show review
lastinline
(Ransom Mcgrath)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 9 Posted: Wed Feb 11, '04 4:51 pm
dream theater and joe rocked so hard... I'm actually in a picture on the website... the pictures of the audience before the show... I'm on the left.. I was friggin bald at the time...!

King Of Sleep Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 7 Posted: Sun Dec 01, '02 11:59 pm
I second Chron, real good show, great to make the road trip with my bro's. And King's X to boot!

chron Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 9 Posted: Sun Nov 24, '02 2:21 am
Was basically front row for this show. Nice to see the performance so up close, but I could have stood to have been back 10 rows since it was so loud. King's X was pretty good, had problems hearing a clear distinction between the instruments at times though. Dream Theater was probably my favorite since they're setlist was the most diversified. Joe's performance was great but I wish he would have had more time to play stuff off the new album. All in all a good show as I was able to see it with two very good friends.

GGoheen
(Greg Goheen)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Sep 10, '02 11:37 am
Very awesome show Joe! Thanks so much for the stellar performance and pure bliss in listening to you.

jmcslammer Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 7 Posted: Thu Aug 15, '02 8:44 pm

What's with the "Rank"? By Joe's standards, I give this show a 7. All concerts ever, I give it a 7. Dream Theater was a refreshing surprise. Each member was incredibly tight as they took turns assaulting us with musical pyrotechnics. Not very catchy, but blinding in execution. They even had strobing light effects to complete the siezure-inducing barrage. I was afraid their fingers would catch on fire. The bassist is a freak – his fingertips widen like a frog’s. His hands look like spiders on crack! The new keyboardist (maybe he’s new – I haven’t followed them since I saw them in 1992), Derek Sherinian, was cool – he was the most animated of the bunch. John Myung, John Petrucci & Mike Portnov let their fingers command the audience. Doug Pinnick from King’s X joined vocals in Lines In The Sand. New Millenium was cool. Anyway, they were pretty impressive – especially since I wasn’t really psyched about them splitting the bill with Joe. I’d see them on their own again. Joe was great, as expected, but I tuned down my sights, knowing he’d have a truncated set because of the other bands. I was bummed that he didn’t play The Extremist, Crystal Planet and only one song from Crystal Planet. Having said that, he did play a cool set that spanned most of his albums (nothing from Time Machine – I love Mighty Turtle Head). Jeff Campitelli was solid, as usual, and adds flare to Joe’s hyper-boogies. Galen Henson was brought on board for some sporatic rhythm guitar. I missed Stu Hamm, but Matt Bissonnette was quite able on bass. He brought out his trademark “chromeboy” for many of the songs. He also brought out a seven string guitar for two of his new songs and his “snakes” guitar for Friends. Spartan light setup, lame in contrast with the creative lighting he used on the Flying In A Blue Dream tour, but, once again, this was a festival-type venue. I’m glad that he’s finally starting to bring back some old favorites. It’s much less disappointing to not hear your favorite tunes if you have hope that he’ll play it next time. I really hope that he mixes it up even more next tour. For those of us whose memories aren’t what they used to be, they played:

Flying In A Blue Dream Crushing Day Devil’s Slide Cool # 9 Satch Boogie Crush Of Love - with Memories jam ending Mind Storm 7 String Midnight (excellent) Starry Night Always With Me, Always With You Raspberry Jam Delta V Mystical Potatoe Head Groove Thing Summer Song <enc> Friends

Xmullet
(Dan Patten)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 9 Posted: Wed Aug 14, '02 5:33 pm
Sunday August 11, Joe played his best show I've seen to date. This was the 5th time I've seen him, including a guest appearence with Spinal Tap. This show just had a better song set and Satch played with more energy than usual. After opening with Flying in a Blue Dream, he played Crushing Day, the first of his songs I learned to play. I had just started to play guitar and was only able to learn parts of the main melody, but it felt like a huge accomplishment. Four years later I heard it played right, live and felt the same feeling. I now plan on relearning the song note for note. His new songs played on the 7 string were heavier than his older tunes and were still great. And having Dream Theater and King's X play was cool too

