching Ori play and perform. The interaction between her and Alice "Moves like Jagger" Cooper during IBYFO is one of my favorite parts of this show. I really hope she's a member of this band for a long time to come.
The Richmond crowd was rocking and it was great to see. They were way into the show. When the snake came out, a roar went up from the crowd that I can't ever remember hearing. Awesome.
We got the "smoke" intro rather than the "pyro" intro, which I had not seen yet. Different, but still cool. It's also great that "He's Back" is back in the set and it got a great reaction. Based on conversation with various people, it seems to me many want to hear this song so maybe it's more beloved than perhaps may have been previously thought. I know it's always been one of my favorites in the catalog. I liked how Alice used the mask during the song.
Another cool moment in the show that you might miss if you're not paying attention is the "magic cane" during "School's Out". When Alice comes out, it looks like he has no cane... then the next thing you notice is he does. I did a double take the first night. Pay close attention
My pics from the show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95849697@N ... 933355824/
