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If you were going to see your favorite band play one time, would you want them to trot out all of the big hits and radio staples? Odds are, you probably have a few obscure songs that you consider to be favorites, but you might like the certainty. If you were going to see them more than once, would you feel differently? Chances are, you would have a greater chance of hearing those lesser-known gems, but a standard show, complete with the requisite hits, would be awfully repetitive. Such is the dilemma which often crosses my mind when considering the Dave Matthews Band. This has been especially relevant in recent years, as I have missed out on some of my true treasures. During the second show of the band’s latest stop at the Tweeter Center in Camden, NJ, these questions came bubbling to the forefront once more.
Due to the looming presence of the internet, fans have access to droves of information about artists, songs, tours, and the like. For fans of the Dave Matthews Band, this is even more apparent, thanks in no small part to the award-winning nancies.org web site. Every setlist is posted, and statistics are provided for each tour, each venue, and each song. Admittedly, I have always found this to be a very exciting tool, as it lets fans see how a tour is shaping up, what nuggets are being unearthed, and what other fans are saying about the shows. On the down side, it can also let you know what you are missing. Nothing matches the disappointment of seeing a dream mix of songs played mere nights before your own show. This can only make the reality that much more difficult to bear.
In the band’s Camden performance, the theme was clearly Before These Crowded Streets, the third major release and an album largely ignored the night before. Dave Matthews opened with “Stay,” “Crush,” “The Stone,” and “Don’t Drink the Water” before dabbling in his other albums. This would clearly be exciting for fans returning for the second show, as they would be entertained with thirty-two different songs – with no repeats – over the two days. Personally, I am caught between my affection for some of these songs and the reality that I have – by pure chance – witnessed many of these same songs repeatedly during my eleven-concert touring life. Is it asking too much to hear “Say Goodbye” or “Cry Freedom” just once?
Every fan has his gripes from time to time, be it regarding the venue, the songs selected, or the performance itself. While I am not always pleased with the songs selected, I am always thrilled to see Dave Matthews and the boys. (I choose to pretend that keyboardist Butch Taylor is not really on stage with the band’s true members.) Camden’s second night was no exception, as we were treated to rousing renditions of “All Along the Watchtower” and “Don’t Drink the Water.” “Dancing Nancies” proved to be especially exciting for the audience, as was old favorite “Satellite.” The Dave Matthews Band even reached into the past to bring out obscure numbers like “Help Myself,” “The Maker,” and the more recent “Spoon.” While all offering a quieter sound, they still managed to delight a crowd yearning for something special.
In May 2001, I attended a U2 concert in Chicago. The band’s set featured a heavy sampling of the latest album as well as just about every single hit that U2 had produced. I had not seen U2 in nine years, but I could hardly have been happier with the result. However, if I had gone to see U2 the next day, or the day after that, I would have heard the very same songs in almost the same order! With the Dave Matthews Band, this is never the case. The band rewards its loyal followers with a different set every night, encouraging fans to return again and again. When the next tour rolls around, I will be back there once again as well. Apparently, I just need a little bit better luck when it comes to picking shows!
Setlist:
Encore:
See Also: Dave Matthews Band Tribute
Submitted 9/6/03.
If you have any questions or comments about this or any other concert, please feel free to e-mail me.