WE'RE BACK! Back on the road again! July 27th was our first show back since the July 5th show when we were given the tragic news that Joe Elliot's father was dying. Joe returned to the UK and his father died 2 days later. The first show back was in my home state, Ohio at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati.
I was a bit nervous that the time off would make the return to the road bittersweet. I decided to not over think or over analyze my feelings and just hit the road. To my surprise, I was very happy to see the production guys and the band members again! It felt good to see others and to be seen. Also, going through the routine of driving, sound checking, breakdown and collecting Evan's paycheck gave me a sense of purpose.
Don't get me wrong, the time off was great but the only thing that got me out of bed during the break was the planning of our evening meal. Sleeping and eating, swimming and drinking beer is great but when that is your only objective for the day you can easily feel unfulfilled. Humans are clearly beings meant to use their hands and head to act on the world around them.
It was hot and humid! The amphitheater was right on the bank of the Ohio River which made the air smell swampy. My dad had made plans to see the show that night. He brought with him a friend from Wooster and swung by Dayton to pick up his older sister Becky. Evan and I waited for them in Lebos, a bar down the road from the venue. My dad tried to sneak up behind us when he arrived and was disappointment when we turned around to greet him. He wiggled with excitement for the night ahead.
We had a few drinks and shared stories before heading over to the Riverbend Music Center. I was a bit nervous for Evan's performance, as was he. The first show back after the break felt almost like we were back at the beginning of the tour again. I worried that the jitters would tie Evan's fingers up in knots.
Evan opened with his song "Woodpecker" and the sweat began to pour. The heat was stagnant and the crowd was swelling. Vivian Campbell stepped out on stage and helped Evan play the Robert Johnson cover "Come in my kitchen". A great performance that was well received by the growing audience. Evan closed his set with "The Giving Tree" and I sat back in satisfaction. It had been a great opening show, no need for the anxiety.
Heart started up their set with quite a few changes. Nancy fractured her left wrist so she was wearing a brace and it caused her to lightly finger her guitar. The band had hired a guitarist to help Nancy with her parts so the stage looked a bit crowded with the new, male addition. The set list was completely different! They started off with a Led Zeppelin cover, "Rock & Roll" and then went into "Magic Man". Oops, Craig's guitar wasn't receiving power. OH! And there went Ben's drum stick, flying into the crowd. The band worked at wearing in the changes to the show with a bit discomfort and uncertainty.
Ann's voice sailed above the imperfections and captivated everyone. I was probably the only one that really noticed the missed measure or the fumbling guitar intro but that's what happens when you watch the same show over 2 dozen times; the ear can more easily pick up on the differences. (Sigh) It's good to be back! It feels like home to watch the performances and so intimately know the run of the show.
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