Deep Purple, ELP, Dream Theater
PNC Arts Center
Thursday, August 6, 1998

by Sean Faust

Being this is the first time I ever chose to write my opinion of an event, please bear with me. The night began with one of my two favorite bands, Dream Theater, who's rather short set was nothing short of amazing anyway. From the moment their opener "New Millennium" began, to their closing song, the monstrously beautiful "Metropolis", Dream Theater fans in the crowd at the PNC Arts Center were cheering, singing along, clapping for solos they knew to expect and love, etc.

Not taking themselves too seriously is definitely a staple in Dream Theater's live show, having thrown Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar" and Metallica's "Enter Sandman" into their own "Peruvian Skies", from their most recent, and excellent, album "Falling Into Infinity", which then segued into their 1992 "Images And Words" hit "Pull Me Under".

It was also very pleasing to hear a performance of "6:00", from their best- selling album "Awake". Before closing with the aforementioned prog-masterpiece "Metropolis", Dream Theater performed their latest single, the ever-so- touching "Hollow Years". All in all, it was a great set. Being it was also the 5th time I have seen Dream Theater live, it was one of their best sets!

Following Dream Theater was Emerson, Lake, & Palmer. Having no prior knowledge of ELP (aside from "Lucky Man"), I found myself completely amazed, as well as finding yet another wonderful influence for my keyboard playing named Keith Emerson. I could sit here and write a verbal b!0%job to him, but that wouldn't be fair to you, now would it? I can honestly say it one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. ELP, you have me sold!!!!!

Songs performed in their set (I had my drummer, Pat, write their set list down for me so I could buy some albums) were: Karn Evil 9, Hoedown, Touch & Go, (the beautiful!!!!!) C'est La Vie, Tarkus (parts 1-6), and Fanfare For The Common Man. Excellent! I am still amazed as I write this not even 12 hours later!!!!!

Finally, taking the stage after ELP, was what seemed to be (from watching the crowd) the long awaited onstage arrival of Deep Purple with "Hush". The crowd went wild for their hour and a half set consisting of new material, and classic Deep Purple staples such as "Woman From Tokyo" and of course "Smoke On The Water". It was once again, a pleasure to hear "Perfect Strangers" (considering the night before was the first time I had ever heard their version), a song I had heard many a time from two Dream Theater CD's that I have. Deep Purple ended their night with a jamming version of "Highway Star", leaving their fans breathless and satisfied.

It was Progressive-Night at the PNC Arts Center on Thursday, August 6th, and I am very very proud to have been there! If this tour comes to your area, do not miss out on it!!!!!

Sean Faust