Show Reviews |
---|
Dave Matthews Band June 9, 2012 Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY Ants Rating: |
Show Reviews
User: aero318
Rating:
Review:
I knew going into it that nothing was gonna top N1. Could have used some more oldies but it was still a great show. The band played hard and the crowd was great!
User: aeroshady
Rating:
Review:
To be honest, one of the weakest set lists I have ever been to for DMB. Also a let down following night one.
User: ajk316
Rating:
Review:
The Stone! My all-time favorite DMB song and it was my first. PNP>Rapunzel was tight and awesome as always. It was really cool to see the classic SMTS>ASTB>TooMuch. Setlist was great and Two Step was a monster (A little disappointed it started over the crowd wanting Last Stop, but what you gonna do?) Great weekend of my first 7 DMB shows these two are definitely up there and will be hard to beat.
User: akalal
Rating:
Review:
Great evening with Pat, Travis, Tristan, Cindy, Jeff.
User: ant pegleg
Rating:
Review:
well, i have to agree w most posts here about song selection. i was a bit surprised to not here some rare gems. the reason being the timely release of hello again part 2, and the comments from the guys about playing at spac. i did not feel like there were any so-called setlist chances taken. that said, i still loved every song and had an absolute blast. the band seems so happy! loved every second of it. had great seats, met a lot of dmb family, got a dave guitar pic, and hugged my brother during sister. after all, its who youre with that really matters, right? thank for a memorable weekend, guys. i will never forget it.
User: anton13
Rating:
Review:
Decent show. N1 was far better. Overall it was an amazing weekend however! Love this town and venue! Makes for a great weekend getaway.
User: Bamalama
Rating:
Review:
Look, that N1 was tough to follow. Still this would make a great discs 2 and 3 in a box set, hint hint.
User: bbenson90
Rating:
Review:
Great set list and time other than the fact that I was way too intoxicated
User: bdifulvio
Rating:
Review:
so much energy, crowd was really into it, and DMB feed off them great, good setlist, great jams
User: bhuntley1220
Rating:
Review:
Not my favorite song selections for N2 at SPAC. regardless there was tons of energy. Thanks to all the folks who listen to us jam some acoustic Dave at the Gideon - see you all there next year!
User: bigbeartilidie
Rating:
Review:
Played a lot of blue chip DMB. Broke out my old 2000 tour surfboard shirt and had a great time on the lawn. The crowd was electric. Fond memories singing in unison choruses of Stone, Crush, #36 with so many others. Kraz on R&R was filthy and the assembly line-esq solos on Jimi from the Shady Horns felt very unique. AP sounded tight and was cool to see EWU, especially with new horn outro which I think makes the song seem fuller. The place erupted when the first chords of Stay were played and everybody was dancing. People inside keep saying that audience lost focus during Sister, but lawn seemed to hold it together. Lighters were lit and people paid attention. Glad they opted for Two Step over Watchtower at the end, Two Step is SPAC. I love this place.
User: Billy Walsh
Rating:
Review:
great energy
User: bookum134
Rating:
Review:
Somewhat dissapointing of a setlist from what i was expecting. Only debuts were Alligator Pie and Stay which is very dissapointing for what SPAC usually produces. Had fun either way though. Loved the stone and everyday
User: Cedwards0405
Rating:
Review:
Expected more for SPAC N2, but still great
User: Chelmij11
Rating:
Review:
Epic solos
User: chicane
Rating:
Review:
Came in with expectations way too high for SPAC. :(
The balcony seating was great for visibility but the sound below in the orchestra is far, far better.
User: ChrisAmorosi
Rating:
Review:
eh hee and two step were two of my favorites. During two step a fight broke out in the crowd but didnt ruin the song at all, added to the intensity
User: comeanddance36
Rating:
Review:
Setlist was a bit weak - didn't really feel as cohesive as DMB shows I've seen in the past, lots of long breaks between songs. Second half picked up, and the rendition of Two Step they closed on wsa awesome - a little added celtic rhythm there. This was my 21st DMB show overall, twelfth show I've seen at SPAC, and the crowd on the lawn was terrible, as usual - it seems I usually spend half the night fighting for my life, which diminishes the enjoyment a bit. Overall mediocre show. Maybe I'll hit Mansfield next year.
User: Cookie Monster
Rating:
Review:
Seats were in the Lawn.