iceneil Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Tue Aug 13, '02 6:34 pm
I thought about rating this show a 9 for one reason only...the show was too short. However, I know that this is not up to Joe but is due to the lineup of bands to get through, and from reading other reviews of this show apparently there is a concert curfew. This is the 11th time I have seen Joe dating back to early 1990. I am from Portland, OR and I have only had to travel as far as Eugene and once to Seattle (when I had seen the previous night's show in Portland anyway). I have always been extremely appreciative of the fact that Joe makes it a point to bless us up here in the Pacific Northwest with his presence. I was a little disappointed to find out that there would be no appearance in my area on this tour--especially when there was top notch acts to accompany, and I was about ready to write this one off when six days before showtime I bought some tickets online and as a result got to see yet another incredible display of talent and emotion from Joe (from the 5th row). The 1300 or so miles I drove was a little rough at times but well worth it, especially considering that I was lucky (or was it fate?) enough to end up with three of Joe's picks AND a Mike Portnoy drumstick. I almost feel guilty for ending up with so much...almost. This is the first concert that I have ended up with any memorabilia that I didn't buy from the souveneir stand, and I have been to my share of concerts over the years with some great seats as well, so this wonderful show more than made up for any opportunities at picks, sticks,etc. that I have not been blessed with in the past. I agree with one of the previous comments that Matt is great but I missed Stu as well. No offense Matt. All of the guys looked like they were having a blast. First time to Concord and this venue and the whole experience was great. I also was hoping that maybe J.P. would come out and jam with J.S. but alas we cannot have everything that we wish for. I will count my blessings (11 + 3) and feel not slighted in the least. Thank you again Joe. I don't see how I could ever tire of seeing you perform...it is always the utmost treat. I hope you had a good time playing to your home crowd although I think that the response up here in Portland is usually a little more intense. I hope that the fans in your area don't take you for granted. Take care on the rest of the tour and always...

flying_blue Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 9 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 6:27 pm
First of all, I love all three of these artists. I have been following Joe the longest, and I went to this gig largely to see him. I have seen King's X several times as a headliner, and they have always rocked. This was my first time seeing them open, so I went in knowing their set/sound would not be representative of their headlining shows. I have to take some exception to the review given by ercsenior for two reasons. First, I have never heard an opening act play as loud, or close to as loud as a headliner, which was the case with King's X at this show. Because it was an outdoor venue, the breeze kept swirling the sound around, and it was "in and out" a little from where I sat. Second, the crew really didn't even get the levels dialed in until just about the end of the King's X set. Please, go see King's X as a headliner, preferably in a nice small place like Slims, or the Edge and you will know just how hard this band rocks, and yes, just how much they do sound like their studio recordings. Dream Theater... what needs to be said. I have seen them at the Warfield, and I caught John and Co. at the G3 gig at the Warfield too. DT is the best at what they do. Killer songs, played as tight as anyone can ask for, and monster tone from John... ahhhhh. I wanted to hear a couple more of the new songs, but the medley was jaw dropping. Learning to Live was awesome to hear as well. Portnoy is the best at his craft since Neil Peart (In my opinion. Neil is still my favorite.), and he certainly didn't disappoint this time either. This group is just going to keep getting better for years to come. Then of course comes Joe. I know I don't have to tell anyone on this site how good he is, and anyone who has seen him live knows that he backs it up. I have seen Joe five times now, and he just gets better each time I see him. This show was a treat for me because I have never seen him play The Crush of Love, and it has been since the Surfing tour since I have seen him play Crushing Day. Joe has once again proven to be a tone God, and master of the instrument he creates such beautiful music with. I can't wait to see him again. Overall, I thought that this was a great mix of musicians in a single show, all with their individual styles and strengths. The world needs more shows like this, but without stupid venue curfews.

Warre Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 6:16 pm

I think Joe performed from his soul and it was an enjoyable experience. The songs ring in my head today the one day after the show. I was only disappointed that some seats were empty and the people around me was not into it like me. I think if more people were into it like me Joe would have performed a second and maybe third encore. I do not blame Joe sometimes people are just in a flat mood, Joe was ripping the notes, chords, bars etc... at the above expert level as he always does.

