Great and wonderful show last night in Raleigh at the beautiful Fletcher Opera Theatre.  It was my first GBS show, and I was with a friend who had never even heard a GBS song before last night (by intermission, she was much in love with the band and had purchased a CD). 

The new material sounded very strong.  Sean was amazing on England and Dream to Live.  He also did the solo song last night, and he chose some song about Napoleon invading Russia.  He forgot about half the lyrics and made up some verse about bacon.  It was pretty funny.  The venue had really great acoustics, and the River Driver's Lament was a particular highlight of the older material.

All in all, a great show.  I hope the b'ys make it back to North Carolina.

You boys never fail to deliver a solid performance. Thank you SO much for bringing a little bit of home down here to Raleigh :-)   We last saw you in Seattle, WA and you just keep sounding bigger and better.  Going to a GBS concert is so much fun because you always bring out the Canadian crowd - and you know only good fun can come from that!   We brought 4 friends last night - 2 of whom were unfamiliar with your music - and they left as fans -- course how could they not ... who can resist a lively little Mari-Mack ;-)  Please come back to Raleigh, NC next year :-)

Here is my crack at the setlist.  I think I have a few of the songs out of order, and I think I forgot one in the second set.  But I am confident all of these were played in Raleigh.  If you were there, please help me out!

 

1. Love Me Tonight
2. The Chemical Worker's Song
3. The Night Paddy Murphy Died
4. When I’m Up
5. Jack Hinks
6. England
7. Charlie Horse
8. Hard Case
9. The River Driver
10. Here and Now
11. The War-Like Lads of Russia (Sean’s solo)
12. I Fought the Law/500 Miles/Bohemian Rhapsody
13. Company of Fools
14. Run Runaway

----

1. Instrumental Medley
2. Donkey Riding
3. When I Am King
4. Something Beautiful
5. Scolding Wife
6. Helmet Head
7. Dream to Live
8. Consequence Free
9. Meri-Mac
10. Ordinary Day

---

1. Walk on the Moon
2. Raleigh Song
3. Old Black Rum
4. Rant and Roar

What an AMAZING show last night! It was my 3rd GBS concert, and it seems like they just keep on getting better! The set was quite lovely, and made the theater even more magnificent. And the boys were fabulous! Alan was a hoot, as always, or should I say “instrument of joy”. Sean’s solo was great, he can really belt it with out a mic! (And I think the proper name for that song is “The war-like lads of Russia”.) Helmet Head was great with Bob leading the way. And we can’t forget about Kris and Prime Minister Murray, who kept the band going with their fantastic drumming and bass-ing! I met DaBoyz last night as well, what a fun crowd to sit with! (Thanks again for letting me sit in with you guys front row!!) And regarding the set list, I want to say they played Oh Yeah, but I’m not 100% sure. It really made for a fun night, with just about every one on their feet singing and clapping along. Again, what a great show, and I can’t wait until the next concert!

---

Go Tar Heels!

Okay, so who was the "Very Strange visitor to the stage in act 2" that Sean is referring to on Twitter?

---

Thank YOU.

Sweet Aqua.

Great Big Part Of A Great Big Dream Come True.

 What a grand show.

 

 

Bravo boys!  Another great show.  Last night the boys were in Raleigh.  Two thoughts after seeing the show.  Its been too long since you have been here.  Lets hope they come back soon!  I realized today that the concert did / does something unexpected. With Obama in town that morning, the news filled everyday our economy, the pressure of raising a family and working -- it was a welcomed escape for the 2 hours were able to share fantastic music and talent.  What we can't comprehend is the boys life.  FTR was in Jersey today, with another gig, new faces and new venue. They leave us humming/singing/thankful for what we saw.  Back to reality for us.  Does anyone ever think about that?

2nd thought -- Rude, weird chick jumps on stage last night to profess her love for her husband and then take over the aisle below.  WHOA!  Fans, wouldn't we all love to share a moment with them, but RESPECT is in order.  Trust me, the boys were not amused either.  What do you gain but very bad karma from the hundreds of people enjoying the evening.  Please learn from what others say about that fool. 

Raleigh welcomes GBS back - anyday!

Horatia:

Okay, so who was the "Very Strange visitor to the stage in act 2" that Sean is referring to on Twitter?

I'm guessing it wasn't another spider or there would have been more swearing in his post ;) 

---

"I see you in the front row, bouncing up and down, you're ripped and ready for a night downtown." ~ Margarita
What's wrong with a little flirtation?

Monster Tee

You offer an interesting perspective on both of your points.

And both of them make a lot of sense to me -

While the Raod Life the band must endure may leave them cramped, worn, and away from their loved ones, it is the carreer they've chosen and I'm sure they knew the "occupational hazzards" when they took it on.  At least right now, they've been able to create a schedule that gives them 2-3 weeks on the road followed by a two week break at home.  I think that's about as good as it an get for what they do and the Tour schedule they keep.  And I am grateful that they do it for us, and for their bread and butter.

....So that's what Sean meant about the "strange visitor" comment....

I hope you enjoyed the show none the less.  I've seen the guys invite a step dancer in the audience to dance on stage once last fall- which was cool -but then some wannabe helped herself to the stage and it kind of ruined the moment.  At least it is but a moment....Its like people who talk during an accapella OBD...grrr...show some respect people!

.So, what was your favorite part of the show?

---

Helen




I'm goin' Straight to Hell-On-Wheels!

Helen

I loved  the entire show!  Ah, the music...  can they sing!  

Alan is such a great showman.  The boys truly enjoy being on stage.  "instrument of joy" was a huge laugh.  And hearing them talk about their day in town. The story of their run in with the security guard at St Mary's (the private girls high school, not college and not UNC in Chapel Hill)  was hillarious.  Obviously this  was after the Obama rally - another laugh.  Cheers for Prime Minister Murray.

We all wish we had the opportunity to see them more often.  Yep, when  they come back, we will be there. And for them... just in a few more days and they are home with their families.  Everyone needs that to be reenergized!

People who talk incessantly during concerts (and especially a cappella songs) are just plain stupid!  And what about the ones who try to belt out at the top of their lungs during River Driver??!!  Fer Krist's sake, we didn't pay to hear you, we paid to hear Alan!!

---

http://mjbphotos.tripod.com
http://www.myspace.com/mikebirchmusic