2009-08-07 Fox Theatre in Oakland, CA

[klingklang]

Thanks for posting that pic, Bang. I loved that moment.

I didn't hear any talking around me during the show, but there was that one wanker who kept shouting during a mellow part in the show. He had been yelling at Damian Lazarus during his set as well. And the only other bad bits I experienced was I got bashed in the head a few times from some 6 foot tall dude behind me who apparently had never been to a show before. When it all went nuts with the Rover balloons, he almost killed me grabbing for bits of the one Karl kicked that exploded (fortunately, I managed to save a chunk of it). Then this person pushed his way to the front barrier next to me and then kept turning around to have his woman take his picture of him with Underworld behind him (I seriously wish the habit would die...it's really annoying to have a person turn their back to a performer and act as if they're having their picture taken with them).

And I completely sympathize with those that traveled further than I did and had a bad time. I had to travel insanely far (for me) and would have been incredibly upset had it been completely ruined by people. I actually have far worse times at Los Angeles shows. Speaking of which, this is only the second Bay Area show I've seen of Underworld and each time, I'm the only idiot out front in line before doors (Los Angeles has done my head in when it comes to queues).

As for the show itself, I thought it was incredible. I personally feel its the third best show I've seen by them. Yeah, one could tell the fatigue is there and it'd be nice if they had more time between shows to rest, but I still feel they put as much as they could into it. I only wish they would've played more rare material (Spikee was great, as well as the little lyrical teases of Dirty Epic, but I'm extremely jealous of Vegas getting Bamboo--I love that song!). Still, I was really happy and it was fun to be at a beautiful venue I'd never been to, plus my calves appear to have grown 3 inches thicker from the night (the pain is still with me!).

Oh, and if the Deadhead from Santa Cruz is on here reading this, could you please private message me and mention your name (that way I know it's you)? I lost sight of you during the Rover balloon madness and couldn't locate you after the show.