(photo taken from the Montreal Gazette)
The Pumpkins were on fire tonight. I think I would put this concert at #2 in the three concerts that I’ve seen (#1 being held by the Mellon Collie tour of ’96).
They had an amazing setlist which consisted of a lot of Zeitgeist material as well as some oldies/goodies. My favourite part about the Pumpkins is when they go into their random jam sessions or revamp some of their songs. Bullet With Butterfly Wings used to be like this back in the Adore/Machina touring days but has since made it back to its original incarnation. Heavy Metal Machine (Machina) was victim to the revamping and I thought it was a beautiful way to lose of my hearing. I’m kidding..actually, the concert wasn’t that loud at all now that I think about it. No ringing of the ears afterwards. This may have to do with the fact that it’s an outdoor festival.
The new light show is pretty swell also although Vero complained that it was in her eyes most of the time so she had a hard time seeing the stage and the people up there. I had no such problem although there were two tall guys in my line of vision for the concert.
While I would have liked to hear Starz and Zero (which made it onto the setlist of the next night’s concert in Toronto), I was impressed with the choice of songs (catering to both the old and new fans) and the sheer power in the music that night. Billy was in a great mood that night…even laughing during a portion of United States. Speaking about United States, the PA system conked out for 10 seconds right when it builds up to the apex of eardrum splitting rock riffs…unfortunate, but at least it only lasted 10 seconds.
Setlist:
United States (with Star Spangled Banner AND O Canada being played!)
Bullet with Butterfly Wings
That’s the Way (My Love Is) – New single…it’ll be a hit for the pseudo-fans
Neverlost
Hummer
Stand Inside Your Love
Tonight Tonight
Tarantula – this track was awesome. I love everything about this tune. It is visceral. Vero said it was the highlight of her night.
Glass and The Ghost Children – A revamped tune (which I thought was Gossamer at first). I like this version better than the original.
By Starlight -> To Sheila (with full band as opposed to acoustic only)
1979 (solo acoustic)
Superchrist – A new song which probably stemmed from jam sessions to Gossamer. Very cool.
Doomsday Clock
Heavy Metal Machine (!!!)
Encore: Today