Wantagh, NY (Jones Beach Ampitheater), August 22, 2018 Options

[ADAD]

Same setlist as usual.

Below is a link to a picture of the crowd from the 2nd row as Live took the stage. I'd say it was 80-85% full or so for the Counting Crows. The guys put on a good show, but it sucks how stuck in their setlist they are. It was also weird being so close to the stage with people who largely didn't care about Live.

Hopefully once the Counting Crows are done they start playing some smaller rooms and showcasing more of their catalog.

https://scontent.fewr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1...0ec&oe=5BFD8FD8

[mattyeagles]

Same setlist as usual.

Below is a link to a picture of the crowd from the 2nd row as Live took the stage. I'd say it was 80-85% full or so for the Counting Crows. The guys put on a good show, but it sucks how stuck in their setlist they are. It was also weird being so close to the stage with people who largely didn't care about Live.

Hopefully once the Counting Crows are done they start playing some smaller rooms and showcasing more of their catalog.

https://scontent.fewr1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1...0ec&oe=5BFD8FD8

I was at the show last night, please see below some of my observations:
• It’s tough to go on when its still light out for a “night show”, it definitely negatively impacts the energy of the crowd. The stadium was pretty empty when Live went on, but was pretty full by the time they finished
• It seemed like most of the fans were there to see Counting Crows
• Most of the Counting Crows fans were very into the Live set by the end of the set and very enthusiastic
• I thought the band, in general, sounded great. Chat T and Ed specifically
• The set list was the same as it’s been all summer, a few comments on that and ill start with the negatives first: there is no excuse to not mix up the setlist; its even more inexcusable that they spent a bulk of their short set to focus on a less than mediocre honky tonk cover and The Distance; the Distance is a good song but not worthy of an extended version with limited time; The Lakini Juice and then White Discussion back to back was the highlight, they really rocked out and sounded better than they have in a while
• The focus on the harmonica player is just bizarre. Everyone in my group was very confused
• Chat G. injury has to be worse than they are telling the fans. There could not possibly be another reason for having a second drummer
• Ed’s voice sounded great and he wasn’t overly cheesy. The crowd loved him and he’s still got it. He’s obviously not the same person or performer he was in the 90’s but hes trying and I was very impressed. I attended with casual Live fans and they were blown away, probably because they aren’t comparing him to his former self 20+ years ago
• I would consider myself a Counting Crows fan and they were horrible. Adam has completely lost it and came across as very self-important. I left after their first 8 songs
• The overall energy and chemistry of the band was light years ahead of where it was during the BOP and SFBM tours. Beyond the stale setlist, it doesn’t appear that they are just going through the motions
• Summary: I have been to 40+ Live shows between 1997 and today, and they are by far my favorite band and will always be my favorite band. Their first 4 albums are my favorite 4 albums of all time. As I mentioned, this show was much better than their shows were 10 years ago. Live, and Ed specifically, will not magically become the band they were in the 1990’s. The crazy Secret Samadhi Ed or the incredible MTV Unplugged Ed is gone, but that’s OK. He is a middle aged man now but still puts on a hell of a show. I have disagreed with essentially every decision they have made post-reunion but will continue to support them because the concerts make it all worth it. I very much hope they do a smaller venue tour in 2019 with a longer setlist.