Philadelphia 19-09-2007 Review

John Goodwin

Having just got back from Row 3 of Block 8 at the Wachovia Center, a few thoughts:

The lightshow is more effective from a bit further back, but some of the animations are a bit cramped on the small backscreen.

Phil seemed a bit hoarse by the end of the evening, and even joked to that effect before Carpet Crawlers (asking crowd to help with the singing).

The setlist and performance impresses me more each time I see it. No fatigue setting in. Fortunately the same cannot be said of the lady in front of me, who sat down for Hold On My Heart and didn't get up again until I Can't Dance. And as no one sat in the row in front of that the view was nicely unobstructed.

Section 1 Row 5 Seat 5 tomorrow if anyone wants to say hello.

Rich Baxter

No, don't get taken in by my topic subject. Genesis didn't play Mad Man Moon on this, the second night of three shows that Genesis will perform in Philly. Rather, there was a lovely half moon that was slightly tilted tonight outside over the skies of Philadelphia. The second show is in the books and again Genesis played to a full house
at the Wachovia Center down in South Philadelphia.

Phil seemed more energetic with the crowd than he did on the first night. He even said something to the effect of 'this night feels like it's going to have a edge over last night' which of course was the opening night. Phil's promise may have been delivered. I sat just off the stage on the first night but tonight my seats were located in the first level but back even with the sound and video board in the back of the arena. The first night we had eye contact with the band, and tonight well the light show was easier to see and appreciate but all in all I'd rather be up in the front.

Musically the band again romped through it's same set with authority. I felt they may have mixed things up a bit for the second night, but the stayed with familiar ground and delighted the audience once again with the music that this crowd came to hear.

Too late to continue with a review any lengthier tonight, as work calls early in the morning. I am going to work on a longer review over the weekend. Great music, nice crowd tonight, I sat in the 'Club Section' of the stadium which is a bit of a more 'well heeled' crowd - job well done Genesis... keep up the great work!!!!

Cheryl

I was in section 114, fourth row, so I was to the right of the stage. I do have obligatory negativity to post, since I live in the land where Eagles fans threw snowballs at Santa, but, wow, I wish I could find a way to go back tomorrow night. Even the stuff I thought should be dropped from the set list was enjoyable. This stuff is all so much better when you are there, watching it, listening to it and moving to it. I didn't notice any sort of mass exodus during the older stuff, and I'd go again just to hear "Ripples". It was so amazing it made me cry.

I had a great time, and the total non-fan who got roped into driving me did, too. We got there early and had crab fries at the locally "famous" Chickie's & Pete's, and visited the WMMR party, where they were showing G videos. When Scott saw the "Land of Confusion" on the drink menu, he said, "How funny, Genesis has a "Land of Confusion" and so does Disturbed!" Imagine his surprise when he found out it was the same song! He even LIKED the live version, though when I tried to pump him for more info about what he liked (since he pretty much just sat there all night while I bopped around) he said, "I Can't Dance".

Well, he isn't quite 21. There's time to mold him.

And BTW, from all accounts, he was a BAD Santa, and that was why the fans tossed snowballs at him. Nobody tossed anything at Phil, but there was a girl in the front row with a sign that said, "I Want A Kiss from Phil." I'd rather have a kiss from...

John Goodwin

Was so good that I'm thinking about going tomorrow night as well. If anyone has a spare ticket they'd better let me know before comcasttix.com get my money tomorrow morning.

There were some confident expressions from a couple of guys that they had heard that the setlist would be changed, but they actually stuck to the script. They thought In Too Deep would replace either Hold On My Heart or Throwing It All Away (the latter seemed even more unlikely than the former).

Being so close to the stage, it was more a show for watching Phil et al rather than the lightshow, and I definitely got the feeling that the guys were enjoying themselves, even Tony. We were right in front of Daryl, so the FOF solo was a particular treat.

Very enthusiastic crowd, but apparently counting to 2 is not taught in Philly schools, as this crowd failed the IKWIL test even worse than last night's or the Hartford crowd, both of whom at least got it right the second time around.

Phil even grabbed his drum technician as he delivered the stool for Hold On My Heart, and had the crowd sing Happy BIrthday to him (His name is Brad apparently).

Overall a great evening, once again showing what great seats you can get if you don't buy them through the fan club ;-o