This two tape set is one of the best representations in this collection of the fun a BNL concert can be. It's a quality recording as boots go. The only complaint is over something the taper could not control: people nearby talking almost constantly while they waited for $1M, Brian Wilson and Apartment.
The band had done a noon performance for "The End", the Cleveland radio station that has provided wonderful support over the years. The earlier 45 minute concert was broadcasted and webcasted live and it was obvious during that show that Steve's voice was suffering from a cold he had picked up somewhere between Rochester and Chicago. But by the evening show, Steve was in much better voice although Ed's When I Fall was on the set list in place of Steve's demanding Break Your Heart as was played two nights before at Cincinnati.
Shortly into the first side, we're treated to a spontaneous cover of "We Have Tonight" which leads into the audience participation that so contributes to the BNL live "Vibe". The first side also features It's All Been Done, a new song to be included on the next album. Side two starts off with the other preview of the next CD with Never Is Enough.
But it is at the end of side two that things really start to get interesting. During These Apples the E string on Ed's guitar gives up making the intricate string work late in that song unplayable. But earlier in the song, the problem is almost undetectable in the recording - Kevin keyboards Ed's lead part until he is able to swap his guitar out for another. As the exchange is made, Ed makes a reference to it but because these guys are so tight, without that, the listener would have never been the wiser. (The only reason I'm aware of these behind-the-sound events was because I was there on the floor when it all transpired.)
After These Apples Ed explains that he would have to check out the replacement guitar he has just received and begins playing a very clumsy version of "Stairway To Heaven" adding that when he visits a music store on the road he asks for the most expensive guitar and plays it just that way. But their musicianship gets the best of them and the awkward version gives way to a sort of Late-Night Cool-Jazz version with all the guys playing and Steve doing a vocalization Ella Fitzgerald would be proud of. Then, a magic moment, at least from this point of view: without missing a note of "Stairway" Ed swtiches to the lyrics of the "Gilligan's Island Theme". How someone makes that transition so smoothly in front of 9000 people is beyond my understanding but certainly not beyond my appreciation.
The balance of the show is not without other technical problems, again for Ed, when the cable to his guitar suddenly quits in the middle of Box Set but this time Kevin is busy with is own part. So this verison of Box Set includes a pregnant mid-point pause as one of the technicians, who's striking resemblance to Robert Plant is noted by Ed, feverishly examines connections. Unsuccessful, Ty suggests Ed just hold the guitar up to his mike and play which he does but abandons after a few chords. The show is saved, as it turned out, by Gary the guitar tech who brings out a gangly but operative cable from stage left.
At some point, Garth Brooks comes up in conversation between Steve and Ed which leads to a discussion about Don McLean having Garth mugging for the camera over his shoulder during last summer's Central Park concert. Steve talks Ed into playing "American Pie" while Steve mugs as Brooks. It's fun but better than the goofin' is the sound of 9000 people singing along. Later, during Brian Wilson, Steve stops singing for a few lines and his voice is barely missed amid the thousand of voices singing in his stead.
This tape will not disappoint.
Highlight: No doubt, "Stairway To Gilligan."