User: Cornbread345
Rating:
Review:
Kraz. Shady Horns. Stone.
User: cotton#36
Rating:
Review:
huge dissapointment they really flopped on n2
User: crowdedstreets9
Rating:
Review:
after 12 summers at SPAC, this was the biggest disappointment. granted, it was a good show, but this show (number 56) was one of the messiest setlists
User: danamarie19
Rating:
Review:
Best show I have seen to date!! I have never seen Stefan dance around so much. Dave and Boyd dueling several times. tons of laughs from the guys on stage and interactions with the pit! INCREDIBLE
User: danastacy
Review:
My 1st Ballsfest!
User: daveleeson
Rating:
Review:
Eh Hee full band opener & Gaucho encore !!!
User: dinonuggs
Rating:
Review:
Spac was crazy
User: dirtdigger
Rating:
Review:
First trip to SPAC, super time.
User: dleverich
Rating:
Review:
This was by far the best DMB Show I have attended. A Future Live Trax ???
User: dmb947
Rating:
Review:
1st night was better
User: Dmbfan1O1
Rating:
Review:
so amazing
SPAC is awesome
User: dmbfanman11
Rating:
Review:
Great set list. Awesome energy! The guests really contributed a lot too!
User: DMBHartford
Rating:
Review:
great jimi and stay. the guests added a lot to those shows. the crowd was going crazy the entire weekend.
User: dncngnncy1
Rating:
Review:
First show at SPAC. What a great venue. RV friendly in the state park for tailgating. Good times
User: dobyblue
Rating:
Review:
2-stars, sad I missed Night 1 because I was in Montreal at the Formula One race, but was really looking forward to Night 2 especially after the N2's we got in 2008 and 2009. Last Stop chant was huge in 2010, so I was hoping maybe for that as well. The flow in this show was brutal. Look, Eh Hee is NOT a good opener and just not a good song. The crowd was jumping after YMDT but then Sweet? Terrible song placement, the energy was just SUCKED right out of the building. The Stone was my favourite song of the night, always enjoy hearing this one. Crowd loved it. Everyday wasn't bad, not a fave for sure, then Everybody Wake Up. Scratch that one off my list, but would never have been chasing it anyway. Terrible live song, very boring. Crush - Tim is awesome, good performance but nowhere near as good as the previous week in Toronto. Three Big Whiskey tunes, none of which were LITHOG or SMLAM, terrible flow! PNP > Rapunzel was good but then a mid-set Sister really deflated the energy again. Sister is an E1 song, that's just the way that is. Very standard SMTS > Too Much, rocking R&R followed by standard Jimi Thing and a decent Stay to end the night. Gaucho is a good tune but not sure it's encore-worthy, Two Step started amidst huge chants of Last Stop. Carter rocks Two Step as usual. So I think this had the worst flow of ANY of my 46 shows to date. Toronto handily bested SPAC N2 and when do you ever expect to say that?
User: DropTheDevil
Rating:
Review:
Great Energy from band and crowd. Moderate Setlist took away from the higher rating. Highlights did include Stone, R&R, Stay.
User: Drunkencook
Rating:
Review:
The best show I have seen so far, the vibe in the place was electric. The crowd was very into it, so much so that I couldn't even hear myself sing. Expectations for this show were way too high. People who are dissatisfied with the set list should be ashamed of themselves. We love the band because we don't know what's coming next. Not every set list is going to be perfect. This band isn't about set lists. It's about music and dancing and having a good time. If you were not singing and dancing during this show because the set list 'wasn't up to par' that's your loss. Set lists shouldn't matter. What's matters is that this band puts on incredible shows every night despite what the set list is. I will defend everything I just said 'til I'm six feet under ground.
User: Drye400
Rating:
Review:
My Birthday Show!! Amazing Set!
User: dtownsend
Rating:
Review:
damn good.
User: eslater57
Rating:
Review:
Great show as always and great time on the Lawn, but it was a bit hard to hear at times.
User: Fatoldsun
Rating:
Review:
Was expecting a lot more from a N2 SPAC; was hoping for DIDO, BOWA, Last Stop, or Rhyme and Reason. Got RAR. Show was better than looks on paper, but N1 on paper makes me cry (because I wasn't there!) Jimi Thing horns jam was awesome, RAR was a fave of the night. Carter Two Step jam was phenom. Can't wait for Bethel!
