Totally agree with this, but also, this says alot given Tom doesn't exactly write the best or most technical guitar riffs.
I was so bummed I was further away from this in San Diego than I thought I was and had to meet people at a brewery out of the way. but I at least got lunch at the Sombreros haha. Definitely need to go back.
Noticed those missing right away too. Also, The Gift always gets a big pop live. I respect how much they are going out of their way to make this a fresh experience for folks who bought tickets not knowing what to expect. This is the first time in a while where Tom is letting the experience speak for itself instead of hyping it to astronomical proportions. It seems like he is genuinely grateful to be out on the road and performing these songs, and putting his best into it. This run is going to be really special.
I personally liked the medley of Blink & BCR songs more than the entire Enema playthrough. Feels more genuine and nostalgic as a nod than an entire show.
I teared up when "There Is" came in honestly, I know he's just playing the hits but the fact that he actually remembers that song (along with like all the Dream Walker stuff he played lmao) meant a lot
I'd swap Heaven for a classic single. Secret crowds or The War. I'll never forget when Tom brought out a giant American flag during their tour with TBS halfway through The War. I'm not complaining though.
I think I need a few more listens to have an opinion on Kiss And Tell. I thought it was fine at first listen but had trouble figuring out what Tom was saying. Interesting that Ilan is credited as playing bass, guitar and drums (duh) on the song.
"Kiss With A Spell" is boring as fuck live, turns out. I watched a video and couldn't even get halfway through. PLAY "MERCENARIES"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
would definitely prefer "Heaven" over another big single but to be fair most of the AVA 'big singles' do very little for me. cannot stand "Secret Crowds"
Heaven is my favourite Ava song so hearing y'all talking about swapping it out is madness to me haha.
Honestly, there are very few AVA songs that would bum me out to see live. I really like Heaven. The fact that they are shelving some of their singles is evidence that they are psyched to do something new as a treat for the fans.
Whose got some great show memories from AVA? Tom was on fire during those first few tours. His speech about There is, Waving the flag during The War, and the time he had lazer glasses beaming out into the crowd during the I-Empire days are some of my favorites. I also loved watching Atom crush every time. Pretty astounding Tom got another absolute fiend like Illan to replace him.
Yesterday: Yeah, new song’s alright... decent enough. Whatever. Today: “LORENEEE LOVE, PLEASE STAY A BIT TONIIIIGHTTT!!”