Unfortunately the sun was in my eyes during the King X gig so I have no comment, but Dream Theater stuff leads into Joe very well it results in an over all excellent musical concert evening.

ercsenior
(Eric)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 4:55 pm
This was a really great show. I arrived at the Chronicle Pavilion right at 7:00 when King's X was coming on stage. Their performance was a little dissapointing. They don't sound as good live as they do in the studio, and I've never been a big fan of their music. After a brief intermission, Dream Theater took the stage. All five musicians performed very well. Petrucci in particular sounded very good. He plays with a lot of heart. They did an instrumental medley towards the end of the show that was unbelievable. They interact extremely well with one another, and no individual member seems to be fighting for the audience's attention. This was my first time seeing them play, and I was impressed. Finally Satriani came on a little after 9:30. I've seen him play twice before and he always is amazing. He played most of his old classics as well as some excellent material from the new album. I would have loved to see Petrucci come out and jam with Satriani, but it never happened. Also, Satriani was forced to play a shorter set then Dream Theater because of the Pavilion's 11:00 curfew. Satriani still played an amazing show. He has always been one of the most amazing guitarists to watch, and yet he somehow manages to get better each time I see him.

ripiceman
(Jon)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 11:54 am
Great SHow!!

fbella
(Frank Bella)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 7:45 am
Dream Theater and Joe are a dynamite duo - great tour concept. Sound system at this show was one of the best I've heard for live shows - considering I've been attending concerts since the Doors and Led Zep! Dream Theater has got to be the greatest undiscovered band of all time - their collective musical talent is rare - they are all masters at the instruments that they play, and they are unbelievably tight - totally awesome. Joe was as good as ever - I've seen him five times - his guitar playing gets better every time. The set was a great mix old and new stuff - it's refreshing to see a band touring after a new album is released and play a set that is still a balanced mix of old and new. Matt is great, but I gotta say - I miss Stuuuuuuuuuuu!

Get a loaf
(Marshall Benson)
Sun Aug 11 '02
The Chronicle Pavilion
Concord, CA, US
Rank: 10 Posted: Mon Aug 12, '02 12:45 pm
After seeing this concert, i feel like i have died and gone to heaven. it was that good. Joe's performance was sublime art. no, it was better than that -- it was divine enlightenment. NO -- better. it was Nirvana. that's right, i went there. i am not really sure what i can type into this computer to justifiably express to the reader what an amazing experience i just had. let me start off by giving a quick synopsis! we thought the show started at 8:00 so we came 45 minutes late, thinking we were early. but, we arrived right when King's X's set was being changed to Dream Theater, so we thought that King's X just didn't play. heh heh. Dream Theater was amazing, they have a natural talent in music. their music is intricate, fascinating, and it had a strong hold on me throughout the set. the whole band is full of exceptional musicians, and being 10 feet away from the stage gave me a good chance to watch each individual player do their thing. Jon Myung, the bassist, is incredible. i was watching him most of the time, and i really enjoyed his style, what a talent. the usual favorites, Portnoy (drummer) and Petrucci (guitar of course) were in tip top form, and their playing was exceptional tonight. i really enjoyed their extended jams, and the LTE medleys. really great playing. they were incredibly fun to watch, and they have a commanding stage presence that you doesn't let you take your eye off the stage for more than a couple seconds. i always liked Dream Theater, but now i like them even more. Joe Satriani came on then, and he OUTTA THIS WORLD. he is SO talented with that guitar, it's like another one of his limbs or something. it's like attached to him. he knows how to play it so well that he barely ever looks down at what he's doing. i don't care what anyone says, he was born with it. he just WAS. he played a lot of classics, and some new oldies (crushing day, midnight). i loved watching the entire band play "the mystical potato head groove thing" they all seemed to have really enjoyed it. jeff looks like he is having the time of his life. i sure did. during Raspberry Jam, i was standing up, groovin with Joe, then he looked at me. i'll never be the same again. then, during summer song, i was groovin even harder, then he pointed at me. i am a changed person. then, during "friends", i was playing the solo on air guitar in synch with Joe, and he looked at me and did one of his classic smiles + nods, mouthing "yeah!". i thought i had died and gone to heaven. i was locked in a stare with him!! it looked to me like he was a little more excited about playing after i was "jamming" with him, and i take a little credit for that. Joe, i can't thank you enough for making that connection with me. i feel like we have finally communicated!!! those few seconds are the highlight of my summer! was trying to get you to look at me throughout the entire set!!! okay.. i better go to bed. wow, what a night. my ears are ringing and i LOVE it.