On a happier note, we went to Lake Michigan last week and was in the water - nice. Plan to go tomorrow and/or Sunday too!
Oh, I thought it said "Headbeakers"!!
Tom Petty and the Heatbreakers
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Well today is Tom's 56th birthday, and I'm going to head to the show in about an hour.
This morning, someone on the Tom Petty.com message board realized that there is a weathercam in Sacramento that is pointed directly at the venue, Raley Field, a minor league baseball stadium. You can clearly see the stage, and although there wont be any audio, you will probably be able to view the Tom Petty concert live . You may not be able to see them, because the camera looks a little bit high, but this year TP has huge screens above the stage, and those should be plainly visible in this view. I think TP will take the stage around 9 PM PST. At least that's when he came on in Berkeley.
http://www.kcra.com/wxcam/1471815/detail.html
I'm hoping "Jack" will be performed tonight, as TP and the Heartbreakers have had a 3-week break since their last show, so it's entirely possible the setlist might change by a song or two.
Have a good evening!
This morning, someone on the Tom Petty.com message board realized that there is a weathercam in Sacramento that is pointed directly at the venue, Raley Field, a minor league baseball stadium. You can clearly see the stage, and although there wont be any audio, you will probably be able to view the Tom Petty concert live . You may not be able to see them, because the camera looks a little bit high, but this year TP has huge screens above the stage, and those should be plainly visible in this view. I think TP will take the stage around 9 PM PST. At least that's when he came on in Berkeley.
http://www.kcra.com/wxcam/1471815/detail.html
I'm hoping "Jack" will be performed tonight, as TP and the Heartbreakers have had a 3-week break since their last show, so it's entirely possible the setlist might change by a song or two.
Have a good evening!
Looks like you can see the screen and the lighting fixtures, but not the stage. At 7:15pm it looks pretty dark there, just stage lighting on, no screen but it is there. The pic refreshes every 5-6 minutes.
http://images.ibsys.com/sac/images/weather/auto/raleyfieldcam_640x480.jpg
Hit the browser refresh to see the newest about every 5 minutes. The vid screen will be just above the row of white "pearls". It was lit with video about 6:45ish.
http://images.ibsys.com/sac/images/weather/auto/raleyfieldcam_640x480.jpg
Hit the browser refresh to see the newest about every 5 minutes. The vid screen will be just above the row of white "pearls". It was lit with video about 6:45ish.
After a 12 hour rest, I'm back in business! 
Last night's show was the third time I've seen TP, and the second in 3 weeks. It was a great show to be at for many reasons: Tom's birthday, a three week break before this show, Friday Night, excellent weather, and AWESOME sound.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the lights went off during the Berkeley show a couple of times, but I didn't think it affected the sound. After last night, I'm inclined to believe that the power outage may have affected the musical and/or sound equipment. The sound in Berkeley was great too, but the sound in Sacramento last night was a bit louder, more "full," and I think the mix was better overall. I was lucky enough to be right next to the soundboard for both shows, though.
Jackson Browne opened last night, and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. The only previous exposure I've had to him is that I watched him being inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame on TV a couple of years ago. I was pleased with his set, and his lead guitarist played some excellent slide.
The intermission went by pretty quickly, and everything went dark.
The band came onto the stage, Steve Ferrone teased us with the cowbell for about 30 seconds, then clicked the sticks a couple of times, and BANG! The lights came on as those massive A-chords of 'Listen To Her Heart' began ringing from Mike's Fireglo 360/12 and Tom's white Vox Teardrop. What a great opener this song is!
'Mary Jane' followed, and as I may have said before, I think this song works very well in the #2 slot. When I saw him in 2005, 'Mary Jane' was about 2/3rds of the way into the set, and it kind of got 'buried' for lack of a better term. I love Mike Campbell's bit in the chorus, not to mention the double-lead that MC and TP play. When both of them play those bends at the same time, the sound is massive. Mike had a blue/white, LA Dodgers looking Gibson, Tom had a white Tele with a rosewood fretboard.
