I'll just go ahead and post it because I won't be on for a while. Keep in mind that it was written in August and I was a little hyper when I wrote it.
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If there is one thing that I can say about this show, it would be that good things can happen to normal people. Just becuase something starts out poorly doesn't mean that it'll end that way.
The first thing I noticed upon entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was how poorly the stage was designed. The only real viewing room was directly in front of the stage and because the floor wasn't elevated, only the first five or so rows could see. The balconies behind the band provided only a decent view of the back and top of their heads to those who were in the very front and able to look down. I estimate that 80% of the audience couldn't see a thing.
And, more tragically, the audio quality on the sides and behind the stage left much to be desired. The vocals were drown out by the drums and bass. This turned out to be a blessing, however, when Audiovent took the stage. The lead singer thrashed about wildly and seemed more interested in playing the part of "rock star" to the MTV cameras that about actually putting on a decent show. The front row was selected by MTV based on appearance [they only want the trendy "emo" kids and the girls with large breasts and small shirts on their show] and they all acted very enthusiastic, even when the band shouted cheesy line such as "Give yourself a big round of applause". One particularly annoying female seemed unable to keep her right arm still and flung it in the air every five seconds.
Sitting on a bench on a floor behind the band, our view was criss-crossed by escalators. My friend Brittney was pissed. We've been waiting to hear OLP for a two years and could neither see nor hear. She got the attention of an employee [who we later found out was named Craig] and asked him who was responsible for the set up. He explained that MTV wanted it to look good on camera and that we were only props to them. He said that he'd try to find us another seat, but we never thought that we'd see him again after he left. To our surprise, he returned just after Audiovent finished their encore. He took us in a backstage section and allowed us to wait in a restricted area. We saw the band go from their elevator to the stage and Brittney got Jeremy's attention and he waved. We were all quite excited and felt very special - especially when Craig said that we were "with him" as a reason that we were allowed in that area.
We were unable to stay there, however, and Craig moved us to a spot on the right side of the stage, just past the gap overlooking the lower level, while he went across to stand by the escalator. The view wasn't that good, but we were able to see a wonderful shot of Raine as he went into the audience. He stood right by Craig and Craig looked at us while Raine Maida was right beside him.
Craig later moved us to a spot near the stage. He let us through the ropes so that we'd be able to see. The band said goodnight and a lot of people left [which allowed us to get nearer], but then came back out for an encore.
OLP played:
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All For You
Do You Like It
Superman's Dead
Naveed
Not Enough
Bring Back the Sun
Innocent
Clumsy
Right Behind you (Mafia)
Somewhere Out There
Starseed
4 am
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and for their encore the replayed Somewhere Out There and Superman's Dead for the MTV special. They also added:
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Is Anybody Home?
The Birdman
Whatever
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The sound quality was much better on the stage level and it gave us a chance to hear what a great band OLP really is. They are no studio band. Raine's vocals were amazing. He sang wonderfully the whole night. The band's version of Superman's Dead rocked my socks. They paused before the "subway" part of the song [since the concert, I've heard the audience singing "doesn't anybody ever know...?" every time I listen to SD] and I was afraid that they weren't going to play it. They did. OLP rocked on Naveed and Not Enough. They truly did those songs justice. I doubt that there was anything that the could have done better and I was disappointed to see that the majority of the audience didn't know Naveed. They missed out. Our Lady Peace exceeded every expectation that I've ever had of them.
My only real complaint was that Raine let the audience sing all of 4 am. I truly wish that he would have sang the chorus at least. The sound of the crowd singing the lyrics was a great experience, but I would have liked to hear his voice, considering that that's one of my favorite OLP songs.
Overall, it was a really good show. You guys shoud make sure to watch it :-]
I hate that. Now, I'm gonna watch the show again, cos my mom was talking when it was on MTV (I taped it 
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