Saw The "Beat" Tour Last Night

[Mousetoescamper]

5. I attended the 10/23 show in Reading, PA and

posted my cellphone photos in Music Appreciation and Photography on Oct. 25:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1034130914

A review can preempt someone else's enjoyment of a show and I declined to give my impressions at the time. My seat was left of dead center and seven rows from the stage, counting the three rows of VIP chairs set up at the foot of the stage.

I'd give the 10/23 performance a C- for the first set and a B+ for the second. I videoed portions of some songs and had the benefit of reviewing them after the show.

The vocals were barely audible during the first set, which was a great disappointment because I appreciate Belew's singing as much as I admire his playing, songwriting and incredible inventiveness. The guitars were overbearing and the mix favored the highs. Levin's bass and stick sometimes came through. The drums were the only instrument that cut through the noise consistently.
The sound mix was very good during most of the second set but the guitars were still a little overbearing, especially during solos.

The second set redeemed the shortcomings of the first. Waiting Man, Sleepless and Three of a Perfect Pair were the standouts for me.

I'd give the musicianship a B+. Why not an A? Vai did a lot of noodling and Belew's voice was sometimes off-pitch.