'I Wont Back Down' was very good. This is the song that confirmed the mix was WAY better in Sacramento than in Berkeley. Mike Campbell's slide intro cut through the mix very nicely, just the way it did in San Diego in 2005. Tom's voice was in good form on this number, and the harmonies on the "HEY baby" chorus were fantastic. Mike played a Gretsch (with 4 pickup/tone switches!) and Tom played that beatiful, dark Guild 12 string acoustic.
'Free Fallin' came next, and TP brought out a 1997 for this one. I believe this was the only song in which both TP and Mike Campbell both used Rickenbackers. Mike returned to his 360/12 FG for this one, and I just love those notes he plays on the low E during the "interlude" (?). 'Free Fallin' is not my favorite TP song, but it's great live... the same way 'Yesterday' from Paul McCartney isn't a favorite, it's great to hear in person.
'Saving Grace' rocked once again. Mike's slide work on that red Vox guitar is amazing. He can really get some unique sounds out of that guitar, and it adds a lot to the song. Tom's Mapleglo 12-string is always great to see as well. I love the riff during the 'break.' It's a nice descending pattern, but following the second run through, Tom toggles between a G and a Gsus, followed by an A and an Asus (just like Pete Townshend in the chorus "I Can't Explain"). All in all, this is a great new tune, and it fits the live show very well.
Next came a Bo Diddley/Yardbirds cover with 'I'm A Man.' I love when TPATH perform covers. Where else are you going to hear an old Yardbirds tune live on that scale? It came off very well, and I think the crowd loved it. Mike had a sunburst Gibson (335?) on this one and I can't remember what Tom was using, but he didn't play it anyway.
'Oh Well' came next, and while I don't know much about Fleetwood Mac, I do like what Mike Campbell does with this one live. Mike kept the Gibson for this one, and Tom didn't play much on this one, save for a few chords.
Some people in the front started shouting Happy Birthday to Tom when they were switching guitars before 'Handle With Care', and he said "Yes, it's my birthday today, and I can't think of a better way to spend it than with you." Then Mike Campbell did something really cool... He played the intro lick to 'Birthday' from The Beatles White Album. I'm not sure how many people heard it or knew what it was, but that was a nice touch! Also, I will mention that of the three times I've heard TP sing 'Handle With Care," last night was the best. I think that emulating George's voice is kind of hard for him, since they're a little different, but it was there last night. Mike had a turquoise Stratocaster with a glass slide, and TP had the 12-string Guild.
Stevie Nicks was there again, and while I'm not the biggest Stevie fan in the world, I am glad that the fans who wanted to see her were given the chance. Plus, Stevie did lead all 16,000 of us in a slow singalong of Happy Birthday for Tom, and they even brought out a giant cake for him! I think Stevie caught Tom off guard with this, because he was genuinely surprised by all of it. TP blew out the candle, then the candle hit the stage floor and started a small fire!
TP kept stomping up and down to put it out, turned and laughed with Ron Blair, and then returned to the mic and said "I guess there's more than one way to light the stage on fire!'
This was followed by 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' which is slowly growing on me, although not a favorite. Stevie's presence makes Tom smile, and the harmonies were good, so it was cool. I can't remember Mike's guitar on this one (the blue Gibson is what I'd guess), but Tom had a white Gibson SG.
'I Need To Know' came next and sounded great. Of the three numbers that Stevie plays a large role, this is my favorite. Tom kept the Gibson SG on this one.
'It's Good To Be King' off the 'Wildflowers' album drew big cheers (great album, that one!). Mike Campbell's arrangement on this one is very complex. He got some amazing sustain on this one, and it's very cool to see Tom and Mike or Tom and Steve Ferrone get 'locked' in during certain parts of the song. In short, they delivered a great performance of this song during both shows I saw. Mike had the blue Gibson, Tom had the white Tele.
