The American Music theatre is not your typical rock n roll venue. Every seat in this 1,600 seat arena is superb and each seat is extra cushy. The staff is some of the most accommodating concert staff I have experienced. The venue did not provide for wild rock n roll; even though the staff would have allowed the patrons to rush the stage, the venue's ambiance prevented it as did the overt politeness of most of the attendees. The sound quality was studio perfect and I have not experienced too many shows where the sound quality was as crisp/clear as it was here. The stage set was instruments and a backdrop, the large TV screens on either side, blank throughout the set allowing the crowd to focus on the what Switchfoot does and who they are~ a rock band!
The lights dimmed and When the Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin) was pumped through the sound system pulsating the crowd with anticipation as the band members took the stage and the crowd arose and remained so for the entire show as they broke into Meant to Live.
Song highlights included an acousticaly performed Only Hope and a stirring, romantic On Fire punctuated by Jon's authentic lyrics sung true. The final song; Dare You to Move started off very mellow and acoustic and built to a crescendo of rock.
Three new songs were performed. Mess of Me of which the lyrics were stellar, proving this will become a crowd fave and a staple for their live shows. Hello, Hurricane with Jon on the mandolin is the title cut of their forth coming fall release and was well received. For the two song encore, as they took the stage Jon announced this would be the 1st time Bullet Soul was to be performed and this rocking tune was excellent. Great guitar work and a fun song, again proving Switchfoot's true rock roots.
The "foot" is embarking on a tour with Blue October this summer and one can only hope that once the new disc is released that they do a full fledged headliner solo tour.
This is a rock n roll band that has passion for what they do and who they are and frankly I look forward to the day when they are inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Set List Changes- Add Bullet Soul & Dare You to Move to bottom of the set list for encores.
