Quick Concert Thoughts

Last night, I went to the Porcupine Tree concert at the Roseland Theater. I don’t get out to shows much anymore – they’re getting pricey, and I just can’t do those late-night-mid-week shows like I used to. Not with needing to be up and moving before 6:30 the next morning. Jodie gave me a pass for the night, though, and out I went.

They’ve just released a new album: The Incident. A story describing the them behind the album can be found on Spinner.

The theme for the night was “that one guy.” First, the opening act is actually named “That 1 Guy“. Utterly unique and fascinating, he’s a one-man act that sort of combines strings with percussion (on an instrument of his own creation, no less) with electronica and mashes the whole thing up with a fair dash of humor. (Mikey G – check him out if you don’t know about him. You’ll love the way he uses percussion.)

After Porcupine Tree took the stage, the 2nd and 3rd editions of “that one guy” appeared. First, Steven Wilson, is “that one guy” for the band. He’s the obvious lead, and is an amazing talent both from the instrumentation AND songwriting.

The 3rd edition of “that one guy” was the loony about 15 feet in front of the middle of the stage. Tall, heavy, older guy who was bouncing up and down like an idiot. Now, I get moshing, I get dancing. What he was doing was some acid-tripped abomination of the two. And, his behavior was NOTHING close to anyone else there. I noticed a rather large gap had formed around him during the first set. He left his spot during the break between Porcupine Tree’s sets and seemed offended when the crowd wouldn’t let him back in. Sorry, dude, you leave – you lose. Rules of the floor. He did manage to worm his way sort of close by shoving his way in around the side, but never returned to his pogo-stick impression. Thankfully. Too distracting.

A better review of the show (including a setlist and other information) has been posted by another attendee. I concur with his feeling – Porcupine Tree was at the top of their game last night. A great performance I’m glad I found out about in time. And profuse thanks to Jodie for the short-notice pass to head out for the night

Steven Wilson intimated they’ll be returning to Portland for the 2nd leg of their tour next year, and will have a different setlist for that show. Looking forward to that.