'Down South' came next, and while Tom kept the white Tele, Mike went back to the 360/12 FG. This is another of my favorite "Highway Companion" tracks, and I was amazed at how many fans were singing along. Seems to be quite popular! I think this one might be a staple in future shows, whenever those occur, as it's one of TP's "favorites in a while."
'Insider' followed, and TP played a (jumbo?) Gibson acoustic on this one. It was a quiet duet, but I think this is the one Mike Campbell played a mandolin on.
'Learning To Fly' was sensational as always. This is another of my favorite TP songs, and I feel very lucky to have seen it performed two years in a row. Why? In 2005, TP played this one electrically, like the record/radio version. In contrast, this year, TP has played it very quietly, in an intimate acoustic atmosphere. Similar to McCartney's "Here Today" or "Blackbird" of recent tours.
Last night's show was the third time I've seen TP, and the second in 3 weeks. It was a great show to be at for many reasons: Tom's birthday, a three week break before this show, Friday Night, excellent weather, and AWESOME sound.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the lights went off during the Berkeley show a couple of times, but I didn't think it affected the sound. After last night, I'm inclined to believe that the power outage may have affected the musical and/or sound equipment. The sound in Berkeley was great too, but the sound in Sacramento last night was a bit louder, more "full," and I think the mix was better overall. I was lucky enough to be right next to the soundboard for both shows, though.
Jackson Browne opened last night, and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. The only previous exposure I've had to him is that I watched him being inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame on TV a couple of years ago. I was pleased with his set, and his lead guitarist played some excellent slide.
The intermission went by pretty quickly, and everything went dark.
The band came onto the stage, Steve Ferrone teased us with the cowbell for about 30 seconds, then clicked the sticks a couple of times, and BANG! The lights came on as those massive A-chords of 'Listen To Her Heart' began ringing from Mike's Fireglo 360/12 and Tom's white Vox Teardrop. What a great opener this song is!
'Mary Jane' followed, and as I may have said before, I think this song works very well in the #2 slot. When I saw him in 2005, 'Mary Jane' was about 2/3rds of the way into the set, and it kind of got 'buried' for lack of a better term. I love Mike Campbell's bit in the chorus, not to mention the double-lead that MC and TP play. When both of them play those bends at the same time, the sound is massive. Mike had a blue/white, LA Dodgers looking Gibson, Tom had a white Tele with a rosewood fretboard.
'I Wont Back Down' was very good. This is the song that confirmed the mix was WAY better in Sacramento than in Berkeley. Mike Campbell's slide intro cut through the mix very nicely, just the way it did in San Diego in 2005. Tom's voice was in good form on this number, and the harmonies on the "HEY baby" chorus were fantastic. Mike played a Gretsch (with 4 pickup/tone switches!) and Tom played that beatiful, dark Guild 12 string acoustic.
'Free Fallin' came next, and TP brought out a 1997 for this one. I believe this was the only song in which both TP and Mike Campbell both used Rickenbackers. Mike returned to his 360/12 FG for this one, and I just love those notes he plays on the low E during the "interlude" (?). 'Free Fallin' is not my favorite TP song, but it's great live... the same way 'Yesterday' from Paul McCartney isn't a favorite, it's great to hear in person.
'Saving Grace' rocked once again. Mike's slide work on that red Vox guitar is amazing. He can really get some unique sounds out of that guitar, and it adds a lot to the song. Tom's Mapleglo 12-string is always great to see as well. I love the riff during the 'break.' It's a nice descending pattern, but following the second run through, Tom toggles between a G and a Gsus, followed by an A and an Asus (just like Pete Townshend in the chorus "I Can't Explain"). All in all, this is a great new tune, and it fits the live show very well.
Next came a Bo Diddley/Yardbirds cover with 'I'm A Man.' I love when TPATH perform covers. Where else are you going to hear an old Yardbirds tune live on that scale? It came off very well, and I think the crowd loved it. Mike had a sunburst Gibson (335?) on this one and I can't remember what Tom was using, but he didn't play it anyway.
'Oh Well' came next, and while I don't know much about Fleetwood Mac, I do like what Mike Campbell does with this one live. Mike kept the Gibson for this one, and Tom didn't play much on this one, save for a few chords.
