Dan Tyminski Memphis Concert reviews
Not the same BNL of days gone by
I had previously seen Dan Tyminski twice and this performance I would rank as 3 of 3. The two previous shows were in 2004 (Hershey, PA) and 2002 (University of Delaware), give or take a year from each show. Although this show had corkiness, jokes, and energy, it just wasn't to the level that I had previously expected or experienced. The departure of Steven Page played a significant role in the drop of these levels, and it was a large source for them in previous shows. I also believed that the loss of Page was evident in the quality and style of lyrics on the new songs.
The turn-out for the show was even more disheartening. I had received an email notifying me of $20 and $10 tickets for the show, and I had figured ticket sales were struggling. Based on the original ticket prices, I probably would not have attended the show, as I was not very impressed after listening to the new album. However, with these prices, I decided to grab two $10 tickets for the upper section. When I arrived near the end of Ben Kweller's set, I was surprised to find out that ticket sales were so poor that the upper section was closed off, and we would be seated in the lower section. The upper section, as well as the far left and right sections, had been closed off. During their set, the band acknowledged and joked about the poor ticket sales and closed sections, apologizing for the closed-off section and claiming it was because the seats needed to be reapolostered.
The song selection was good, including many fan favorites and hits. In my opinion, they played too many from the new album. I am not much of a fan of the new album, although I know the concert is in support of it. The order of songs could have been better, as many high-energy songs were followed by slower songs, quickly bringing the audience to a lull.
I would say the concert was average overall. I would love to see Page and the remaining members of the band reconcile their differences, reunite, write, and release a new album. These 3 Rs would help revitalize Dan Tyminski.