User: floppybeagle
Rating:
Review:
Rhyme & Reason.
User: flueck
Rating:
Review:
Great show, great friends and family. Caught a stick!
User: Froemama
Rating:
Review:
LOVED every second, the energy from the band and in the crowd was amazing!
User: GetOnTheBoat
Rating:
Review:
Fantastic energy and performances from the band tonight. Guests from Lettuce definitely were excellent. Only downer was that the
setlist was not as special as SPAC N1 or Mansfield N2.
User: GFord
Rating:
Review:
A solid evening. Too bad the band did not deliver with Last Stop.
User: gravedigger32
Rating:
Review:
a good show
User: Greene
Review:
First show
User: GruxBroggi
Rating:
Review:
Longtime friend of mine Eric Bloom sat in as a special guest on Jimi Thing and Stay.
User: guitarseniorita
Rating:
Review:
Everyday crowd loved it!
User: h0neyh0ney
Rating:
Review:
Great set from beginning to end. I thought that the time bomb intro to two step was amazing. The band looked like they had fun.
User: hazeman
Rating:
Review:
Solid show
User: higheverday
Rating:
Review:
1 was planning on missing spac this year. after the set list N1 i decided to drive last minute from buffalo to catch the show. i want my $300 back. 40 shows and i never learn. i expect way too much from this band at venues like this.
User: hitmansp13
Rating:
Review:
Good energy tonight but the setlist was a bit odd.. especially for the first half of the show. Wasn't a great show but was still very good and fun to be a part of.
User: i did it
Rating:
Review:
Let down from the N1 set, but awesome performance nonetheless
User: jbadgeruw
Rating:
Review:
Even though the setlist from N1 may have been better, this show gets a 5 from me. It was my first time being at the rail in the Pit. I got 2 handshakes from Dave, 2 from Boyd, a shoutout from Fonz, and a drumstick from Carter. The electricity coming off the stage was incredible! Jimi Thing with the horns and that insane version of Crush...are you kidding me!? Also loved the reworked Everybody Wake Up. What an amazing evening!
User: jedewan
Rating:
Review:
Fun show
User: jk93
Rating:
Review:
Two Step encore was so much fun.
User: jkmeyers3
Rating:
Review:
Compared to N1, it was disappointing. Set list lacked, the band seemed to be lacking energy. Stone was good, RnR was good as was Jimi Thing, but seemed to lack direction. Overall though, my first trip to SPAC was awesome
User: JohnG28
Rating:
Review:
This show was sick. People saying otherwise are idiots.
User: kayrondmb
Rating:
Review:
SPAC never disappoints!!
User: kkrue99
Review:
First show in 8 years and now I'm a complete Dave junkie again :))
Stayed at the Gideon in a porch suite with Debbie, Tracy and Kate. Really fun weekend!!
User: km41
Rating:
Review:
Band sounded great that night and energy inside the pavilion was awesome!!!
User: krizpy24
Rating:
Review:
I finally got to hear the stone!
User: lawlicorn
Review:
retro rates
User: lconroy213
Rating:
Review:
Great show to follow up the previous night
User: lezcuff
Rating:
Review:
A few broken strings.
User: lkraso01
Rating:
Review:
Friday was a better show, but still, the energy was great. They always it for SPAC weekend.
User: lmullane
Review:
Pretty lackluster show.....but fab seats!
User: lrhyde
Rating:
Review:
My first DMB show, so obviously I was stoked, but the set list was sub-par and I couldn't see too much of the stage because there as a cameraman in front of me.
User: luce2step
Rating:
Review:
INCREDIBLE! Took it back to their classic jams, and they seem to have found their groove together with Jeff and Tim. The addition of The and Eric on some songs was awesome. ROCKIN NIGHT AT SPAC
User: luke77c
Rating:
Review:
wasnt the best show ive seen, but its getting a lot of hate just because everyone expects so much out of spac. overall thought it was a very good show, energy was there, the band was feeding off the crowd. but the only thing I really wish was different was the encore. It was a little bit of a let down just ending on the predictible two step. at least the intro was a little different
User: Mags76
Rating:
Review:
Everybody expects so much out of SPAC N2, and after N1 (which I was not apart of because I expected it to get this kind of set list) anything wouldve been a disappointment. Honestly, I think if he woulda closed with a Last Stop, or Thank You, then this would be a better reviewed show but the encore was terrible. After 12 shows, ive seen my fair share of Two Step, and this was only my 2nd spac, first was of course the legendary 2009, which was the greatest N2 ever. This shows setlist flowed really well, but it was a little weird, there was no pattern but it still flowed. Mid-set everyday was nice, after 12 shows I finally got my first full version of too much, and first Rapunzel. Everybody wake up was a highlight. Good main setlist, but encore killed it, bring on Burgettestown!!!