Some people in the front started shouting Happy Birthday to Tom when they were switching guitars before 'Handle With Care', and he said "Yes, it's my birthday today, and I can't think of a better way to spend it than with you." Then Mike Campbell did something really cool... He played the intro lick to 'Birthday' from The Beatles White Album. I'm not sure how many people heard it or knew what it was, but that was a nice touch! Also, I will mention that of the three times I've heard TP sing 'Handle With Care," last night was the best. I think that emulating George's voice is kind of hard for him, since they're a little different, but it was there last night. Mike had a turquoise Stratocaster with a glass slide, and TP had the 12-string Guild.
Stevie Nicks was there again, and while I'm not the biggest Stevie fan in the world, I am glad that the fans who wanted to see her were given the chance. Plus, Stevie did lead all 16,000 of us in a slow singalong of Happy Birthday for Tom, and they even brought out a giant cake for him! I think Stevie caught Tom off guard with this, because he was genuinely surprised by all of it. TP blew out the candle, then the candle hit the stage floor and started a small fire!
TP kept stomping up and down to put it out, turned and laughed with Ron Blair, and then returned to the mic and said "I guess there's more than one way to light the stage on fire!' This was followed by 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' which is slowly growing on me, although not a favorite. Stevie's presence makes Tom smile, and the harmonies were good, so it was cool. I can't remember Mike's guitar on this one (the blue Gibson is what I'd guess), but Tom had a white Gibson SG.
'I Need To Know' came next and sounded great. Of the three numbers that Stevie plays a large role, this is my favorite. Tom kept the Gibson SG on this one.
'It's Good To Be King' off the 'Wildflowers' album drew big cheers (great album, that one!). Mike Campbell's arrangement on this one is very complex. He got some amazing sustain on this one, and it's very cool to see Tom and Mike or Tom and Steve Ferrone get 'locked' in during certain parts of the song. In short, they delivered a great performance of this song during both shows I saw. Mike had the blue Gibson, Tom had the white Tele.
'Down South' came next, and while Tom kept the white Tele, Mike went back to the 360/12 FG. This is another of my favorite "Highway Companion" tracks, and I was amazed at how many fans were singing along. Seems to be quite popular! I think this one might be a staple in future shows, whenever those occur, as it's one of TP's "favorites in a while."
'Insider' followed, and TP played a (jumbo?) Gibson acoustic on this one. It was a quiet duet, but I think this is the one Mike Campbell played a mandolin on.
'Learning To Fly' was sensational as always. This is another of my favorite TP songs, and I feel very lucky to have seen it performed two years in a row. Why? In 2005, TP played this one electrically, like the record/radio version. In contrast, this year, TP has played it very quietly, in an intimate acoustic atmosphere. Similar to McCartney's "Here Today" or "Blackbird" of recent tours.
'Don't Come Around Here No More' followed, and it was nice. It's an average TP song to me, but I think Mike had a Jerry Jones sitar on this one. I think Tom had the Rose Morris FG Rickenbacker on this one.
'Refugee' brought some of the loudest cheers of the night. Mike went back to the sunburst Gibson and I think TP had the white SG again. Excellent background vocals on this one.
'Runnin' Down A Dream' was fantastic, as usual. Tom had the white SG and Mike was sporting a Rickenbacker 350 Jetglo which has been discussed above. The sound on this song with that guitar is unforgettable. Incredible warmth and tone throughout the extended jam/solo, and just a great performance overall.
..... They left the stage for about 10 minutes after that one.....
Only to return with the loudest D, A, and E intro chords you'll ever hear... 'You Wreck Me' was next with Mike on a red Gibson SG, Tom on Tele(?), and Scott Thurston on a Mapleglo 360/12. This is another TP favorite of mine, and I love the beat this song has. Excellent vocals as well. Great "OOOOOOOO"...... "YEAAAAAAAAAAHH" from the crowd.
