I got stuck in traffic (Cubs home-game was tonight) so I missed the new opening band, Shinedown, on this 2nd leg of the tour. I was in section 114, the first section in the lower bowl, next to the stage (Michael's side) in row 14...great seats for the price at $51.50 (wonder how they came up with that ticket price... : -) ) Those seats must have been mis-priced because they were awesome.....I would have paid $75....

The lights went out and the boys jumped up on stage. A spotlight then hit Eddie as he started to play a little, and the crowd went nuts......Sammy started screaming to the crowd and then they went into Jump, which created a frenzy. The loyal fans supported the new tunes as best as they could but most people left for refills or the bathroom during those tunes. As mentioned in the other reviews, Sammy did his usual autograph signings and on-stage dress rehearsals with clothing people threw on stage. The hit of the night for warddrobe though was when Michael picked up a black G-string and put it on his head like an eye patch. Michael walked over to Sammy to show him what he got then Sammy, pulled Michael's head down a little to "smell it", to see if it was new or used. Awesome.

The set list was the same as the other shows, but I think Sammy actually played another tune after When Eagles Fly. Maybe other reviewers can confirm but he soloed then went into another song.

The encores were powerful and the fans appreciated those song selections.

I've roadied for my brother's band for many years and have seen many concerts. The only recommendation I have for the band is to buy Eddie some cordless set-ups. The cords were new and kept getting in the way all night long. He kept tripping over the cords and the cords kept getting stuck around his pedals. It's 2004, so I think it's about time for him to upgrade because the cords came unplugged at least 8 times last night, resulting in "dead air" and a roadie to jump on stage those 8 times to assist him.

Also great to see and hear that they’re all still at the top of their game. I’ve read reviews about the show not being tight…that’s the beauty of the Van Halen instrumentation though…Mike and Alex are as solid as ever, and Edward has room to do things that challenge the imagination. Sammy is master of ceremonies. It’s a great chemistry and it was as on as ever Monday night.

Favorite tunes form the evening were Top of the World (remembered seeing the Waboritas do it and Sammy’s guitar player feigning boredom, doing a little yawn during the solo), Why Can’t This Be Love, and Humans Being (great to finally hear this live!) I wish Sammy’s acoustic set could have either be dropped or shortened. Sure would have been nice to hear either Finish What You Started or Cabo Wabo!

The solos were excellent…not exactly sure what Michael Anthony was doing…kind of stumbling around bumping into things with his bass. Alex does a great entertaining solo that’s not to flashy but pumps the crowd up. Eddie’s solo was amazing. Worth the price of the ticket. I’m amazed about how he always seems to be adding new weapons, new techniques. It was a treat to just watch him work. Also a relief because he was a sloppy the rest of the night. Solo came off wihtout a hitch. Should’ve gone on Tuesday as well to see Wolfie play, but, I’m sure it’ll make it onto the DVD.

The only problem with the night as mentioned in other reviews was some crazy-ass cord malfunctions. Ed’s using some sort of cord management system now, and about 300 yards of guitar cable…I’m not sure what his reasoning is for that. Whether it’s old school, or if it carries a more consistent tone (his tone, by the way was as raw and aggressive as I’d heard in years.) it doesn’t work, especially with the kind of stage set up they’re using. Don’t know if he’s had this much trouble on other stops with it…but, it was a real bummer. My friend and I, guitarists just looked at each other and said, “Oh no.” the first time it happened. We had already bet how long it would take before he roached a cable. It happened too many times though and REALLY slowed down the momentum of the show. I mean….his guitar IS the sound and when it disappears…folks notice. I would be damn sure there was a STRONG contingency plan for when that happened. I would seriously consider going back to a wireless rig. But, I also have no business giving the greatest living guitarist any advice.

Loved the additions to the Right Now video, too.

I hope they keep improving on this tour, kicking off the rust, working out the bugs…and then head to Cabo, write a real party record…get back to where they deserve to be.

I attended this show with my soon to be wife, Sheila. It was her first Van Halen concert. They played her favorites "Right Now", "Ain't Talkin Bout Love", "You Really Got Me", and "Why Can't This Be Love". I have played "It's About Time" on repeat so much at home.... see mentioned to me right before that song started.. "You should know the words to this one...We both laughed".

The sound was surprisely very good. I was on the floor in section 4, seats 1 & 2. (Mikey's Side) near the soundboard.

Shinedown was good, they played about 5-6 songs.

The crowd started going nuts when they saw Eddie from behind his amps "warming up" right before the opener "Jump". You could tell most of the audience didn't know the words for Up For Breakfast or It's About Time, but I was singing! Both songs were well received. The audience loved Mikey's spot on Somebody Get Me A Doctor. Sammy walked up to the mike like he was going to sing, but then was pushed aside by Mikey as he belted his screams. He also took a shot from a (small)...very small Jack Daniels bottle.

Alex's Drum solo was very solid, no big surprises, but VERY well received. This is about where I ran out of pictures on my disposable (27) camera. I did not have a problem getting it in...and just placed bandaids over the flash.

The band took the concert to a new level on Top of the World. To me that was the turning point where most everyone was singing/clapping/screaming..[insert verb], etc. from then to the end of the show!

In my opinion, from what I could see, Sammy didn't do too much signing that interfered with the show. I also noticed a few friends up on the big video screen....(Ron H. and Edward R.).

They did NOT play Learning to See...which I DID WANT TO HEAR LIVE....the replacement "The Seventh Seal" was a solid one.

I know Eddie's preference for the tour is to be plugged in, but a CORDLESS rig would make all the difference. I'm not a guitarist, so I don't know if there is a better sound or less feedback when you use a cord. Eddie had a good handful of problems with this throughout the show. The first noticeable one happened at the very end of his guitar solo. Right when the band came back play the ending riff with him....Eddie was holding his hands up on his head in disbelief and frustration because something was wrong with his pedal set-up. I believe the cord came unplugged at least 5 other times...during the songs Right Now/YRGM & Panama (basically towards the end of the show). Eddie didn't play 316 during his solo spot - so of course Wolfgang wasn't there on stage to perform it with him. The guitar solo, and show overall was NOT Sloppy or freeform as Eddie might describe it. I think the week break the band had before this show helped them put on an above average show. I overheard many people saying how Eddie was on his game, as I walked back to my car.

This show was near perfect! It was my favorite show to date even though the setlist was predictable. I look forward to tuesday night's show. Pictures to come if they turn out. I'll also be posting pictures of my Tirecover I had made for my silver jeep liberty that I was sporting at the show (in the parking lot). It's a silver vh swirl logo on a black cover.