OK. Second gig on the Time Machine Tour tonight at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena.
Now I have something to compare, the first thing I’d say is that the sound here was much better than at Glasgow SECC – clearer and sharper. Sheffield is also more vertical (with tiers), whereas Glasgow is more horizontal (only a single bank of seats around the edge of the floor). I find the tiered arenas give a better atmosphere.
Having said that, the crowd was initially a lot quieter than at Glasgow, and it was only around the point where Subdivisions was played that they seemed to wake up – after that it was much livelier.
I was seated (well, until the show started, then it was standing) centre stage. Now, I’m not going to go over the set again, because Rush always play absolutely to a schedule – you can see the review of the Glasgow gig below for that). I have never seen them deviate from the set between gigs, and only once did I see Alex miss a cue just after before “And the meek shall inherit the earth” during 2112 (I think that was the Hold Your Fire tour in the 80s if memory serves).
A reader made this comment about the show:
Show was great, and think the high points for me were the songs that I’d not seen live before, like ‘Stick It Out’, ‘Presto’ & ‘Camera Eye’ (can’t remember if they did that one back in ’81 as my memory is sketchy with age!!). To see ‘MP’ in entirety was a real joy. Found the sound quality to be very crisp too.
One of my friends who was with me last night also commented that it was the best show he’s seen them do – and he’s been with me for one show at each of the last three tours. His comments relate to the tour, not the individual gig.
At Glasgow, I had my old Sony digital camera with me, and in all honesty that photo I posted was just about the only one that came out properly. Tonight I was trying out my new one. Just take a look at some of these:
And this is just a sample. Virtually every one is crisp and detailed, and since they are over twice the size of my 2,048×1,920 monitor, there’s a lot you can do with them.
I also recorded Neil’s drum solo in HD and that is also crisp and clear.
Anyway, another awesome performance by Rush. Clinical, skilful… just brilliant!
A lot of people are searching for the setlist. Here it is:
First Segment:
- Spirit of Radio
- Time Stand Still
- Presto
- Stick It Out
- Workin’ Them Angels
- Leave That Thing Alone
- Faithless
- BU2B
- Freewill
- Marathon
- Subdivisions
Second Segment:
- Tom Sawyer
- Red Barchetta
- YYZ
- Limelight
- The Camera Eye
- Witch Hunt
- Vital Signs
- Caravan
- Drum Solo
- Closer to the Heart
- 2112 Part I: Overture
- 2112 Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx
- Far Cry
Encore:
- La Villa Strangiato
- Working Man
Definitely, you get your money’s worth with a Rush gig. Started at 7.30pm, finished at 11pm.
Next step: Manchester MEN Thursday. Get your arses there – you’re missing something really cool.
Addendum: People are asking about show times. The doors open at 6pm and the show starts promptly at 7.30pm. It ends at 11pm, and there’s a 20 minute break in the middle.