“Ever Lonely” - A new song. Couldn’t make the words out, but that might have been the sound systems fault. Now that I know the words, the song is one of my favorites.
“More Than Everything” - Never had heard this song either. This truly is a beautiful love song. Isaac really shined as a musician and songwriter on this one. I left the concert thinking “how old was he when he wrote this?”
Covers of”Gimme Some Lovin’”, ”Good Lovin’”, ” Money” and ”Summertime Blues” were a joy for all but especially the parents and “oldies” fans. These versions rocked more than the original and it showed Hanson’s strength at creating their own arrangements for great songs!
My personal favorites “Where’s the Love”, “River” and “I Will Come To You” were there sounding better than ever.
Zac amazed me as he sang lead on “Money” sounding much like Taylor. And although my view of Zac was a little hindered by Taylor’s keyboard stand, his drum skills were right on! He didn’t even lose a beat when one of his drums broke and someone snuck out to repair it!
Taylor was his usual master at working the crowd, making sure everyone stayed on their feet. His stage presence is just amazing to watch. And he is right at home on the drums as he took over for Zac who came out front to shoot a supersoaker at the crowd.
Isaac just keeps getting better on his guitar solos. You can see it in his face as he plays. He also did a few jumps and slides. But then his sweet side surfaced as he pointed a beautiful sunset out to the crowd and then dedicated “Minute Without You” to the lawn area.
When they performed in their “living room” set, “Stories” “Soldier” and “With You In Your Dreams” just left you “Speechless”. Speaking of this song, it has more a rock feel now as well as “Sometimes” and were excellent.
Of course, what would their concert be without "MMMBop”. No matter how many versions or times I hear this song, there’s always room for 1 more.
Occasionally they came close to the front of the stage to shake hands and spray the crowd with the supersoakers. My daughter had been holding out a rose for Taylor for quite awhile during the concert. I don’t know if he saw it or not, but it seemed like he just couldn’t get close enough to our area of the stage to grab it, due to sound equipment and Mr. Security Staff. Finally, Zac, who lets nothing stop him, made his way past our area of the stage, took the rose and shook her hand.
They of course ended with “Man From Milwaukee” making the tour theme complete, followed by a verse accapella from “Weird”.
I didn’t even mind when the concert was over that I was standing in a puddle of sticky beverages that had spilt in the pavillion and drained to the front row.
Fans continued to be to be as pumped as they were before and during the show as they exited the concert. “Middle of Nowhere” could be heard playing and singing could was heard thoughout the parking lot. The concert was over, but the memories would never fade.
I truly enjoyed this concert. Never needed the ear plugs I had brought in case the screams overpowered Hanson. I sang and clapped probably the whole concert. In fact, had to keep reminding myself to listen and take this all in. I could sing along at home. But that was impossible to do, it was just too much fun! After a few days bruises appeared below my elbows from resting them on the front row barrier and clapping. I knew I would never forget this concert! Thank you Hanson for some wonderful memories of for the summer of 1998!