User: mantis32
Rating:
Review:
It could've been the overpacked lawn crowd, leaving you with no room to move. It also could've been the overwhelming high expectations that fans, myself included, weigh on SPAC night 2. This show lacked set flow, energy, and creativity. It was nice to hear Everybody Wake Up and The Stone was a nice treat. The rest of the show was predictable and boring. The crowd never really got into the show and it's impossible to move, let alone dance, on the SPAC lawn anymore. This was probably my last time at SPAC. It's just not the same. Top 3 worst shows i've ever seen out of 19
User: matt630
Rating:
Review:
Liked the setlist less than the N1 show, but still a great show and the band brought it.
User: maxboost51
Rating:
Review:
Thoroughly enjoyed my night 2 experience at SPAC. first time at the venue and was actually surprised by the sound quality coming from the lawn. Granted I'm not an audiophile or whatever I still thought they sounded great, can only imagine how it sounded inside.
Set wise yes my expectations were pretty high after night one but I wouldn't call this a throw away show just because they didn't break out a liberation or anything too crazy.
I like guests on songs too but not all the time and thought the horns were better used N2 than N1.
Lastly to those who talk about this lawn being shitty you can go jump off the bridge leading to the balcony. Either you're a straight child or you have some kind of phobia with being around people but the lawn was not a bad time. people were dancing and singing, of course the non hardcores will talk during certain songs but I didn't have a problem with these supposed "bros" and "teenyboppers" that people talk about.. Grow a pair and if someone bothers you just ask them nicely to do something to make them stop.. Don't give the lawn a terrible rep.. I love me some seats don't get me wrong but I had to rant for the lawn haters :)
User: MaxonBartender
Rating:
Review:
Even through the Warehouse we were only able to get lawn seats for the second time in a row at a SPAC N2 event. Terribly awkward set list. Crowd on the lawn was absolutely insane and when you have 10,000 people standing in front of you it really muffles the sound. Horrible set and such a let down after night 1.
User: MaxPie
Rating:
Review:
A solid set with a very amazing Jimi Thing
User: MDon04
Rating:
Review:
This was my 36th DMB show - and my first time to SPAC. DMB concerts are hands down the best night of my life and I always come with as positive and happy of an attitude as possible. I couldn't wait to experience this venue for all I heard that it was...
Setlist aside, this was without a doubt the worst show I have ever seen. THE SOUND AT THE VENUE WAS HORRENDOUS!!! Like, disgracefully bad. Unfortunately I was on the lawn, but that's no excuse. I've sat on the lawn countless times at other venues. When Dave was screaming at the top of his lungs at the end of You Might Die Trying, you literally couldn't even hear it. When the sax was playing, you could only hear the high-pitched notes. I might as well have had somebody go to the concert for me and call me with their cell phone so I could listen in, given how bad it sounded.
I'm so incredibly disappointed to the point where I will never go back to SPAC unless I have seats right in front. Truly shocking.
And I'm normally not one to complain about setlists, but yikes. Not their best.
User: moneybe
Rating:
Review:
This show rocked. I am not sure what show all these other people were at. Just needed one more song in the encore to make this an epic show.
User: nathanielcyr
Rating:
Review:
10th Show!
User: peachamus
Rating:
Review:
I am just happy they keep doing this for us! Always a great time!
User: peterberg94
Rating:
Review:
Tough to follow N1 set list
User: Photographer37
Rating:
Review:
Lawn
User: pjs2869
Rating:
Review:
lots of energy but night 1 was definitely better on a whole.
User: Rangers11
Rating:
Review:
Uhhhhh..... What happened here???
User: relledge
Rating:
Review:
Energy was amazing! My 94th show and top 3!
User: revenge4hire
Rating:
Review:
Swing and a miss
User: Rflip8
Rating:
Review:
Great set great vibes! Band and the crowd rocked!
