December 1 - Ames, IA @ Hilton Coliseum [DISCUSSION]

Show got a late start, normal setlist.? Setlist changes would be the inclusion of used to love her.? Other suprise/change was that the encore was Chinese, Madagascar, Ron Solo/Don't Cry/Paradise City.

My review:

Got there at 7:30, wanted to see everything.? Some band from St Louis played for 30 min, then suicide girls then bach then helmet then GNR.? Show started at roughly 12:40? Huh

The crowd was restless early, buy Axl and crew had them won over by the time SCOM had ended.? We were seated on fincks side,parquet,? 3 rows up.? Great seats and had an awesome view of the "behind the scenes" stuff.? My wife and I even got Beta to wave to us

? ?Highlight for me from this show was Madagascar -Axl nailed it better then any other show I have heard (and I have damn near every boot available from 02 thru this year).? No real downers, the band was very tight and was on top of their game.? I suppose if you are trying to criticize you could bitch about the show time.? Axl apologized and mentioned the weather.? I believe him 100% in his sincerity regarding the later then normal start.? He also made another EODM crack when bach came on.? I believe it was "pidegons of poop" but I can't swear to that.? Baz called him Getty Lee, baz was wearing a RUSH t shirt.? The crowd seemed to like the new songs, with Better getting the best applause.? Not many were singing along, but seemed to enjoy the new music.? There was a little boy (8, 10?) in the front row with his dad on Finck's side.? Robin made lots of eye contact and I believe gave the boy a pick.? I'm sure the kid has a new guitar hero.? Tommy seemed to be in a good mood, I believe ROn has lost the dreds.? Sorry for rambling? I am tired as fuck and wanted to get something out to you all.? BTW, Frank is one hell of a plus for these guys.? I'll tease you all with one last observation that a bootleg may help.? I swear that one of the guitar solos that Fortis and the other guys were "mini-jamming" on was a HELL OF A LOT like the clip we have of "Checkmate (Prostitute?).? I'll never say that it was for sure, but I'm a gambler and I know where my money would be.? ?

P.S.? Have faith in Axl and the boys, it's easy to see that they are having a good time and that this is all from the heart.? If we don't get a new record this year I won't feel like Axl let me down.? I hope someone? associated with the band reads this, I as a true fan appreciate everything they are doing.......Take care

*edited for some typos/spelling after a nice warm shower*