Old 97's Tickets

I've seen a bunch of Old 97s shows over the past 10 years or so, but this was one of the best. It rivals, if not bests, the first time or two you see them. The new format was great, with Murry leading off solo, then Rhett's solo set, then on to the 97s. Murry's set was surreal - it was a smoldering, haunting block of music that mesmerized the audience. I remember the next day, as I turned on the ringer on my phone, that that was the 1st time I had ever turned off my ringer during a "rock" concert. I was worried someone might call and ruin the mood. Rhett's set was good, as usual. He played some stuff off his new record (which I don't have) as well as music from his two other solo efforts. He did not play any of my favorites from those two, but that's my problem - he was very good. By the time the complete Old 97s walked out the place was packed and ready. They were strong from the beginning, as usual, and the sound was great - a real problem the last couple of times. They performed all the concert standards and some really good selections from the last two albums. Personally, I wanted to hear "Here's to the Halcyon," but I'll live. I also kind of wish that "Color of the Lonely Heart is Blue" was in the Murry set, just because it fit better. Overall, as I said, it was one of the best shows of theirs I've seen, which makes it one of the best shows I've seen.

The show was great- just like every other Old 97's show! The band never disappoints, and neither did Rhett or Murray in their solo sets. My only issue is that the show didn't go on for hours and hours- the band has such a great catalog of music and it's impossible to fit it all in!

Another excellent show by the Old 97's. Solo sets by Murray and Rhett to open were both really good, though strikingly different. Catch them if you get a chance.

Rather than bring the Death Ray Davies (again), Rhett and Murray played individual solo accoustic sets to get the crowd started. Their having witty conversations with the crowd, it seemed like party with friends rather than a paying concert. When the band hit the stage, it was like a wall of party sound! They were all over their huge catalogue of songs - old, new were all played and drove the crowd wild. If you have never seen them live you have denied yourself too long! The Variety Playhouse is the best venue for this band - thank God they come every couple of years.

Some bands and artists are better left in the studio. Others, like the Old 97's, are made to rock on stage. Quite simply, if you enjoy the Old 97's albums, you will LOVE their live shows!

When the show is over, and the lead singer is drenched in sweat and can't hit any more high notes, you know that the band has given their all. Simply put, this is one of the best live bands that you can see in the country right now and they are at their peak as artists and performers. Even if you don't know any of their songs, you will be greatly entertained by this band.

This was my second show and it was just as great as the first. I love the venue, but the music made it. Having Murray and Rhett open with their sets was fantastic. I loved that they played from all albums and just had a great time doing it. I hope they come back and soon.

The Old 97s delivered their classic straightforward rock and roll performance. The four talented members truly enjoy playing and let the audience into their world, of lost love, romantic love and new found love while leaving the audience to pounder; "What's So Great About the Barrier Reef"

Enjoyed the enthusiasm of the band members.The music was great! Love the lyrics.Love the music!

Seen alot of bands and alot of shows at the pageant. This one blew me away. The two accoustic sets were awesome. I alway knew i liked the Old 97's but I had no idea how they would blow me away the way they did. Keep doing what you do. You do it well. Oh yeah, but, the pageant has got to do something about those beer prices! not cool, not cool at all...

That was seriously the most fun I've ever had at a concert. So much energy.

We both loved the show last night! It was awesome. We saw them last year and I think this show was even better. The songs we very well balanced from start to finish. We enjoyed hearing some solo stuff that Rhett was trying out. He's good on his own, but beyond good with the Old 97's. I hope they continue to come back year after year or even sooner. We wil ALWAYS go to their shows!

Great show, and seeing Rhett Miller perform acoustically before the show made it that much better. Highly recommended even for people who aren't familiar with the whole catalog of Old 97's music - like me

Rhett, Murray and the boys never disappoint! Always a toe-tappin, head bobbin', dance-around great time! They play such a wide-variety of their tunes, from classics to solo efforts!! (They even played BEL AIR last night!!!!! ) We've been seeing the Old 97s since our ol' MU college days, and we'd never miss them!!! :)

Excellent show - rocked! I do not understand why they (esp Miller) is not more popular and plays larger venues.

This was my first Old 97's show and it won't be the last. I came a good 90 miles away just to see them play and the ride back was perfect to relive all the shows best moments. The band is tight, talented, charismatic, produce an over all great sound, and ...well....are simply fun. Like their lyrics, they are simple and true and everything that music should be...approachable. There's no pomp and circumstance with these guys. You don't feel you're watching a show as fan as much as cheering your buddy's on while having some drinks. My only complaint was that they couldn't play longer-

"the experiment we call An Evening with the Old97s" was really, really great. A couple of the band members played the warm-up sets and it was very funny to see the expressions of the uninitiated when the yodelling, lonesome cow poke numbers were played - they had no idea they were in for a long night of hard-charging country-fried rock n roll. Great venue, great crowd, GREAT band. Thanks fellas!!

It is regrettable that the show started so very late. My husband and I felt very angry that we spent money on a show for which we only got to see small portion, due to the lateness of the hour. The first act did not even take the stage until approximately 9:20, although the show was due to begin at 8:00!! Then, not only was there an opening act of one solo player, but another solo player followed the first. We paid money to see the OLD 97's, not two solo acts. I understand that the solo act was planned but perhaps in the future the act can begin a little closer to the official starting time, so that fans do not feel ripped off.

Great show, but I think opening with Murray Hammond was... different. He plays very slow, gospelly music -- wasn't at all what I expected. Rhett's solo set was great. Once the 97s were on stage, things really kicked up.

Nice place to watch a show very close and the old 97's rocked the house