The Dave Matthews Band have finished their first two shows - a double header in Burgettstown, PA - to start their 2008 Summer Tour. Both shows highlighted the many changes in the band, most notably the absence of Butch Taylor. Many show-goers noted that the half of the stage that Butch occupied is noticeably empty. Nevertheless, with Tim Reynolds touring with the band, the musical gap was filled in songs such as Lie in Our Graves and Two Step.

What also came as a surprise to many show-goers was the song choices. ‘Some Devil’ songs were one of the most noticeable. The band played its first ever full-band Gravedigger, as well as playing So Damn Lucky. ‘Some Devil’ is Dave Matthews’ solo-album released in 2003, thus the rarity. Covers also played a huge part in the concerts, closing off both nights. The first night was closed with a cover of Thank You, a Sly and The Family Stone song often played by Dave and Friends, with the second night being closed with a cover of Pink Floyd’s Money, segueing into Barrett Strong’s Money That’s What I Want.

Technically wise, many acclaimed the people working on the lighting and background video. It was improved upon yet again, with the band acquiring a new wide-screen display that also shows the music video of the song they are playing on the side (if applicable). Also, they have a screen that covers the stage but comes up at the right time. The example is during N1, where as the band started to play Don’t Drink the Water, it slowly came up and revealed the band.

Even though 6 songs from N1 were repeated on N2, it seems that this tour is going to be a great one, though from what we’ve seen so far, every night will most likely have an unexpected twist. Here’s to a great summer. Hit the link for the full setlists…

Post-Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake
Burgettstown, PA

May 30:

Don’t Drink the Water
You Might Die Trying
So Damn Lucky
Rhyme and Reason
Everyday
#27
Crash Into Me
Gravedigger
Smooth Rider
Corn Bread
One Sweet World
Pantala Naga Pampa …>
Rapunzel
Stolen Away on 55th and 3rd
What Would You Say
Louisiana Bayou
Grey Street
Encore:
Sister [Dave Solo]
Thank You

May 31:

Two Step
Granny
Corn Bread
Satellite
So Damn Lucky
The Maker
Where Are You Going
You Might Die Trying
#41
Too Much
Melissa
Gravedigger
Rhyme and Reason
#27
Lie In Our Graves …>
Ants Marching
Encore:
Money …>
Money That’s What I Want

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 1st, 2008 at 8:49 am and is filed under Band, Tim Reynolds, Tour. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.