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…
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As reported from a source close to a band, Tim Reynolds has made changes to his tour dates with TR3 to be able to tour with the Dave Matthews Band for the whole summer. Tim is usually known to play only with Dave Matthews, while him playing with the band has become a rarity recently. At first it was thought that he would only play with them for a couple of shows, however that has been disproven. This gives fans yet another reason to anticipate a great tour, especially with an upcoming album bound to released soon.