We started this week in Vermont where we met up with another loyal fan (Hi, Paul!) and settled in for the happy hour set. These acoustic sets before the show are incredible. We really hope they continue to offer this on their next tour because it is such a neat way to see and interact with the band.
One of the best things about getting to be part of the happy hour show is the Q & A they do with the audience. TLB has always been so gracious with their fans and these Q & A sessions are an extension of that. Even when the receive questions they've answered at previous shows, they are always completely courteous and respectful in their responses. Of course, they get asked all kinds of questions and these last two shows were no exception to that. We learned what music the band is currently listening to (it ranges from Ryan Adams’ 1989 to War on Drugs). Someone asked Brian about his Alabama shirt and after a brief discussion about that band’s influence on him, they broke into a cover of “Dixie Delight."
At the Boston happy hour, we learned about the first time each of them ever appeared on stage. Jason shared that he and Kanene competed against one another in their 8th grade talent show, but neither of them won. When asked what they thought about Spotify, Zach compared it to the aunt that always gives you the best presents, but isn’t a nice person to be around, and went on to describe it as a love-hate relationship. A moment of reverence came when someone asked the band about their first show in Boston, which was right after our city had been ordered to shelter in place because one of the suspects was still on the loose. That show was also our first time to see TLB live. It was such a cathartic and meaningful experience for us and it felt good to be able to personally thank the band for their performance that night. (We’ve written about that show here.)
As for the actual shows, there just are no words. We can say with certainty that both Burlington and Boston love TLB. While this was only our second time seeing the band in Vermont, the crowd was just as enthusiastic and energetic as the first time, and Boston crowds never disappoint. We love how much the audience seems to fuel the band’s performance.
As for the highlights: We are loving "Lovely in Blue," and hope to hear it on a future album. In Burlington, we were treated to a cover of CCR's "Long As I Can See The Light" (so much fun!), where the band was accompanied by Hugh Masterson and the members of Anderson East. Our favorite moment at the Boston show, although it's hard to pick just one, was when they performed "Looking For You," a song we love, but rarely hear performed live. It was breathtaking.
On a personal note, last night's show was my (Abra) 20th. I was so happy to have that happen in my hometown, and I can't wait for the next 20.