Aqualung at The Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, WI 5/3/07

A week ago Aqualung came into town and preformed at The Pabst Theatre. This was their third time headlining a show at the Pabst and possibly the 9th time I’ve seen them in concert. No, I am not insane, they’re just an amazing band to see live. So on that note, here is my slightly biased review of the show.It was AMAZING! I was actually one of their merchandise girls for the show, so it was an extra fun night for me. Another girl (Liz) and I sold merch before the show and during the opening band’s performance. When Matt Hales and the rest of Aqualung came onstage we were able to watch the entire set. Two of my friends were at the show and they had saved me a seat in the second row! But after the second song Matt pointed out that there was a large open area in front of the band (where the orchestra pit usually is) and invited everyone to stand up and dance to the music. No one budged. He announced that the next song would be “Something to Believe In” (quite possibly my favorite song on the new album, Memory Man). I turned to my friends and said “Yeah…we’re going up there right now”. Soon after, a large crowd of people joined us. Front row at an Aqualung concert ain’t too bad.In past Aqualung concerts, Matt usually just sits at his piano for all of the songs. He has stood up and played guitar a few times here and there. But for their current tour, Matt has his normal grand piano and another piano which he stands and plays. I really enjoyed this set up because it adds more to the “rock” feel of the new album. Beardy Jim played the bass, Dave Price was on percussion, and Matt’s brother Ben played guitar. Matt and the band sang an impromptu song about The Pabst and the fact that there was a baked cake waiting for them when they arrived. Everyone in the venue seemed to get into the song and sang along with them. Matt also mentioned that he enjoys playing at The Pabst because it “feels like home.” At one point, someone ordered the band some drinks. So the entire band had a "drink interlude" and sat down and talked a bit amongst themselves. I don’t know what the drink was, some sort of shot. But Matt seemed to painfully take it down, while Ben took the shot and threw the glass behind him.Before the encore the Liz and I had to go back to the merch table, but I was able to watch the encore from the back of the venue. They ended with "Black Hole", which was really enjoyable and a great way to end a great set. I really like the distortion in that song and the “rock” feel to it. Matt came out to the merch table about 15 minutes later to sign things and meet fans (I don’t know of many headlining artists who do that). He was super nice and kind to everyone, as always. Note to anyone who meets an artist from a band they like: Do not mention that their music sounds like insert other band new here (for Aqualung it was “I love your music and I love Coldplay’s music”) and Do not mention that you saw their concert last year (everyone else and their mother says that). Just from standing on the other side of the table, next to Matt, I started feeling bad that he had to hear the same thing over and over again. But he was wonderful to everyone, so that’s all that matters.After everyone left we took some pictures together. Matt is incredibly funny and witty. And then we all went backstage to meet the rest of the band. I was slightly nervous to meet Ben because I’ve heard that he can be a bit standoffish. Well, right when we walked into the dressing room Ben stood up from the back and walked up to us and introduced himself. He was extremely nice (and slightly drunk) and talked to us about Milwaukee and how fabulous The Pabst Theatre is. He also offered us some berries from a Ziploc bag and offered me an entire lime. I took some berries, passed on the lime. We also took some lovely pictures together. We also met Dave, the percussionist and Adam, the sound guy. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet beardy Jim because he was taking a shower at the time. That was the only sad part of the night, I really wanted to meet him and see his hair up close.In the end, it was a fabulous night and I’m extremely happy I was able to work the merch table and be able to see the entire show and hear their new music live. So…if Aqualung ever happens to stop by your town (or a town within 100 miles from you), definitely go to the show, you’ll have a great time. Matt and meMe, Matt, and LizBen and meBen's take on the night: http://aqualung.net/tour_diary/000726.php