A PERFECT CIRCLE: THIRTEENTH STEP 2003-2004
ST. PAUL, MN [XCEL CENTER]
12.5.03
By Ash Blue
In a word-- wow...
Musically speaking, probably the best show I've ever seen. The sound was incredible, these guys are all such talented musicians-- it was wonderful to be able to hear them like this. Maynard is an unbelievably gifted singer. I knew the guy could sing but to hear him live was such proof of this opinion-- it's not every singer who can impress live as much as on a recording. Billy Howerdel had one of the best guitar sounds I've ever heard live. His solos have as much emotion live as they do on the cd's. James Iha was no less impressive. Josh Freese is an ASTONISHING drummer, it is quite an experiece to see him pounding those drums. He plays with such force that he broke several drumsticks throughout the show, he has extras close at hand.
And Jeordie, well we all know how wonderful he is, but what a great thing to be able to see this guy in person. He has such a strong and beautiful stage presence, it's easy to see why he has been successful in the music business all these years.
The set list was as far as I recall was about the same as has been reported elsewhere; we got to hear a lovely rendition of 'Fred's Got Slacks.' Maynard had Jeordie introduce the band, which he did, starting off with, 'well, I'm Jeordie.' (The crowd went nuts, of course. ) Maynard talked to the crowd quite a bit, he asked what we'd been doing since they were last in town. He advised everyone to take off their pants and get to know each other better. Later in the show, he said, 'why.. are...you...still...wearing... your pants?' He made James tell a couple of his 'jokes' which the crowd cheerfully booed. Before 'Fred' there was a brief exchange which went something like this:
Maynard: Billy Howeredel...
Billy: Yes?
Maynard: Since it's so close to Christmas, don't you think these people deserve a special Christmas treat?
Billy: yes
Maynard: What do you think, Jeordie?
Jeordie: I love Christmas treats!
Then Jeordie said something like, 'I hope it's not a prick on the finger!' which no one quite got so I wonder if it was some kind of inside joke? After that Jeordie sang 'Fred' with Maynard doing a few harmonizing vocals. (I loved Jeordie's voice!)
Jeordie and Billy's backing vocals were excellent, I was extremely impressed with them! Throughout the show they were both quite animated, though Jeordie didn't really run around too much. A couple of times, he sat down with his legs folded underneath him and played like that for a while which was rather cute. (Of course I'm biased, I think everything he does is rather cute!)
Jeordie was wearing his usual black, he had a little bit of his hair in a tufted ponytail in the back which reminded me just a bit of the old Twiggy hair. Other than that, he looked like he has in recent pictures. The man is so attractive it's difficult to believe looking at him now that he can also look so pretty and feminine in a dress, if you know what I mean.
Maynard had on pants of a dark purple/eggplant color, and a black shirt, which later came off, to the delight of the crowd. His hair was loose (I didn't realize his hair was still so long since in recent pictures it is always in those goofy braids!). He is great to watch too, I had quite a difficult time as I wanted to stare at Jeordie constantly but I do like watching Maynard as well!
They didn't stay afterwards and play around as they have done for some shows, so I was a bit disappointed by that, but otherwise it was an amazing show, and incredible experience, and I can't wait to see them again!