The River Styx
There is no such thing as a routine Styx show, and this one had already started out to be special. Kevin came back out during Blue Collar Man and sang a verse, the same verse he sang on the "jam" version on the Arch Allies CD (made the same error on the lyrics too - oops!), so that was already pretty cool. Then, during Grand Illusion, there was a raindrop - then another - then a whole bunch of their friends, and soon it was coming down pretty steadily! The way the wind was still blowing, the rain was hitting the stage too, and Glen stepped out to the edge and held out his hand and looked up. Yep, Glen - it's raining!
Soon it was obvious to the band and everyone - it was pouring! Some people pulled out plastic ponchos and put them on but I can't imagine it did much good. We never thought of leaving - after a few minutes, everyone was completely soaked anyway. To paraphrase Nigel Tufnel (and doesn't everyone), "it's like, how much more wet could you be? And the answer is none - none more wet." So we all stayed and just kept dancing! The only difference it made is that when it turned into a downpour, I thought, hmm... drenching rain, digital camera - probably not a good mix; and I put the camera away. The skies opened from Lorelei to Miss America (this is how I measure time - sue me), cleared up during Miss America, drenched us all again during "Too Much Time On My Hands" and then just drizzled for the rest of the show.
The audience had a blast and so did the band. JY changed the lyrics to "Lorelei" to a very appropriate "she brightens every rainy night," and Lawrence made a brilliant (and slightly blue) comment about how wet the audience was! Before "Crystal Ball," Tommy sang us the whole chorus of "Singing In The Rain," and before "A Criminal Mind," Lawrence said, "you thought you were just coming to a concert tonight, well, welcome to the River Styx!" Before "Love Is The Ritual," Glen complimented the crew on their great work, saying "The mark of a great rock and roll crew is that they're back here covering stuff up, making sure no one gets hurt," and then added, "and a great rock and roll audience is one that just hangs out and doesn't give a s--- about the weather!" JY and Glen proclaimed tonight "Woodstock 2001!"