. This is the second time I've seen the band live, and through all the changes, the magic is still there. I first saw them on the Now and Again tour, so many years ago. They were in their peak of their popularity, and were a very polished band, with a great show. When I saw them last night things were different. First of all because it was in a bar instead of a concert hall, they no longer seemed like stars, but normal people. Very cool. They were great, but maybe a little rusty. They looked very tentative on stage, but seemed to relax as the night went on.

The piano was definately missed. THere were certain songs where it sounded fine, but others...

The drummer they had with them was pretty good (he looks more like a pro wrestler than a musician), but he played the songs his own way, without even trying to play then like the albums. That was fine, but it sounded lacking when distinct fills were expected and not heard. He also had more of a hard rock style that didn't completely work with the band. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I miss the other members. They really rounded out the sound.

Another thing that i was struck by was the fact that even though many years had passed since I last saw the band, the music still sounded very modern. Songs that were written 10 years ago were just as cool as ever. They are an eighties band that sounded quite at home in the ninties.

When it comes down to it, it was a great show, by a great band. I hope they can hold it together, and put out some new music. Oh yea, they did play some new songs as well, and they were great.

Heck they even played misunderstanding and the acoustic version of backward town. It doesn't get much better than that, I tell ya.