When I saw Jimmy Eat World was playing Terminal 5, I jumped on that ticket sale QUICK. I have been a fan of this band for about 6 years now. The first time I saw them was 9/4/01 at Irving Plaza. At that time I had only been into them a few months. They were suggested to me by my cousin that summer as a band I might like. Boy, was he right. That show blew me away. It was right before they got really big, right before In The Middle infested pop rock stations across America, and I knew they'd be a hit. Boy was I right.
The weather around here has suddenly gone into full force fall mode. Last night, the temperature hovered in the low 40s, and was accompanied by nasty sleet. Because of that, I decided I didn't want to arrive any earlier than doors, as to not spend an enormous amount of time standing out in the crap weather. And because of THAT decision, I got stuck up in the 2nd balcony.
At first I was a little annoyed. But I had a perfect view of everything on the stage, would have a nice break from being shoved around on the floor, and could get some great photos of the show. Plus, the mark of a really great band is if they can reach everyone, from those resting their elbows on the stage, to those up in the rafters. I knew Jimmy Eat World was one of those bands, so I wasn't worried.
The openers were Viva Voce, a 2-person band hailing from Portland, Oregon, consisting of a male drummer and female guitarist, both trading off vocals. Their music was very White Stripes meets Silversun Pickups. They seemed like they went a little long, but that might be because I'd been waiting 2 years to see J.E.W. again and could barely contain myself.
When the lights went down and I heard the opening chord of "Big Casino", the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. There is just something about their music that reels you in, grabs you and never lets go. Even from where I was, I felt the connection to the show as if I was down front.
The floor crowd didn't move around too much which surprised me. Maybe it was too cramped to get any kind of crazy motion going. Where I was however, there was a group of about 5 or 6 kids joyfully dancing around and shouting along to every song like they were having their own party upstairs. It was cute.
I was really pleased with the setlist. Especially "Disintegration", which was on the relatively quietly released EP "Stay on My Side Tonight." I never expected them to play it. When they did, I got the chills. It's got such cool, dark music and lyrics and I love it. I missed "Clarity" and "No Sensitivity", but gladly accepted hearing the new stuff in place of those.
After, I braved the sleet to hang out and try to meet the guys in the band. I ended up chatting with Rick (bassist) for a few minutes about the show. I asked if they had any plans to do any arena shows with anyone, but he said not as far as he knew. He asked "Would you like a guitar pick?" and I answered "Why, yes I would!" While we were talking, the other fans (about 10 of them) busted out into "Happy Birthday" when Jim (main vocalist) came off the bus. Rick informed me that it was indeed Jim's birthday. They were all really nice, and happily stood out in the crappy weather to talk to fans who couldn't wait to show them their J.E.W. tattoo, or tell them how much their music has meant to them.
It was a huge show, with a great lighting and sound, the band was very gracious... I couldn't ask for a better night. I can't wait til they come back again.
Setlist (not in order):
Big Casino
Let it Happen
Like She'll Always Be
Carry You
Kill
Crush
A Praise Chorus
Work
Blister
Goodbye Sky Harbor
For Me This is Heaven
Disintegration
Get it Faster
Thinking, That's All
23
Bleed American
Polaris
Pain
Sweetness
Hear You Me
Your House
In the Middle
Photos
video:
Disintegration
Intro to 23:
Goodbye Sky Harbor:
Big Casino:
