Zoltán Ludányi

Hello Everyone!

The concert was simply amazing.

We had quite a good trip from Hungary; and being the first to arrive we managed to take some photos with Chris and Alan before the show. (They were simply coming out of the hall as we were looking for place for the car. Suddenly we saw them and jumped out.) The guards were rather friendly so we managed to have a look at the stage in advance. (Unfortunately the show had been moved from the Gasometer to the Pepsi Music Hall, and the seats were in front of the stage; so we couldn’t stand right before them.)

The setlist was the same as the American.

It started with the orchestral intro of Give Love Each Day turning into Close to the Edge. It was really amazing with an orchestra! Especially the 3rd part (I Get Up, I Get Down) as Jon was singing “This life!” with total enthusiasm.
The next song was Long Distance Runaround. I think this was the best song of the orchestra. They did really well in the rest as well but here they almost had priority to the band musically.
Don’t Go and In the Presence of were also just as beautiful as they are in the album. It was mainly Steve who made these songs even more vivid – especially in his solo spots in them.
My dream came true when Jon said the next song was going to be Gates of Delirium. I’ve heard some versions of this song but this really has been the best! All of them did their best. I just can’t highlight anyone. Even Tony, the keyboardist as he was punching the keys. I think I would have come even for this simple song and maybe this is the song I wish to hear again in Prague. (I have to mention that this song is really important in these wartimes. We shouldn’t forget that war can’t be a solution!!!)
Perpetual change was just as good as last year.
In Starship Trooper Jon made a slight joke. Instead of starting the song he sang “Starship Trooper”. Everything stopped for a moment, he started laughing, and continued “Sister blue bird...” I suppose it has been a mistake. (He was a little bit confused that night.) I needn’t mention that Steve and Chris did a wonderful solo at he end.
And You and I was dedicated to Jane as usual. I think the orchestra was the best in the 3rd movement again.
Ritual: alright, maybe I would have come only for this one too. The orchestra wasn’t that significant in the whole but if they played, they gave a new dimension to the song. I found a lot of new things in the part before the percussion solo – that was also incredible! And I haven’t mentioned Steve: he was using brand new moods in this song. I’ve never heard him playing in such a hard manner! His guitar’s sound was distorted into a previously unknown sound.
Jon asked everyone to sing for I’ve Seen All Good People. (And asked everyone sitting to stand up, and everyone standing to sit down! :-])
Roundabout was happily not abridged as last year! (Why are they doing that to this song? I love that part too.)

We managed to find Steve’s car after the show (beige Mercedes, steering wheel on the right side) so all we had to is waiting.
About a half hour after the concert they slowly came out.
Steve was the first, then Chris – being as friendly as he would – and Alan. Jon was the last one. Oh, I’ve almost forgot that it was his birthday, so Steve started his solo with a small greeting! I’ve also given him a small present: a photo of him from the Ladder Tour last year and a short compilation of my poems – I hope you like them, Jon! Happy birthday again!

Hey you there! If you don’t have your ticket for this tour, buy one at once! I promise you won’t regret.