Van Morrison's "Mystic Eyes" came next, and this one went on for at least 8-10 minutes. TP creates some nice crowd interaction during this one, and it has quite a flow.
and to cap off the show, "American Girl" once again served as a fantastic closer. Tom had the 660/12 FG TP on this one, and Mike had that natural butterscotch Tele.
TP hung around after this one much longer than he did at Berkeley, thanking the crowd profusely, telling everyone to return home safe, and so forth.
I'm glad I got to share this one with my friends again, but hopefully next time I can see TP with my Dad, who was out of town when TP came through Denver.
That might be my last TP show for a while, unless... I can find tickets for the show in Berkeley next Friday. He's returning for a third show at the Greek Theatre, and it might be very hard for me not to go.
PS: Sorry this post was so long!
PPS: Here's a picture someone posted on TP's website:
(this is right when Stevie came out and we all started singing Happy Birthday... and I just noticed that in this picture, Mike is using that blue/white guitar I was talking about... Can anyone confirm what that is? He didn't use it in Berkeley, so last night was the first time I've seen it)
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a109/ratmom/TPATHJacksonBrowneSacramento022.jpg
'Refugee' brought some of the loudest cheers of the night. Mike went back to the sunburst Gibson and I think TP had the white SG again. Excellent background vocals on this one.
'Runnin' Down A Dream' was fantastic, as usual. Tom had the white SG and Mike was sporting a Rickenbacker 350 Jetglo which has been discussed above. The sound on this song with that guitar is unforgettable. Incredible warmth and tone throughout the extended jam/solo, and just a great performance overall.
..... They left the stage for about 10 minutes after that one.....
Only to return with the loudest D, A, and E intro chords you'll ever hear... 'You Wreck Me' was next with Mike on a red Gibson SG, Tom on Tele(?), and Scott Thurston on a Mapleglo 360/12. This is another TP favorite of mine, and I love the beat this song has. Excellent vocals as well. Great "OOOOOOOO"...... "YEAAAAAAAAAAHH" from the crowd
. Van Morrison's "Mystic Eyes" came next, and this one went on for at least 8-10 minutes. TP creates some nice crowd interaction during this one, and it has quite a flow.
and to cap off the show, "American Girl" once again served as a fantastic closer. Tom had the 660/12 FG TP on this one, and Mike had that natural butterscotch Tele.
TP hung around after this one much longer than he did at Berkeley, thanking the crowd profusely, telling everyone to return home safe, and so forth.
I'm glad I got to share this one with my friends again, but hopefully next time I can see TP with my Dad, who was out of town when TP came through Denver.
That might be my last TP show for a while, unless... I can find tickets for the show in Berkeley next Friday. He's returning for a third show at the Greek Theatre, and it might be very hard for me not to go
. PS: Sorry this post was so long!
PPS: Here's a picture someone posted on TP's website:
(this is right when Stevie came out and we all started singing Happy Birthday... and I just noticed that in this picture, Mike is using that blue/white guitar I was talking about... Can anyone confirm what that is? He didn't use it in Berkeley, so last night was the first time I've seen it)
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a109/ratmom/TPATHJacksonBrowneSacramento022.jpg
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shamustwin
- Senior Member
- Posts: 5287
- Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2003 5:00 am
You're welcome . Yeah, the Vox Super Beatles are stunning! They are indeed the vintage ones. I remember reading something about them in a previous TP magazine article.
You're right about more guitar changes at previous shows. I remember more in Berkeley as well. As I said, Mike's blue Gibson didn't make an appearance until last night, and I think he used it on a few songs that featured other guitars in previous shows.
. Yeah, the Vox Super Beatles are stunning! They are indeed the vintage ones. I remember reading something about them in a previous TP magazine article. You're right about more guitar changes at previous shows. I remember more in Berkeley as well. As I said, Mike's blue Gibson didn't make an appearance until last night, and I think he used it on a few songs that featured other guitars in previous shows.
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shamustwin
- Senior Member
- Posts: 5287
- Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2003 5:00 am