11/22/05 LAWRENCE, KS @ LIBERTY HALL
On November 22, 2005 I had the opportunity to see HANSON live in Lawrence, Kansas at Liberty Hall for the Live & Electric Tour '05.
I arrived at the show at 7:00 PM just in time for when the doors opened. Just before they opened the doors, I drove past the Liberty Hall seeing all the fans standing outside of the door and the feeling of excitement took over me because it brought back so many memories over the past eight years.
I finally got inside the Liberty Hall and the first thing I did was go straight for the merchandise table. After getting the merchandise I wanted, we got seated on the left side of the balcony. I noticed this show was a lot more laid back than most of the shows I have been to. Security was not hoovering over all of the fans and watching their every move. It was nice to be at a show that was so laid back.
The first local opening band that won the contest to perform for HANSON in Lawrence, Kansas was Box Social. I really did not like this band. I was a little disappointed to see that that's what had won the contest. I think the drummer of Box Social was too good to be in that band.
I have been a fan of Pat McGee Band's music since early 2005. When I first heard that they were touring with HANSON on the Live & Electric Tour '05, I knew I had to do whatever it took to attend at least one show, no matter how far I had to travel. Luckily they came to Kansas!
Finally, Pat McGee Band took the stage. During one of their songs, Isaac Hanson came out and wipped all of the band members off with a white towel. It was a little something to get the crowed going.
During another one of their songs, Isaac Hanson and a roadie took the stage shirtless. Isaac Hanson ran around a couple times going to each band member, giving the guitarist a hug from behind and the roadie had shaving cream painted on his chest like he was wearing a bra. Isaac Hanson went back behind stage while the roadie stayed out on stage whipping shaving cream on Pat's (lead singer of PMB) back and forming it on his lower face. These were just a couple of highlights from the show. Pat even performed while walking around in the pit area through all of the fans. Then they performed "I Want You To Want Me". They're definitely a band to check out live if you ever get the chance.
After the Pat McGee Band finished, we all knew what was coming!!! It took 30 minutes for them to set up the stage and get things ready for when HANSON came on. The excitement was building as time reached closer. HANSON took the stage at 10:00 PM. They all came out. Taylor jumped on the drums, Zac took a seat at the piano, and Isaac threw on his guitar over his shoulders. They started performing "In A Way".
After "In A Way", Zac took his seat behind the drums, Taylor took his place at the piano & organ. Zac started beating on the drums and smiling with joy. You could tell the live music was feeding soul. They were performing a cover by U2 called "Desire". They did an excellent job on this song. They always seem to pick the right covers.
During their performance of "Weird", a band member from Pat McGee Band came out with a wet mop and started mopping the stage. The fans and HANSON got humor out of it all. It was quite funny and...weird.
HANSON sang their unreleased song "Down" from the HANSON.NET Membership CD. This is the first time I had heard the song live at a show. It is really good live. A small highlight during this song was Zac messing up on his solo during the song. He started out with Isaac's solo and finished to his. It didn't make sense, but who cares? We all know we enjoy hearing him sing his heart out! :)
"Hand In Hand" is one of the best performances I have ever seen Isaac do. It was even better than the performance he did in St. Louis, Missouri...and that had a very high rating from me. Isaac Hanson was so full of energy during this show. This song has so many beats and twists. It is probably one of the best songs for HANSON to perform live. My favorite part of the song is just when you think it's over, Taylor thanked the audience. Isaac took a drink from his water. The silence lasted longer than usual...then Zac started up with his beats, Isaac strumming his acoustic guitar while yelling his "Oh, no", their guitarist waling, and Taylor jamming on the organ. Then after a minute of performing, it's all over by a flip of a switch!
HANSON took a break after this song. They came back out to an acoustic set. They started out with "Strong Enough To Break" and ended with "MMMBop". During "MMMBop" the Pat McGee Band came out with Santa hats and one was in a suit with white poster board. In black markers there were different signs with *fake* cell phone numbers of HANSON"s, the "MMMBop" course, "I'M REALLY IN LOVE WITH JASON!", and a few other signs. They all danced and sang along to "MMMBop", as did the audience.
After the acoustic set, HANSON prepped to sing "Change In My Life" acapella. It was done so well. Their harmonies are amazing to listen to. I thought Zac did a really excellent job on this song to.
After the show was over, HANSON came back out for an encore, as usual--but this encore was a little unusual. HANSON performed "Run Run Rudolph" with the Pat McGee Band in their Santa hats for the holiday. They all rocked! Pat McGee brought up a fan from the audience to sit in a chair and play the tamborine. The fan really rocked out. You could tell she was really enjoying herself! They all were.
There are photos above, but they're not the best quality. I apologize about that, but I'm probably more disappointed than you. ;)
Again, thank you so much HANSON for another night of amazing music. There will be many, many, many, many more to come! You guys rock!
Setlist: (in no particular order)1. In A Way
2. Desire
3. A Minute Without You
4. Thinking of You
5. Hey
6. Can't Stop
7. Weird
8. Down
9. Hand In Hand
10. Strong Enough To Break (acoustic)
11. MMMBop (acoustic)
12. Change In My Life (acappella)
13. Every Word I Say
14. Crazy Beautiful
15. If Only
16. Long Train Runnin'
17. Where's The Love
18. Look At You
19. Rock N' Roll Razorblade
20. This Time Around
Encore:
21. Run Run Rudolph featuring Pat McGee Band
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