User: rjryan
Rating:
Review:
Everyone is killing the setlist. i thought opening with Eh Hee was one of the coolest events in my DMB history. That song (while certainly not my favorite) set this spooky, eerie, almost-sensual mood that just carried through the show. energy was intense. unfortunately got fucked again with lawn seats through the wh...but whatever, had a great time. love spac.
User: Roddy25
Rating:
Review:
Kind of a let down with the setlist after N1, lawn crowd was horrible and a mess. Jimi Thing, Two Step and PNP>Rapunzal highlights.
User: senator48
Rating:
Review:
Quite possibly the best DMB show I've ever been to.
User: sjsharkteeth
Rating:
Review:
Great Crowd Energy. Weak encore. Too Much Big Whiskey as usual. Still had an amazing time regardless!
User: slig67
Rating:
Review:
The energy level of this show was intense. They only slowed down once for Sister. The set list had a couple of blips, but overall it was an awesome show. Highlights-Stone, Crush, Everyday, R&R with Kraz, Jimi Thing with Shady Horns, Two Step, just too many to mention. Great night.
User: SomeDevil36
Rating:
Review:
Was a great concert but turns out WH tickets really means nothing. Everybody wake up for the first time was awesome
User: Spendlet
Review:
Sister brought me to tears, so good.
User: spunkmeyer
Rating:
Review:
Lawn is horrible
User: stepanek22
Rating:
Review:
Alright, not as epic as N1...but still really solid. The band played with a lot of energy and all band members looked like they were having a blast. Clearly a year "off" rejuvenated them. The Stone is always good to hear and from Rapunzel on was tight. Nice Two Step to end a great weekend...The drums always seem to be better than the last time.
User: Stevethedj
Rating:
Review:
One of my favorite venues. Just love SPAC!
User: stumpe1231
Rating:
Review:
Decent show. Previous night was better but they never disappoint at SPAC. Great version of Jimi Thing and it was very cool seeing all those horns up there. I love the new tunes!!
User: thebigz
Review:
Better night energy wise!
User: Theurge
Rating:
Review:
Love this place. Best venue in the NorthEast.
User: tjot127
Rating:
Review:
Great energy good show. A little let down no song that jane likes but you cant win them all
User: Trogdor2k
Review:
Shelley
User: ttcain
Rating:
Review:
For the life of me, I cannot understand the criticism of N2's show. Granted, the setlist lacked a rarity from the DMB catalog. Regardless, the energy and pure joy they were having for an appreciative crowd was spectacular. The acoustics were fantastic (and I was on the lawn so I question the rating that the sound was poor). Perhaps that listener was highly intoxicated? For me,if the drunken 20 somethings would just shut up, true DMB fans could thoroughly enjoy the greatest band on tour in 2012.
User: Twostepping85
Review:
Really didn't like the fact they played spaceman, squirm, and alligator pie in the same order as the album. The setlist ok weak opening
User: waperoza
Rating:
Review:
They played so hard tonight. At least three broken strings by Dave and one by Boyd. Boyd's adjustment was awesome and Dave's reaction was great! The horn solos in Jimi Thing made me think of Roi. Hope he was smiling down on that one.
User: waters85
Rating:
Review:
Show was just ok. Had some bright spots - Stone, Crush, Sister. Not a wow factor though. Overall, vibe was great, met some awesome people. Just expected more from the setlist.
User: waynearich
Rating:
Review:
Great crowd and environment
User: Will57
Rating:
Review:
It was a good show, but nothing special. Being a SPAC N2 show, expectations may have been WAY out of control. This weekend was a flip of the usual with the N1 show having the rarities and surprises and the N2 show being more standard. Solid 3 stars, but nothing more. The end run really has some energy and punch.
User: willie scotland
Rating:
Review:
Final night of our 5 stop tour from Scotland, it did not disappoint. Back next year for more DMB magic...!
User: Winter Val
Rating:
Review:
LOVE
User: yankees310
Rating:
Review:
Great energy
User: yanks2010
Rating:
Review:
Yes it wasn't the best show but it was still a good show. Expectations were way too high after night one was so amazing
User: yavin27
Rating:
Review:
Show was great; not as brilliant as N1, but still good nonetheless. The band really delivered some great performances tonight!!
User: zoso8786
Rating:
Review:
Expected and unremarkable. Encore was welled played but the songs were predictable and boring choices especially considering night 1.