I enjoyed the show immensely. I didn't have trouble hearing at all. There was some sound trouble and squealing feedback acouple of times, but hey, that's the live experience.
I was granted a photo pass and here is a link to the set on Flickr of the first three songs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joebielawa/sets/72157624780618259/
I tried to get images of everyone, but since Neil & Nick were more to the front, I was able to get them the most.
I have been listening to Crowded House since 1986, but never got a chance to see them perform until 2007. They have always been on my list to photograph, so getting clearance at the Zoo was a vision 24 years in the making. Thanks guys for making it happen!!
Hi-elephant gal here:
It was an energetic, joyful set overflowing with incredible songs. What a gift to see & hear them live for the first time! And how lucky the weather they brought with them was absolutely perfect! In terms of being able to see the band we had the best seats (front row center-handicapped sect.). We loved the set & lights and the rock wall & gnarly tree added a spooky, pretty effect. I had difficulty hearing Neil sing, which was disappointing. When the band played loudest I sometimes couldn't hear him at all. We both loved when Neil sang accompanied only by himself on acoustic guitar because we could hear him so much better (perhaps a solo acoustic album/tour in future? That would be awesome.). Per comment w/photo above, the band had little or no soundcheck so no wonder there was a problem! The Zoo is a bad venue for fans with disabilities-thankfully they had golf carts to give us rides most of the way. I appreciated the gates to prevent people from standing in front of us (at the last concert I went to, many people stood in front of a guy in a wheelchair). But we were pretty scrunched in there. I worried I'd bump the guy in the wheelchair next to me when I moved. It was a long walk to the restrooms/merch. Unfortunately per pressure from promoter, Sue Maclean & Assoc., the Zoo suspends it's no smoking on zoo grounds policy for concerts, allowing smoking in the merchandise/concession/restroom areas. For people like me with asthma/allergies, that's potentially a serious problem. I'd strongly prefer an indoor venue with assigned chairs in future, such as O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul. I've only been to one other Zoo concert (1995): never went again because of the difficulty/smoking. But I just couldn't miss the Crowdies! I think they're better than ever since re-forming a few years ago. Neil Finn is now my favorite songwriter and Time on Earth is probably my favorite album of all time (beating The Beatles, Robert Plant's amazing body of work, Hiatt, Harry Nilsson, Peter Gabriel...). Four Seasons In One Day is up there with Let it Be & Imagine for favorite songs. Many thanks to everyone who played a part in creating that magical Saturday night, especially Neil, Crowded House & Sharon. Peace & love, Jeanette
Ahhhh...no sound check per disturbing the animals? That would explain why the sound wasn't good (couldn't hear Neil). We saw many elk close to the ampitheater (by the restrooms). I'm not sure how many animals remain outside in the evening. I hope they don't get agitated by music. Hearing Crowded House sure makes me happy but never having been in their skin/fur, I don't know what it sounds like to them.
Comments
Performance @ MN Zoo
So many incredible songs in one night!
do not disturb the animals/sound