Clearwater

Review by Dan in Florida (Switch to
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4/16/2005

Had no idea what to expect tonight. I felt that Todd really needed to hit this one out of the ballpark. By now everyone has read all about Melbourne, and I feel that the criticism was justified. Todd's reply was surprising in that the two main issues of the 'reviews' were set list and 6 months warning that the tour was to open April 13. I know that, because that's how long I had tickets for some of these shows. The show started tonight with Todd walking to the piano, sitting down, and saying 'this one's for my internet pals." A beautiful Compassion, and no, the meaning was not lost on anyone. Different guitar also, I think the old black ovation, but I am not sure as I am not all that guitar literate. "Black and White" followed, and it was obvious that this show was going to be different, we just had no idea HOW different. He mentioned Wednesdays show a few times, and whether you think it was justified or not, he took it to heart and was energized, serious, professional, and yeah, even a little humble. Great job also on Common Man and Cliché, a near perfect 'Song of the Viking" and "Can we still be friends". It was unbelievable to watch, it was the Todd that we have all respected and loved so much over the years. Of course we all have known all along that when he wants to, he can do a show like no other, and that's what he did tonight. "Wouldn't have made any difference" was beautiful, "Hello it's me" way better than usual, and then came "Hawking". He really poured it on at this point, and it was exhilarating to see. "Bang on the ukelele"and then he announced he was going to play a song he has never played. "Afterlife". Worth the 9 hour r/t car ride alone. Thanks a lot Todd, it was GREAT. (acoustic). Then came another stunner, "Just one Victory" acoustic also. A struggle, but any of us would rather see a ragged new song configuration than a ragged worn out song. "Pretending to Care" was wonderful, as was "Guitar gently Weeps". "Black Maria" was good, it is really interesting with the strings. Todd ended by saying that the crowd had made him feel better, and that the east coasters of Florida were harsh. Joe also said that they are going to be working other songs into the Todd/Joe/Ethel segment, which was nice to hear. All in all, it was a really great show. It felt like a Todd Rundgren concert. It has been a strange couple of days, hearing from people I haven't heard from in awhile. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I have been a fan for 28 years, and Melbourne was my 140th show. I know that doesn't give me any more right to vent or not vent. It's just that the negative reviews are now being reviewed? So I just wanted to give just a little background. Everyone enjoy the show, I think there will probably be a lot more nights like tonight.

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04/15/2005 - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, FL

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