Don't usually write these reviews - but I will in this case - in hopes that the people going to the future shows will do the same!
As stated, the show started about 20 min. late but well worth the wait! They opened with Notorious, of course.
Mike's voice sounded better than ever! He's hitting those high notes exquisitely! Paul resembled a young man who was up on stage for the first time, he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely!! Doug's keys, as always, were exceptional!
That brings me to the bass playing. Scott "not being there" truly affected us even more than we anticipated. Especially during "Loose". I must say, though, that the guys made an excellent decision in choosing Spider! Not only is he a masterful bassist, but also a likable and captivating man!
The solos were outstanding!! Doug's solo gradually increased in speed and at one point it sounded like a player piano on high speed! Those fingers work magic! Paul was so into his solo you didn't know where he ended and the guitar began! He sounded fantastic. Matt had his solo after Spider's. As always, he was incredible and the inevitable "ham". He did have some awesome incense burning that made our area smell wonderful!!! Last, but certainly not least, Spider. His bass solo was bewitching! The way his fingers plucked at the strings on that bass MY fingers were hurting! Ouch!! :o) He blew us ALL away!!
There were a few times they went from one song right into another, with no break in between. But, we managed to give them a standing ovation after each and every song anyway! They certainly deserved it!
It was a good crowd in general. Place was packed. We tried to start a "woo hoo wave chain" before the show, but there was only one table of "rowdy Canucks" that joined in!!!!! :o)~
The encore was one of the best parts of the show! They were singing "Lovin' " and somehow grooved into "Come Together" (by the Beatles). Let's just say Mike has some "original lyrics" for this song! To quote him "he was jammin' ". He SURE was!
After the show, once again, Mike, Paul, Doug and Spider made themselves MORE than available to the legions of fans that gathered at the stage doors! It still amazes me that they take so much time to accommodate their fans. Not many musicians do that, whether they are from "today's music" or the 80's!
Their timing was impeccable, their groove was amazing and the energy was electric!
Ladies and gentlemen........LOVERBOY IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!